Yesterday we took 5 loads of laundry to the city laundromat. That was an interesting 1.5 hours. Well, it was done, and folded it etc. That was good. The part for our machine should be here by Friday I hope and pray!
Well, for a Wednesday. We are not doing too badly today. Last night, we put Caroline in her crib at about 11:00 ish, and we went to bed exhausted. Well, my little gal didn't wake us up until 4:15 am! She slept for about 5 hours. That was so weird. My first thought was...IS SHE OK?! and of course she was.
Cameron was picked up by a school friend's Mom today (weird also that her laundry machine went a few weeks ago and ruined their house too) anyways...Cameron got to school. The restoration team was here bright and early removing bags and bags of gyprock, carpeting and flooring from the front lawn. And they began chipping away at the subflooring in the laundry room and the bedroom.They chipped from 8:30 until 1:30. Two guys. They were working so hard, I felt bad for them. Then, this afternoon a guy from a flooring company came in and did an estimate for the new laundry flooring and the flooring for the bedroom. He was really quick. He kept calling me Kelly tho which I thought was funny. I even called him today and said this is Cathy...oh well.
I got the girls two and from school easily today. I had made a lunch before I went to pick them up from school. As soon as we were home, Caroline wanted to eat, so it was good I prepared ahead of time. We played, watched a show or two and I read a couple of stories to the girls.
Tonight I am looking forward to meeting some of my www.kidswap.ca friends for coffee. I think that will be a nice night if I can stay awake for that long.
I think I am adjusting to the sound of the fans, and the smell of thyme wafting through the house. Atleast it is getting the moisture out!
Cathy
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Many Shades of PINK
Caroline yesterday morning on the way to school!
Catie having fun!
Carly all ready for preschool
My Claire all ready for preschool
My Train: My 4 girls! After walking home from dropping off Cameron to school. This is "Flood Morning" yesterday.
Caroline almost 4 weeks old!
Just a couple of photos of Caroline in Daddy's Hands...both in their bright colours!scenes from a flooded crawlspace and laundry room
See the reflection on the lino...that is not a shine that is a reflection off Lake Murrayville!
Update
Well, it certainly has been a busy day in our house today. I am so glad that my MIL stayed home today to deal with all of the mess, and all of the people and stuff that happens a long with the mess. It has been non stop noise since 10 am. Pair that with the noise of our family and it is mayhem and crazy!
The Washing Machine...We had a repair man in today to see what went wrong with the washing machiong. The stop valve on the machine is gone because it wore out! Wore out. The machine is not yet 3 years old! And the best part of the story is that the replacement part has to be ordered in from Calgary. So, we will not have laundry for atleast 2 more days. That is the worst news for me. Caroline spat up in our bed this morning, and I don't have a spare set of sheets! Cliff and I will be making a trip with Caroline to the laundromat this evening. It is like back to when Cliff and I were first married. Back then we actually liked going to the mat, we would drink juice or pick up coffee's smoke our brains out on Cambie Street. This time, not so fun. Lovely. Not exactly fun this time. More so, a hassle.
The Kids...they are going stir crazy as they cannot go outside in the backyard. It is too dangerous for them. Open crawlspace, tubes through the house, and the smell of thyme...wafting through the house. Atleast it is all natural and will not harm the kids. Too bad that finally we have a nice day, and they are stuck on the deck or in the house. Not fair!!
Me...I am going crazy today. I have a rager of a headache, I am tired and I am tired of hearing from Cameron "I am bored today." for the 100th time since I picked him up from school. I don't like the smell of thyme, and I don't like the smell of 2nd hand smoke. And, I feel bad for Caroline as she is only 4 weeks old. The girls are doing OK. I just want to collapse on the couch, or in my bed...but that won't be happening til way late tonight. I feel sad because of the loss of many of my items. I am grieving those losses. Many of my books, my sketch book from school, gifts from when we got married etc. Thankfully my wedding dress and veil made it! I had those professionally packaged back after we got married. Preserved is the word. See, I am losing it. I feel out of sorts because I don't know where all of my belongings are. They packed up the good stuff that wasn't damaged and put it in the garage. I don't like the loss of control and upsets me. I cannot wait to sort through everything. Today I had to do a search on all of our damaged stuff on the net for replacement value. How do you replace sentimental value?! How do you put a price on it? Very difficult because you cannot. Only a dollar amount. That sucks.
Cliff...he missed everything from the clean up to the sorting etc...lucky him. All he did was pull out boxes from the crawlspace last night. And go to work to support us all. I wish I were him right now.
I cannot wait for all of this to be over. Stay tuned.
Cathy
The Washing Machine...We had a repair man in today to see what went wrong with the washing machiong. The stop valve on the machine is gone because it wore out! Wore out. The machine is not yet 3 years old! And the best part of the story is that the replacement part has to be ordered in from Calgary. So, we will not have laundry for atleast 2 more days. That is the worst news for me. Caroline spat up in our bed this morning, and I don't have a spare set of sheets! Cliff and I will be making a trip with Caroline to the laundromat this evening. It is like back to when Cliff and I were first married. Back then we actually liked going to the mat, we would drink juice or pick up coffee's smoke our brains out on Cambie Street. This time, not so fun. Lovely. Not exactly fun this time. More so, a hassle.
The Kids...they are going stir crazy as they cannot go outside in the backyard. It is too dangerous for them. Open crawlspace, tubes through the house, and the smell of thyme...wafting through the house. Atleast it is all natural and will not harm the kids. Too bad that finally we have a nice day, and they are stuck on the deck or in the house. Not fair!!
Me...I am going crazy today. I have a rager of a headache, I am tired and I am tired of hearing from Cameron "I am bored today." for the 100th time since I picked him up from school. I don't like the smell of thyme, and I don't like the smell of 2nd hand smoke. And, I feel bad for Caroline as she is only 4 weeks old. The girls are doing OK. I just want to collapse on the couch, or in my bed...but that won't be happening til way late tonight. I feel sad because of the loss of many of my items. I am grieving those losses. Many of my books, my sketch book from school, gifts from when we got married etc. Thankfully my wedding dress and veil made it! I had those professionally packaged back after we got married. Preserved is the word. See, I am losing it. I feel out of sorts because I don't know where all of my belongings are. They packed up the good stuff that wasn't damaged and put it in the garage. I don't like the loss of control and upsets me. I cannot wait to sort through everything. Today I had to do a search on all of our damaged stuff on the net for replacement value. How do you replace sentimental value?! How do you put a price on it? Very difficult because you cannot. Only a dollar amount. That sucks.
Cliff...he missed everything from the clean up to the sorting etc...lucky him. All he did was pull out boxes from the crawlspace last night. And go to work to support us all. I wish I were him right now.
I cannot wait for all of this to be over. Stay tuned.
Cathy
You had a bad day, a very bad day...
Yesterday, which started off as a good day, quickly turned bad. I went downstairs to start a load of laundry yesterday morning at 6:30 am. Usually a load takes under an hour to complete its cycle. So, just before 8:00 am I go back down to the laundry room to switch the clothes to the dryer, and I walk in and my feet get soaked. Yes, the washing machine went. I was standing in 2 inches atleast of water. Water was seeping into the bedroom downstairs, down into the garage, and into the closets. And started leaking into the hallways. I get towels and clean up the bedroom downstairs, and salvage my MIL's shoes. I put towels down at the entry points of the two doorways. Of course this is minutes before we leave for our school day. I couldn't get a hold of Cliff, so I called my MIL. She freaks on the other end of the phone. I tell here there are not enough towels in the house to pick up all of the water. I called my parents, and thankfully they headed over. I had to think really quickly! I shut off all of the water taps to the hotwater tank and to the washing machine. I had to get Cameron to school too. So, my Mom said to forget preschool for today, and get Cameron to school. Somehow I managed to get him there on time. I have to say I have the nicest neighbour Joan. I told her what happened, and she walked back home with us from school and brought out her shop vac to our house and sucked up the water on the main floor. Thank you Joan! Thank you Mom and Dad for all of your help! My MIL came home too, and most of clean up was done. We all had tea.
I think I managed to salvage the wood floors.
BUT...
...the crawlspace is a different story. There is so much water down there, it is like several lakes. And of course, many of our things were ruined in the process. Some of my clothing, our old sketchbooks from highschool, my high school annuals. All of my negatives were down there in the paper packages, photos, frames, wedding memorabilia. And I don't know what else just yet. I don't really want to go there. I know my wedding dress made it through. Remember how we cleaned out the garage...well thankfully we did. Now it looks just as bad as before!
Today the restoration crew comes to dry out the crawlspace, and clean it up. Thank goodness for house insurance. The house stinks right now...hopefully it will be an easy clean up.
Tonight I go to the laundry mat to do my many loads of laundry. Thankfully yesterday, my Mom took the 3 girls to her house (that was planned last week) and I was going to rest...yah right. And, my Mom did 2 loads of laundry...but with a family of 7 there is a lot of laundry.
Deep breaths...I will update when I know more. I told you I hate Mondays.
Cathy
I think I managed to salvage the wood floors.
BUT...
...the crawlspace is a different story. There is so much water down there, it is like several lakes. And of course, many of our things were ruined in the process. Some of my clothing, our old sketchbooks from highschool, my high school annuals. All of my negatives were down there in the paper packages, photos, frames, wedding memorabilia. And I don't know what else just yet. I don't really want to go there. I know my wedding dress made it through. Remember how we cleaned out the garage...well thankfully we did. Now it looks just as bad as before!
Today the restoration crew comes to dry out the crawlspace, and clean it up. Thank goodness for house insurance. The house stinks right now...hopefully it will be an easy clean up.
Tonight I go to the laundry mat to do my many loads of laundry. Thankfully yesterday, my Mom took the 3 girls to her house (that was planned last week) and I was going to rest...yah right. And, my Mom did 2 loads of laundry...but with a family of 7 there is a lot of laundry.
Deep breaths...I will update when I know more. I told you I hate Mondays.
Cathy
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Cheaper by the Dozen 2
Last night Cliff and I made nachos and watched the sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen. It was a very fun movie watching a film about a family of 14 (12 kids.)
There was one particular scene that really got to me, and made me feel all teary eyed. It was a scene where their 13 year old daughter Sarah was asked out on a date. She was a real tomboy. So she asks her big sister to do her make up and help her get ready. The big sister comes downstairs and says Sarah looks a bit different than usual, just go on like nothing has changed when you see her. Well, Sarah comes out of the front door at the cabin. She looks beautiful, her hair all curled, pretty clothing, long legs. All grown up.
I saw this girl Sarah, and I said to Cliff, that is how I think Claire will look when she is all grown up and it made me feel so sad. Tears welled up when I thought about that. Cliff and I too, are moving towards that path, as our family is now complete, and we will not be having any more kids. We are all growing up together now.
Especially watching the parents look at her, their "baby" being picked up for her first date. It was a very touching scene for me. These parents were trying to recreate a bit of their childhood at the cabin for all of the kids, but it didn't work out for the parents as they had expected their trip would go. Their oldest child was expecting a baby of her own, and the other kids were more interested in the other family's kids etc. But, it worked out in the end for everybody. It was very cute, and touching and funny. There were some good positive messages about parenting in there too!
It made me think about how my parents might have felt when we would go on vacations and we would be more interested in the boys. I think that is when my parents stopped taking us on family holidays!
Here is a link to the movie:
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051220/REVIEWS/51214002/1023
Cliff and I laughed a lot, and I managed to stay awake for the whole movie! That to me is thumbs up. I would recommend this movie. But, maybe we are biased because we have a larger family. Makes me see that we are doing a good job with our family. Having the big and beautiful house, the best stuff doesn't always mean that lifestyle is really better. But, that is just my opinion.
Cathy
There was one particular scene that really got to me, and made me feel all teary eyed. It was a scene where their 13 year old daughter Sarah was asked out on a date. She was a real tomboy. So she asks her big sister to do her make up and help her get ready. The big sister comes downstairs and says Sarah looks a bit different than usual, just go on like nothing has changed when you see her. Well, Sarah comes out of the front door at the cabin. She looks beautiful, her hair all curled, pretty clothing, long legs. All grown up.
I saw this girl Sarah, and I said to Cliff, that is how I think Claire will look when she is all grown up and it made me feel so sad. Tears welled up when I thought about that. Cliff and I too, are moving towards that path, as our family is now complete, and we will not be having any more kids. We are all growing up together now.
Especially watching the parents look at her, their "baby" being picked up for her first date. It was a very touching scene for me. These parents were trying to recreate a bit of their childhood at the cabin for all of the kids, but it didn't work out for the parents as they had expected their trip would go. Their oldest child was expecting a baby of her own, and the other kids were more interested in the other family's kids etc. But, it worked out in the end for everybody. It was very cute, and touching and funny. There were some good positive messages about parenting in there too!
It made me think about how my parents might have felt when we would go on vacations and we would be more interested in the boys. I think that is when my parents stopped taking us on family holidays!
Here is a link to the movie:
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051220/REVIEWS/51214002/1023
Cliff and I laughed a lot, and I managed to stay awake for the whole movie! That to me is thumbs up. I would recommend this movie. But, maybe we are biased because we have a larger family. Makes me see that we are doing a good job with our family. Having the big and beautiful house, the best stuff doesn't always mean that lifestyle is really better. But, that is just my opinion.
Cathy
Dental Appointments Yesterday
We made our dental appointment yesterday. Cliff, Cameron, Claire and Carly and I had our regular 6 month cleaning appointment. We took Caroline too, but she just slept in the carseat. (Thank goodness.)
They schedule us for a two hour block from 3-5 pm. Cameron went first, I went second. After them was Carly and Claire. After all of us were done, Cliff went in. The kids love going to the dentist, and thankfully the office loves it when all of us come in! Everybody's teeth look good. Except, Cliff has a filing that has to be redone next weekend. And, Cameron has been referred to an orthodontist for his bite to bite. So, thankfully we have a bit of ortho coverage! I will have to look at the benefits plan to see just how much.
All of us got new toothbrushes, Carly chose an amber coloured ring, Cameron and Claire got these brightly coloured plastic sticky feet that you can swing around and they stick to everything. Cameron threw his and it stuck perfectly to the ceiling at the dental office waiting room. Cliff had to jump up and get it down. I brought felts and paper for the kids to keep them busy, and the office had paper and crayons. It worked for awhile, but then they got rowdy! Carly and Claire were going behind the desk and bugging the receptionist! Thankfully she was patient with them all. They always tell us that our kids are awesome, and they love it when we are here for our visits. (I think they lie LOL-they just will get a lot of visit from our 7 members of our family!!! Cha Ching!!)
I am glad that dental appointments are only every six months. That gives us until November to prepare for our next visit!
I asked about ZOOM whitening for myself. It will cost $299.00 cdn. I am going to save up for this so after I am done with breastfeeding etc. I can brighten my smile! Whoo hoo!!
Cathy
They schedule us for a two hour block from 3-5 pm. Cameron went first, I went second. After them was Carly and Claire. After all of us were done, Cliff went in. The kids love going to the dentist, and thankfully the office loves it when all of us come in! Everybody's teeth look good. Except, Cliff has a filing that has to be redone next weekend. And, Cameron has been referred to an orthodontist for his bite to bite. So, thankfully we have a bit of ortho coverage! I will have to look at the benefits plan to see just how much.
All of us got new toothbrushes, Carly chose an amber coloured ring, Cameron and Claire got these brightly coloured plastic sticky feet that you can swing around and they stick to everything. Cameron threw his and it stuck perfectly to the ceiling at the dental office waiting room. Cliff had to jump up and get it down. I brought felts and paper for the kids to keep them busy, and the office had paper and crayons. It worked for awhile, but then they got rowdy! Carly and Claire were going behind the desk and bugging the receptionist! Thankfully she was patient with them all. They always tell us that our kids are awesome, and they love it when we are here for our visits. (I think they lie LOL-they just will get a lot of visit from our 7 members of our family!!! Cha Ching!!)
I am glad that dental appointments are only every six months. That gives us until November to prepare for our next visit!
I asked about ZOOM whitening for myself. It will cost $299.00 cdn. I am going to save up for this so after I am done with breastfeeding etc. I can brighten my smile! Whoo hoo!!
Cathy
Friday, May 26, 2006
Finally Friday!
This morning started off early, around 5:30 with Catie calling out for me from the crib. I went to her and covered her back up, and told her it was still bedtime. I crawled back into bed. Silence. About 15 minutes later I hear a lot of commotion and voices. All of the girls are up. They get Catie out of the crib, and I asked Claire and Carly to get ready for school. So, they got dressed. I heard Cameron get up, and I asked him to get ready. He did. I was stuck in bed feeding Caroline who also was awake now. (Thankfully she only needs one feed during the night so far, and last night it was at 2 am or so.) So, Carly comes to my bedside, and needed help with her shirt, so I partially roll over - remember Caroline is still feeding, and with my free arm I manage to get her shirt on the right way. Go Mom Go. LOL. Anyways. Caroline finished her feed. I got myself showered and ready in less than 10 mins.
I come out of our room, to the kitchen to see all 3 girls covered in blue and green pastels.
NOTE TO SELF: No more pastels for playdates!!!
Wow. all of that from 4 - 8 1/2 x 11 pages coloured with pastels. All over Claire and Carly's clean clothes and on their face--like make up. Awesome eh. NOT!
So, after a few freak outs from me, the kids cleaned themselves up. I finished feeding Caroline, and put her in her seat. I get the breakfast out, and whamo. She projectile vomits. I got her cleaned up, and I got everthing together. And on time. And with smiles too! We turned around the day with a positive note! Let us all have a good day! Let us enjoy today!!
This is the nice/best part of my day:
I have all of these awesome Mom friends from school. (All Mom's of Cameron's classmates - the same ones at the casserole shower my friend Lisa threw for me) Well. They have been so generous with their offers to pick up Cameron and drop Cameron off at school for me, so that I can get the girls (all 4) into the van and get them to preschool on time. What a HUGE BLESSING they have been in my life. Wow. Anyways, so today Melanie took Cameron to school. Yesterday she did too, and the day before that Lisa (Tijs' Mom.)
I have been getting help from Mom's from the preschool as well. So, when I pull up to the school. They take Claire and Carly upstairs for me, saving me the trouble of lugging both Catie and Caroline up there. And, they are helping me on the way home too. Thank you to my friends Tammy and Tammy! Such HELP!!! Especially when I feel so burnt out and tired!
Back to today: So, one of my other Mom friends Lisa (another Lisa--Joel's Mom) asked if I needed any clothing for Caroline a couple of days ago. And I said sure. So, today she had me over to her home. She and her little daughter Laura played with Catie whilst I fed Caroline. And after I fed her, I went through 2 bins of AWESOME girls things. She said take what you want. The rest is going to the hospital thrift store. So, I took home two white garbage bags home. And, she is going to pick Cameron up from school and drop him home to me. She has offered this help to me on Wed, Thurs and Friday mornings and afternoons. We had a nice visit together, and so did our kids!
So, as you could imagine being in my shoes with the kids, what a beautiful thing this is for me! I feel weird accepting help most of the times, but I thought, why not. They would not offer if they didn't really want to help. So, I have decided to just go with it. Sometimes you cannot make it on your own. And, thankfully there are some REALLY GENEROUS people left in the world. I am greatful for all of the help during this end of the school year. It is SOOOOOOOO appreciated.
Especially when I feel dog tired! And really, not even 4 weeks postpartum!
Cathy
I come out of our room, to the kitchen to see all 3 girls covered in blue and green pastels.
NOTE TO SELF: No more pastels for playdates!!!
Wow. all of that from 4 - 8 1/2 x 11 pages coloured with pastels. All over Claire and Carly's clean clothes and on their face--like make up. Awesome eh. NOT!
So, after a few freak outs from me, the kids cleaned themselves up. I finished feeding Caroline, and put her in her seat. I get the breakfast out, and whamo. She projectile vomits. I got her cleaned up, and I got everthing together. And on time. And with smiles too! We turned around the day with a positive note! Let us all have a good day! Let us enjoy today!!
This is the nice/best part of my day:
I have all of these awesome Mom friends from school. (All Mom's of Cameron's classmates - the same ones at the casserole shower my friend Lisa threw for me) Well. They have been so generous with their offers to pick up Cameron and drop Cameron off at school for me, so that I can get the girls (all 4) into the van and get them to preschool on time. What a HUGE BLESSING they have been in my life. Wow. Anyways, so today Melanie took Cameron to school. Yesterday she did too, and the day before that Lisa (Tijs' Mom.)
I have been getting help from Mom's from the preschool as well. So, when I pull up to the school. They take Claire and Carly upstairs for me, saving me the trouble of lugging both Catie and Caroline up there. And, they are helping me on the way home too. Thank you to my friends Tammy and Tammy! Such HELP!!! Especially when I feel so burnt out and tired!
Back to today: So, one of my other Mom friends Lisa (another Lisa--Joel's Mom) asked if I needed any clothing for Caroline a couple of days ago. And I said sure. So, today she had me over to her home. She and her little daughter Laura played with Catie whilst I fed Caroline. And after I fed her, I went through 2 bins of AWESOME girls things. She said take what you want. The rest is going to the hospital thrift store. So, I took home two white garbage bags home. And, she is going to pick Cameron up from school and drop him home to me. She has offered this help to me on Wed, Thurs and Friday mornings and afternoons. We had a nice visit together, and so did our kids!
So, as you could imagine being in my shoes with the kids, what a beautiful thing this is for me! I feel weird accepting help most of the times, but I thought, why not. They would not offer if they didn't really want to help. So, I have decided to just go with it. Sometimes you cannot make it on your own. And, thankfully there are some REALLY GENEROUS people left in the world. I am greatful for all of the help during this end of the school year. It is SOOOOOOOO appreciated.
Especially when I feel dog tired! And really, not even 4 weeks postpartum!
Cathy
Duck and Cover!
Oh my goodness, I have had the worst time Caroline and her projectile vomit. I have never seen any child throw up as my dear Caroline does. I swear she likes to have a bath, because she has had 3 baths in 2 days. Yesterday one before school at 8 in the morning, and then again at bedtime last night. And the day before that.
Last night she got me good. From my shirt, to my bra, to my pants, all over my arms and in between my toes. Yuck. I don't like that smell on me... sour milk. On went the track pants and t-shirt as everything else was in the wash!
And now, again this morning. Wow. The trouble with this is that I have to re-feed and that takes up quite a bit of time. I managed to just wipe her down before leaving for school with the kids. I have breakfast really late these days. My bagel is waiting for me in the toaster oven, but I will warm it up again. Thankfully everybody else is taken care of!
Last night she got me good. From my shirt, to my bra, to my pants, all over my arms and in between my toes. Yuck. I don't like that smell on me... sour milk. On went the track pants and t-shirt as everything else was in the wash!
And now, again this morning. Wow. The trouble with this is that I have to re-feed and that takes up quite a bit of time. I managed to just wipe her down before leaving for school with the kids. I have breakfast really late these days. My bagel is waiting for me in the toaster oven, but I will warm it up again. Thankfully everybody else is taken care of!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
My Busy Day
Today was a good day. I missed Cliff a whole lot today. He went back to work after about 4 lovely weeks off. We all missed him today. Caroline fed once during the night last night. Around 3 am. Cliff's alarm went off early at 4:50 am. I made sure he got up, as he didn't hear the alarm. He got out of bed at 5:12, and he was out of the house at 5:30. So, I snuggled up to my Caroline, and then I got up at 6:15. (We all went to bed early last night at 10:30 pm)
I showered, and got myself ready for the day. I knew it would be challenging today. So, after I got ready the kids got up, they got dressed while I got the breakfast out and ready for the 4 kids. Cameron helped to pour the milk for everybody. That was nice. I unloaded the dishwasher, I fed Caroline about 3 times, and changed her 3 times. She had some big old reflux going on...so I had to re-feed. So, after that was done, I got Catie dressed. All of the beds made. I ate some breakfast, and then got the kids ready to go out the door to school. Thankfully my friend Lisa picked up Cameron for me, and took him to school, and then I got the 4 girls into the van and off to preschool we went. Of course the train comes, and we had to wait for a few extra minutes. We got to school, and I got Claire and Carly out first, and then Caroline in her seat, and then I grabbed Catie out of her seat. So, Carly and Claire walked up the stairs to the preschool, and I carried both of my little gals up the stairs and into the classroom. Signed them in, and collected Catie in my arms, picked up the infant seat and down the stairs and loaded up the girls. Caroline started to cry a bit at school, so when we got home, I did the same thing, and carried both girls back into the house. Changed Caroline's diaper, and then fed her, and fed her. And then, got a snack for Catie and me...bananas and raisins. Then, time to head back and get Claire and Carly from school. The time was 10:50. Pick up at 11:15. Got to school, and now Catie was sleeping in her seat, and Caroline was sleeping in her seat. I hoisted Catie out of her seat, and onto my right arm, and hoisted up Caroline. Walked up the stairs, and collected my girls. And then, straight back to the van, and loaded the 4 girls in! Thankfully Claire and Carly listened really well, and we got in and home pretty quick. We got home about 11:30, and thankfully I prepared a quick lunch before we left to get them. So, I carried in the two youngest girls, Catie was still sleeping, but as soon as I got her into her crib, she woke up. OK, get her out and get the girls to wash up and serve the lunch. They finished lunch, I made myself a Lean Cuisine, and had a yummy fruit salad with fresh mango and pineapple. I cleaned up the lunch mess, and then fed Caroline. I put Catie down for a nap, and the two older girls played for awhile, and then we watched a kids show or two as I tried to rest. Caroline slept.
Then, it is time to prepare to get Cameron from school. We get the shoes on, I get Caroline and Catie into the double stroller in the garage. I have Claire and Carly help me with the doors. We get out on time. We pick up Cameron. Things went well. We walk home, we pick up a paper. Carly wipes out, and scrapes her knees. I pick her up, and she is crying and causing a big scene. (Really fun LOL) I lift up her pant legs and wipe off her knees and kiss them. She is fine. We get back home. Backpack away, shoes and jackets away. Unload the two youngest girls. Upstairs, wash hands and have snack time. Clean up the snack time, send the 4 kids into the backyard to play. I feed Caroline, and then I start to get dinner ready. Carly came up and helped me make dessert which was butterscotch pudding. I do a load of laundry. I made a nice dinner, and Cliff wasn't expecting a hot dinner on the table when he got home. But there was. I made a yummy sweet and sour chicken (from my casserole shower) and rice and brocolli. The dinner was a hit with everybody! Yes!!!! At this point after dinner, Caroline is crying. I change her diaper, and then I had to have Cliff clean up the dinner because I had to feed Caroline. I cleaned as I cooked, so basically it was put the dishes into the dishwasher and wipe down Catie. The other kids could do their own clean up. Back to the backyard the kids went for a bit. Cliff went and showered up. Catie went into the bath (Cliff did the bath) I made Cameron's lunch for tomorrow. Then the others went into their bath. Cameron did his school reading for 15 mins. The kids brushed their teeth. We watched a few minutes of the Big Comfy Couch. Then to bed at 7 pm. For the past 3 nights Claire, Carly and Catied have all gone to bed at the same time!! This is progress! Usually Cate goes down last, but it is working! I am so pleased. We did all of our goodnight kisses and hugs.
And a few moments of peace for Cliff and I (and Caroline) She was on a feeding frenzy this evening. And now she sleeps! We watched American Idol! Yay Taylor Hicks! Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol! I am soooo happy he won. And, during the time that I typed up this post, Carly fell out of bed, and I put her back in, then she got up and went to the bathroom, and I tucked her back in. During AI Catie was crying so I went to her, and fixed her blankets and tucked her back in.
So, there is a sort of day in the life of a Mom of 5. It was very hectic, but I did it! And, there were many moments of happiness today too! Watching the kids fool around on the trampoline, watching them eat dinner! All eating their steamed brocolli!! All 4 of them! Yes! Hearing about their good days today! We go around the table every dinner and ask about the best part of their day, and their worst part of their day! Usually there is no bad part of their day! They even try to ask Caroline what the best part of her day was. I make something up for her like...being hugged and kissed by her brother and sisters. Having her milk etc.
I wonder what tonight will bring? How will tomorrow be?! Stay tuned!
Cathy
I showered, and got myself ready for the day. I knew it would be challenging today. So, after I got ready the kids got up, they got dressed while I got the breakfast out and ready for the 4 kids. Cameron helped to pour the milk for everybody. That was nice. I unloaded the dishwasher, I fed Caroline about 3 times, and changed her 3 times. She had some big old reflux going on...so I had to re-feed. So, after that was done, I got Catie dressed. All of the beds made. I ate some breakfast, and then got the kids ready to go out the door to school. Thankfully my friend Lisa picked up Cameron for me, and took him to school, and then I got the 4 girls into the van and off to preschool we went. Of course the train comes, and we had to wait for a few extra minutes. We got to school, and I got Claire and Carly out first, and then Caroline in her seat, and then I grabbed Catie out of her seat. So, Carly and Claire walked up the stairs to the preschool, and I carried both of my little gals up the stairs and into the classroom. Signed them in, and collected Catie in my arms, picked up the infant seat and down the stairs and loaded up the girls. Caroline started to cry a bit at school, so when we got home, I did the same thing, and carried both girls back into the house. Changed Caroline's diaper, and then fed her, and fed her. And then, got a snack for Catie and me...bananas and raisins. Then, time to head back and get Claire and Carly from school. The time was 10:50. Pick up at 11:15. Got to school, and now Catie was sleeping in her seat, and Caroline was sleeping in her seat. I hoisted Catie out of her seat, and onto my right arm, and hoisted up Caroline. Walked up the stairs, and collected my girls. And then, straight back to the van, and loaded the 4 girls in! Thankfully Claire and Carly listened really well, and we got in and home pretty quick. We got home about 11:30, and thankfully I prepared a quick lunch before we left to get them. So, I carried in the two youngest girls, Catie was still sleeping, but as soon as I got her into her crib, she woke up. OK, get her out and get the girls to wash up and serve the lunch. They finished lunch, I made myself a Lean Cuisine, and had a yummy fruit salad with fresh mango and pineapple. I cleaned up the lunch mess, and then fed Caroline. I put Catie down for a nap, and the two older girls played for awhile, and then we watched a kids show or two as I tried to rest. Caroline slept.
Then, it is time to prepare to get Cameron from school. We get the shoes on, I get Caroline and Catie into the double stroller in the garage. I have Claire and Carly help me with the doors. We get out on time. We pick up Cameron. Things went well. We walk home, we pick up a paper. Carly wipes out, and scrapes her knees. I pick her up, and she is crying and causing a big scene. (Really fun LOL) I lift up her pant legs and wipe off her knees and kiss them. She is fine. We get back home. Backpack away, shoes and jackets away. Unload the two youngest girls. Upstairs, wash hands and have snack time. Clean up the snack time, send the 4 kids into the backyard to play. I feed Caroline, and then I start to get dinner ready. Carly came up and helped me make dessert which was butterscotch pudding. I do a load of laundry. I made a nice dinner, and Cliff wasn't expecting a hot dinner on the table when he got home. But there was. I made a yummy sweet and sour chicken (from my casserole shower) and rice and brocolli. The dinner was a hit with everybody! Yes!!!! At this point after dinner, Caroline is crying. I change her diaper, and then I had to have Cliff clean up the dinner because I had to feed Caroline. I cleaned as I cooked, so basically it was put the dishes into the dishwasher and wipe down Catie. The other kids could do their own clean up. Back to the backyard the kids went for a bit. Cliff went and showered up. Catie went into the bath (Cliff did the bath) I made Cameron's lunch for tomorrow. Then the others went into their bath. Cameron did his school reading for 15 mins. The kids brushed their teeth. We watched a few minutes of the Big Comfy Couch. Then to bed at 7 pm. For the past 3 nights Claire, Carly and Catied have all gone to bed at the same time!! This is progress! Usually Cate goes down last, but it is working! I am so pleased. We did all of our goodnight kisses and hugs.
And a few moments of peace for Cliff and I (and Caroline) She was on a feeding frenzy this evening. And now she sleeps! We watched American Idol! Yay Taylor Hicks! Soul Patrol! Soul Patrol! I am soooo happy he won. And, during the time that I typed up this post, Carly fell out of bed, and I put her back in, then she got up and went to the bathroom, and I tucked her back in. During AI Catie was crying so I went to her, and fixed her blankets and tucked her back in.
So, there is a sort of day in the life of a Mom of 5. It was very hectic, but I did it! And, there were many moments of happiness today too! Watching the kids fool around on the trampoline, watching them eat dinner! All eating their steamed brocolli!! All 4 of them! Yes! Hearing about their good days today! We go around the table every dinner and ask about the best part of their day, and their worst part of their day! Usually there is no bad part of their day! They even try to ask Caroline what the best part of her day was. I make something up for her like...being hugged and kissed by her brother and sisters. Having her milk etc.
I wonder what tonight will bring? How will tomorrow be?! Stay tuned!
Cathy
Update on Caroline's Ultrasound
Yay Caroline!
My Doctor just called me with really great news. Really great news from our specialist after reviewing her films/and ultrasound report from the latest ultrasound appointment at the local hospital.
So, far everything is looking so good with her kidney/s that the specialist doesn't even need to see her until the end of August. The specialist even put a hand written note on her file to say that he is really not worried about her at all. I couldn't feel any better at this moment! I am so happy for Caroline! She is doing awesome.
I need to go to my Doctor's and pick up the info for the end of August appointment/s. I know she will need one more ultrasound at Children's same day, and then those results will go to the specialist on the same day. So, it will be a busy appointment~and perhaps long too. I guess he wants to see if anything has changed/changing in her kidney function. Thankfully nothing invasive!
So, the update we were waiting for. Good News for a GREAT BABY girl.
My Doctor just called me with really great news. Really great news from our specialist after reviewing her films/and ultrasound report from the latest ultrasound appointment at the local hospital.
So, far everything is looking so good with her kidney/s that the specialist doesn't even need to see her until the end of August. The specialist even put a hand written note on her file to say that he is really not worried about her at all. I couldn't feel any better at this moment! I am so happy for Caroline! She is doing awesome.
I need to go to my Doctor's and pick up the info for the end of August appointment/s. I know she will need one more ultrasound at Children's same day, and then those results will go to the specialist on the same day. So, it will be a busy appointment~and perhaps long too. I guess he wants to see if anything has changed/changing in her kidney function. Thankfully nothing invasive!
So, the update we were waiting for. Good News for a GREAT BABY girl.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Caroline is 3 Weeks Old Today
So, where does the time go? Already my baby girl Caroline is 3 weeks old. Officially she is 3 weeks old and almost 2 hours.
Today, I left Caroline with Daddy and her sisters while I took my oldest daughter Claire to her first Kindergarten intro session for 1 hour today. (I really wanted to be the one to take Claire for all her firsts at Kindergarten!) It is amazing to watch my big girl stand up with the teacher and become the "teachers helper" acting as Mrs. Wishywashy for an action story. She looked so big! And, at home my little baby girl...so new, with so much to learn, and so much life ahead of her. And just 5 years ago Claire was in the same position.
Amazing to think how fast the time is flying already.
Today, I got thrown up on by Caroline! SOOOO much came out and all over me, her, the chair, my skirt, my tank top! Gotta love the smell of pukies all over. I washed her all up, and we are OK! I still smell like pukies. Yuck. Caroline smells pretty and that is all that matters.
Caroline, 3 weeks already. Wow. I am MADLY in love with you. I love you. I love watching you try to focus on me, and in the process become cross eyed. I love your actions with your arms, like you are wiping at something. I look forward to your first smiles! Really everything that is your first will be amazing. You are also developing a dimple on your right cheek. (just like Daddy)
Cathy
Today, I left Caroline with Daddy and her sisters while I took my oldest daughter Claire to her first Kindergarten intro session for 1 hour today. (I really wanted to be the one to take Claire for all her firsts at Kindergarten!) It is amazing to watch my big girl stand up with the teacher and become the "teachers helper" acting as Mrs. Wishywashy for an action story. She looked so big! And, at home my little baby girl...so new, with so much to learn, and so much life ahead of her. And just 5 years ago Claire was in the same position.
Amazing to think how fast the time is flying already.
Today, I got thrown up on by Caroline! SOOOO much came out and all over me, her, the chair, my skirt, my tank top! Gotta love the smell of pukies all over. I washed her all up, and we are OK! I still smell like pukies. Yuck. Caroline smells pretty and that is all that matters.
Caroline, 3 weeks already. Wow. I am MADLY in love with you. I love you. I love watching you try to focus on me, and in the process become cross eyed. I love your actions with your arms, like you are wiping at something. I look forward to your first smiles! Really everything that is your first will be amazing. You are also developing a dimple on your right cheek. (just like Daddy)
Cathy
Monday, May 22, 2006
Newborns
Caroline Mae - Age 2 weeks and 5 days old
Although I have done this 4 times before, the miracle of a newborn is always brand new to me. Each and everytime! And the time from Newborn to Baby goes way too fast. Way too fast.
It is hard to remember that each of our other kids were once this small. Imagine being so tiny that you could fit like this on a chair. When I put my hand along your back, my hand covers your whole back to your cute little bottom. These are the things to remember, because one day she will be sitting on the chair and reading a book with her Daddy.
Caroline, you are losing your "newborn" appearance already. You are filling out your skin, and your once peeling skin on your feet, hands and ankles is pretty much gone. Your face is pink and round, and you are getting second chin already! I keep whispering to you to stay little, but I know you need to grow. You will always be my "forever" baby.
You have THE MOST smooth, soft pink skin. You feel like a fine velvet! You are opening up your dark blue eyes and looking around, and reacting to the many sounds around you. Tomorrow you are already 3 weeks old. It is hard to imagine that 3 weeks ago tonight, was my last night of ever being pregnant. Feeling you move, and roll within my belly. Those 9 months went by too fast too.
I am going to document as much as I can, as I don't want to forget these beautiful times with you and your big brother and 3 other sisters! I know these are wonderful days!
Happy Victoria Day aka Long Weekend
Well, it sure is miserable out there, and you know what that means? That means that because it is so wet and rainy out there, the kids go a bit stir crazy. It has been a crazy day so far. It certainly doesn't feel very nice today.
Things that have happened today:
Huge baskets of laundry to wash, dry and fold. I would estimate 5 large loads today! That reminds me that I have to buy some more soap!!!
Caroline had a bath last night, and today after I fed her she spat up everything. She was in Ben's chair, and the milk was flying. So, into the bath Caroline went (AGAIN) I think she just likes being in the water! More laundry to do!
We took out the felt markers and the construction paper to keep the kids "occupied" and EVERY time we do this and one or all of the kids decide to colour all over themselves. Each and every time we state the rules: Felts go on the paper only! Right?! And they all agree. So, today we had 2/3 kids colouring on themselves. Carly first, and then Claire coloured black felt all over her legs, white shirt and arms, bottoms of her feet and her toenails! I think she will be the one to tattoo most of her body when she is a teen! (Not if I can help it!) Into the tub she went. I am wondering what the K teacher will say tomorrow when we go for her intro to K class?!
Cameron, well he isn't the most clean of our kids anymore. His room is so messy these days. I am ALWAYS after him to clean up. It takes him FOREVER!!! And, my dear son is a packrat! He sure does like his collections of things! Stuff in bags, stuff in boxes. Shredded paper, lids and other items. And he has a "garbage" drawer in his desk! Too funny.
Hmmm. Anything else today? Well, Carly after opening and eating 3/4's of her yogurt decided she didn't want anymore, I asked her to put her spoon and container into the sink...well she did, and in the process wanted to "wash" the other dishes in the sink! Yup. She listens well LOL. She loves the water!
We have had several time outs today too...we have our kids kicking, slapping and hitting each other. (aren't they loving!) So, into the time out corner they go. We tell them when the time out is over, they must go to the person that requires the apology and apologize.
Just a lot of activities today...skipping ropes down the hallway, and Cameron decided to attach a skipping rope to Catie's crib, and in the process ended up taking a wheel off of the crib! How does that happen?! It happens here folks.
And, today our floors look like we live in a barn...wow. Soooooo messy! I did a lot of sweeping today. Next they need washing. And after that is done, one 1/2 hour later they will look dirty again!
And my darling little Catie?! She was rather quiet today, she likes to hit now, and today at snack time she threw her apples (with peanut butter) across the table, and some ended up on the floor! And she runs through the house with such energy! Now, she is into yelling! And crying to get her way! We try to ignore it for the most part.
So, we decided to got get water for our cooler, so we headed with the kids to the water store, filled up our bottles, and drove through the Timmy's drive thru and picked up a double double for Cliff, I had a yummy french vanilla ice capp and the kids each had hot chocolates. Cameron spilled on his shorts, and Carly had the cutest chocolate mustache (Well mustache and beard LOL) but they enjoyed their holiday treats! LOL. Funny to be drinking hot treats at the end of May! But hey, this is the west coast!
So today, although a holiday, is much like any other day in the life of the C's! CRAZY LOL.
And right now, it is not even 2:30 pm. And now the kids are going outside in the rain!! I am sure there will be some mud to clean up! I am sure there will be some more fun today!!
Cathy
Things that have happened today:
Huge baskets of laundry to wash, dry and fold. I would estimate 5 large loads today! That reminds me that I have to buy some more soap!!!
Caroline had a bath last night, and today after I fed her she spat up everything. She was in Ben's chair, and the milk was flying. So, into the bath Caroline went (AGAIN) I think she just likes being in the water! More laundry to do!
We took out the felt markers and the construction paper to keep the kids "occupied" and EVERY time we do this and one or all of the kids decide to colour all over themselves. Each and every time we state the rules: Felts go on the paper only! Right?! And they all agree. So, today we had 2/3 kids colouring on themselves. Carly first, and then Claire coloured black felt all over her legs, white shirt and arms, bottoms of her feet and her toenails! I think she will be the one to tattoo most of her body when she is a teen! (Not if I can help it!) Into the tub she went. I am wondering what the K teacher will say tomorrow when we go for her intro to K class?!
Cameron, well he isn't the most clean of our kids anymore. His room is so messy these days. I am ALWAYS after him to clean up. It takes him FOREVER!!! And, my dear son is a packrat! He sure does like his collections of things! Stuff in bags, stuff in boxes. Shredded paper, lids and other items. And he has a "garbage" drawer in his desk! Too funny.
Hmmm. Anything else today? Well, Carly after opening and eating 3/4's of her yogurt decided she didn't want anymore, I asked her to put her spoon and container into the sink...well she did, and in the process wanted to "wash" the other dishes in the sink! Yup. She listens well LOL. She loves the water!
We have had several time outs today too...we have our kids kicking, slapping and hitting each other. (aren't they loving!) So, into the time out corner they go. We tell them when the time out is over, they must go to the person that requires the apology and apologize.
Just a lot of activities today...skipping ropes down the hallway, and Cameron decided to attach a skipping rope to Catie's crib, and in the process ended up taking a wheel off of the crib! How does that happen?! It happens here folks.
And, today our floors look like we live in a barn...wow. Soooooo messy! I did a lot of sweeping today. Next they need washing. And after that is done, one 1/2 hour later they will look dirty again!
And my darling little Catie?! She was rather quiet today, she likes to hit now, and today at snack time she threw her apples (with peanut butter) across the table, and some ended up on the floor! And she runs through the house with such energy! Now, she is into yelling! And crying to get her way! We try to ignore it for the most part.
So, we decided to got get water for our cooler, so we headed with the kids to the water store, filled up our bottles, and drove through the Timmy's drive thru and picked up a double double for Cliff, I had a yummy french vanilla ice capp and the kids each had hot chocolates. Cameron spilled on his shorts, and Carly had the cutest chocolate mustache (Well mustache and beard LOL) but they enjoyed their holiday treats! LOL. Funny to be drinking hot treats at the end of May! But hey, this is the west coast!
So today, although a holiday, is much like any other day in the life of the C's! CRAZY LOL.
And right now, it is not even 2:30 pm. And now the kids are going outside in the rain!! I am sure there will be some mud to clean up! I am sure there will be some more fun today!!
Cathy
Comments are Welcome Here!
I have enabled my visitors to make comments!
Sorry I had that function turned off. I apologize!
Mommy brain! Grrhhh.
Sorry I had that function turned off. I apologize!
Mommy brain! Grrhhh.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
2nd Bath Photos - 8 days old
Caroline after her bath - all clean and fresh!
getting dried up by Mommy
I am nice and warm now!
Having my bath in the kitchen sink!
Marcus and Caroline Meet Up (and so do us Mom's!)
The kids going crazy to meet baby Marcus!
Caroline and Marcus!
Amber and I holding our "Spring Pixies"
This morning was really fun! I got to meet up with Amber (bcHOST) www.babycenter.com and she is the coordinator/host of the Spring Pixies for the May 2006 board. She was out here for a wedding, and so we got to meet up and introduce our babies to one another! It was a lot of fun. Marcus and both of her older daughters are so sweet. It was a very pleasant meet up for both of us! She even got to meet our other kids and Cliff too! I had a nice morning with them all!
www.motherhood.ca meet up photos
Sweet Caroline in Andrea's Hands
Claire, Carly, Me, Andrea (holding Caroline) and Carol!
I had some friends over to meet Caroline from www.motherhood.ca Andrea and Carol. They were so sweet to Caroline. They brought over a beautiful soft yellow blanket, and a yellow and white sleeper and a cool little attachment/mobile for the infant seat and of course a card with wonderful sentiments. I had such a nice visit with them. Thanks again for the wonderful visit!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
What are you going to do now?
I keep getting asked this question because Caroline will be our last baby. I hear the question, and truly I do not know how to answer it. It is weird to have to answer that question. I guess because we have been in baby mode for so very long.
I know this for sure: I will not be going back to work, and my work right now is at home. I have the biggest job to take care of. I will be here for my kids. And so will Cliff. We had them so that I could stay at home and raise them. I don't want anybody else to do that for me! When we made the decision to have kids, we said we would find a way to make it work. And so far we have. I know it hasn't been easy, but really all that matters to us is that we raise 5 wonderful, giving and caring adults to go out into the world and make it a better place! See what I have on my shoulders. I know when Caroline heads off to kindergarten in 5 years, I can do some some sort of job. I do know I will never go back to the corporate world. I will work at a job that I consider part time. But, really I will need to be there in the home during the teen years. I know that is the key to keeping a stable life at home with 5 teens/pre-teens. I will need to be very involved with their activities and friends etc. Thankfully I know all of the kids will tattle on each other, so I am sure I can keep tabs on them all! (That is what I am hoping for anyways)
I am sure I will do something that I love when I am not busy with the family. Something artistic. Maybe I will go back to school and follow my heart? Maybe I will become an artist? A photographer? I have quite a few years to figure that all out. But for now, I will cherish every moment of our kids while they still young. I have heard from other older parents that this time of my life with my young family will become my favourite part of my life. I am sure they will be right. I have a joy filled life!
Cathy
I know this for sure: I will not be going back to work, and my work right now is at home. I have the biggest job to take care of. I will be here for my kids. And so will Cliff. We had them so that I could stay at home and raise them. I don't want anybody else to do that for me! When we made the decision to have kids, we said we would find a way to make it work. And so far we have. I know it hasn't been easy, but really all that matters to us is that we raise 5 wonderful, giving and caring adults to go out into the world and make it a better place! See what I have on my shoulders. I know when Caroline heads off to kindergarten in 5 years, I can do some some sort of job. I do know I will never go back to the corporate world. I will work at a job that I consider part time. But, really I will need to be there in the home during the teen years. I know that is the key to keeping a stable life at home with 5 teens/pre-teens. I will need to be very involved with their activities and friends etc. Thankfully I know all of the kids will tattle on each other, so I am sure I can keep tabs on them all! (That is what I am hoping for anyways)
I am sure I will do something that I love when I am not busy with the family. Something artistic. Maybe I will go back to school and follow my heart? Maybe I will become an artist? A photographer? I have quite a few years to figure that all out. But for now, I will cherish every moment of our kids while they still young. I have heard from other older parents that this time of my life with my young family will become my favourite part of my life. I am sure they will be right. I have a joy filled life!
Cathy
Things I need to do still for Caroline
- I need to do her hand and foot prints in her baby book
- I need to do her clay handprint kit - finished that today! at 2 weeks and 6 days!
- I need to buy her two soft dollies for her crib (so that she has the same things as her sisters)
- I need to buy her a baby spoon if I cannot order a Gerber spoon. I finally did the spoon order today - May 31st 2006 (takes 6-8 weeks so by end of July sometime!)
- Nonna will create a beautiful C quilt just for her. I think it will be in greens/whites and a hint of purple
- I want to get a photo of all 5 of the kids together on the couch holding Caroline. Still haven't done that.
- buy c a r o l i n e letters for the wall
- type up and put a birth announcement in the paper - I submitted this today. June 1st 2006
- Need to give my Dr. a photo of Caroline for the baby board
Cathy aka Mom to 5
Postpartum Issues
Wow, I forget how gross the postpartum period is...it sure takes a long time to get back to where I was...and after every baby my body seems to get worse. But, my kids...are worth it!! Small price to pay.
My Issues:
My gross varicose vein leg/s - awaiting a vascular surgeon to chat about the next step for my grandpa/dad leg. It looks like an old man leg! My daughter Catie pokes my veins...and I cannot stand that. I should post a picture...it ain't pretty. The veins got worse with each pregnancy. I started with no veins, and ended up with a brutal looking leg.
My stomach - is awful looking. Even when I "SUCK IT IN" it looks like I am about 4-5 months pregnant still.
My posture - what posture? I used to sit up so straight and carry myself so nicely. Now I hunch over like a little old lady. I have to remember to suck in the big tummy and hold my head up high. That seems to take off about 10 pounds visually. My swollen feet and legs - not so bad anymore, but they are there sometimes. It took 1 week + to get back to normal (able to see my ankle bones)
My head - well...some nasties there. More grey hairs, forgetfulness, a bad highlight incident days before Caroline was born. What else? Headaches and eye aches from looking down at my daughter as she feeds. Ummm...oh yeah. Black hairs growing in a little round patch under my chin. My sisters discovered a few of them back when I was pregnant with Cameron. They pointed them out to me and I cried. And wow, they are worse now...time for some electrolysis! I am tired of plucking and waxing. Even worse when my kids rub them...gross. Don't I sound so lovely...LOL. What else bugs me? Oh yeah...my teeth. I want to whiten them up again. My skin doesn't look so glowing anymore. I have lost the glow in my face, and I look really tired all of the time. And, my frown marks are very pronounced now. And because of lack of sleep bags under my eyes.
Oh yes...breasts...after breastfeeding for many years on and off...I don't really need to describe the state of my chest, but let me say "the girls" are not so great as they once were in my "prime." I think a lift will be in order. And, wearing hideous nursing bras don't help my situation either. Thank goodness for really good bras afterwards! Another part of breast area is breastfeeding...thankfully I have milk to feed 10 babies, but I don't like the letdown/leaking part of feeding. I despise the breastpads that show up through my shirts. Thankfully there are Lilypads for that...and I don't like smelling like stinky dried up milk and spit ups. I know I will breastfeed for about 1 year! I am glad I can do that for Caroline!
Stretch marks?! Well thankfully I only have a few around my hip area, and a couple of little ones on my tummy. But not really visible. Only to me I think. And if Cliff were to say something he would get in trouble LOL.
Just my physical body size freaks me out. I always gain the same amount of weight with each of the 5 of my pregnancies. About 40 pounds. I have only lost 17 of the 40 and I am going to have to work my but off to get back to where I feel good about myself. I cannot wait to start running again...the countdown is on...3 more weeks until the 6 week mark! Yippee. I am sick of my fat round face, too close together eyes with black bags under the. The jiggly midsection and fat arms...yuck. I see myself in photos and I cringe. I even ripped some photos up of myself so that I don't have to remember this time of my postpartum body. All I know is that I don't like weighing more than my husband. That really sucks.
So there you go, and honest peek into my brain about how I feel about my postpartum body. And the amazing thing about having a baby is that, even though I have felt like this gross fat yuck postpartum Mom, I have ALWAYS gotten over it, and gone on do this 5 times to my body. That is the beauty of becoming a Mom. You get over it, and create and deliver a beautiful, perfect little baby...and all of the postpartum stuff is not so bad. It is only such a short time until it is all forgotten again. Until the next time. But for me, this is the last time I will need to go through all of this again.
My Issues:
My gross varicose vein leg/s - awaiting a vascular surgeon to chat about the next step for my grandpa/dad leg. It looks like an old man leg! My daughter Catie pokes my veins...and I cannot stand that. I should post a picture...it ain't pretty. The veins got worse with each pregnancy. I started with no veins, and ended up with a brutal looking leg.
My stomach - is awful looking. Even when I "SUCK IT IN" it looks like I am about 4-5 months pregnant still.
My posture - what posture? I used to sit up so straight and carry myself so nicely. Now I hunch over like a little old lady. I have to remember to suck in the big tummy and hold my head up high. That seems to take off about 10 pounds visually. My swollen feet and legs - not so bad anymore, but they are there sometimes. It took 1 week + to get back to normal (able to see my ankle bones)
My head - well...some nasties there. More grey hairs, forgetfulness, a bad highlight incident days before Caroline was born. What else? Headaches and eye aches from looking down at my daughter as she feeds. Ummm...oh yeah. Black hairs growing in a little round patch under my chin. My sisters discovered a few of them back when I was pregnant with Cameron. They pointed them out to me and I cried. And wow, they are worse now...time for some electrolysis! I am tired of plucking and waxing. Even worse when my kids rub them...gross. Don't I sound so lovely...LOL. What else bugs me? Oh yeah...my teeth. I want to whiten them up again. My skin doesn't look so glowing anymore. I have lost the glow in my face, and I look really tired all of the time. And, my frown marks are very pronounced now. And because of lack of sleep bags under my eyes.
Oh yes...breasts...after breastfeeding for many years on and off...I don't really need to describe the state of my chest, but let me say "the girls" are not so great as they once were in my "prime." I think a lift will be in order. And, wearing hideous nursing bras don't help my situation either. Thank goodness for really good bras afterwards! Another part of breast area is breastfeeding...thankfully I have milk to feed 10 babies, but I don't like the letdown/leaking part of feeding. I despise the breastpads that show up through my shirts. Thankfully there are Lilypads for that...and I don't like smelling like stinky dried up milk and spit ups. I know I will breastfeed for about 1 year! I am glad I can do that for Caroline!
Stretch marks?! Well thankfully I only have a few around my hip area, and a couple of little ones on my tummy. But not really visible. Only to me I think. And if Cliff were to say something he would get in trouble LOL.
Just my physical body size freaks me out. I always gain the same amount of weight with each of the 5 of my pregnancies. About 40 pounds. I have only lost 17 of the 40 and I am going to have to work my but off to get back to where I feel good about myself. I cannot wait to start running again...the countdown is on...3 more weeks until the 6 week mark! Yippee. I am sick of my fat round face, too close together eyes with black bags under the. The jiggly midsection and fat arms...yuck. I see myself in photos and I cringe. I even ripped some photos up of myself so that I don't have to remember this time of my postpartum body. All I know is that I don't like weighing more than my husband. That really sucks.
So there you go, and honest peek into my brain about how I feel about my postpartum body. And the amazing thing about having a baby is that, even though I have felt like this gross fat yuck postpartum Mom, I have ALWAYS gotten over it, and gone on do this 5 times to my body. That is the beauty of becoming a Mom. You get over it, and create and deliver a beautiful, perfect little baby...and all of the postpartum stuff is not so bad. It is only such a short time until it is all forgotten again. Until the next time. But for me, this is the last time I will need to go through all of this again.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Update on Caroline
On her kidney situation:
I know a lot of you have been asking about Caroline, and her kidney/s. On day 3 of her life we took her for an ultrasound at our local hospital. We were there for 1.5 hours. The tech was very nice and friendly and treated us very nicely. On Caroline's left kidney there are atleast 4 cysts on the upper portion of her kidney. And, on her right kidney - no cysts. But, her kidney appears to be enlarged and maybe the ureter too. My Doctor feels that the results of the ultrasound are good! Her kidneys are FUNCTIONING!! So, next we wait for the films to be forwarded to the specialist at the Children's Hospital. He will fill us in on what is next. It looks like Caroline has MCDK or Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney. In easy to understand terms: Caroline has multiple cysts on her kidney. This in NON life threating. She is pooping and peeing and eating like a healthy baby girl.
As for Caroline right now, yesterday our 5th baby was 2 weeks old already. She is changing and growing. She is opening up her eyes more often, when she is hungry she wakes up immediately and cries out for food. She doesn't like being in a dirty diaper so we change her quickly and I feed her quickly! Then she is a happy girl who loves to be held and loved.
Her face and body are filling out quickly and she looks less like a "newborn" and more like a baby. Her legs remind me of Cameron as a baby. When I look at her I see a bit of Cameron, a lot of Claire and Catie. Not Carly at all yet.
She is eating every 2-3 hours, and the breastfeeding is going amazing. Last night she slept in her crib for a few hours by herself, otherwise she is in the bed between Cliff and I. Last night Cliff and I went to bed at 1:30 am. And Caroline awoke at about 3:15 a.m. for a feed, and again at about 6 ish. I am feeding on demand.
It is so nice to have her in our family! She was meant to be here with us, and so many people say that she already looks like us! She sure does belong with us! She makes my heart sing.
How her siblings are reacting to Caroline:
Cameron misses her during the day when he is at school. He loves to touch her, and love her. He hugs her gently at night and kisses her before bed. He is so loving and caring towards her. He loves to look at her, and he puts his protective hand at her head when the others get too close to her. He is going to be a good husband one day!!
Claire is like a little Mommy. She loves to help get her diaper, change mat, and cloth ready. She also likes to pick out outfits for her. She has grown up so much since Caroline has been born. We notice how big she is! Especially her hands compared to Caroline's. She is the BIG Sis of all her little Sisters. She loves to help me and help Caroline. So sweet.
Carly loves to kiss Caroline on the head, and wants to carry her around already. In fact, I went to the washroom yesterday, and I come back to the living room and she we holding Caroline! YIKES. Thankfully she was holding her very carefully! She went to a time out, and she apologized to Caroline.
Catie has had the hardest adjustment to becoming a "BIG SISTER" In the first day that Caroline was home, Catie was on the bed too where I was changing Caroline and she stomped down on her face...and she has swatted at her face and scratched her poor little wee head. That was the first few days. And now, she says baby, and kisses her head and places her hands gently on her sister. She is teething and working her way into the 2's. Uhgggh. The Terrible Two's! She is feeling out her ways. She is crying more, and acts like Caroline. All in All, she is doing very well for such a huge adjustment in her short 20 months of life. I am very proud of how she is doing. She is a great big sister so far.
I know a lot of you have been asking about Caroline, and her kidney/s. On day 3 of her life we took her for an ultrasound at our local hospital. We were there for 1.5 hours. The tech was very nice and friendly and treated us very nicely. On Caroline's left kidney there are atleast 4 cysts on the upper portion of her kidney. And, on her right kidney - no cysts. But, her kidney appears to be enlarged and maybe the ureter too. My Doctor feels that the results of the ultrasound are good! Her kidneys are FUNCTIONING!! So, next we wait for the films to be forwarded to the specialist at the Children's Hospital. He will fill us in on what is next. It looks like Caroline has MCDK or Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney. In easy to understand terms: Caroline has multiple cysts on her kidney. This in NON life threating. She is pooping and peeing and eating like a healthy baby girl.
As for Caroline right now, yesterday our 5th baby was 2 weeks old already. She is changing and growing. She is opening up her eyes more often, when she is hungry she wakes up immediately and cries out for food. She doesn't like being in a dirty diaper so we change her quickly and I feed her quickly! Then she is a happy girl who loves to be held and loved.
Her face and body are filling out quickly and she looks less like a "newborn" and more like a baby. Her legs remind me of Cameron as a baby. When I look at her I see a bit of Cameron, a lot of Claire and Catie. Not Carly at all yet.
She is eating every 2-3 hours, and the breastfeeding is going amazing. Last night she slept in her crib for a few hours by herself, otherwise she is in the bed between Cliff and I. Last night Cliff and I went to bed at 1:30 am. And Caroline awoke at about 3:15 a.m. for a feed, and again at about 6 ish. I am feeding on demand.
It is so nice to have her in our family! She was meant to be here with us, and so many people say that she already looks like us! She sure does belong with us! She makes my heart sing.
How her siblings are reacting to Caroline:
Cameron misses her during the day when he is at school. He loves to touch her, and love her. He hugs her gently at night and kisses her before bed. He is so loving and caring towards her. He loves to look at her, and he puts his protective hand at her head when the others get too close to her. He is going to be a good husband one day!!
Claire is like a little Mommy. She loves to help get her diaper, change mat, and cloth ready. She also likes to pick out outfits for her. She has grown up so much since Caroline has been born. We notice how big she is! Especially her hands compared to Caroline's. She is the BIG Sis of all her little Sisters. She loves to help me and help Caroline. So sweet.
Carly loves to kiss Caroline on the head, and wants to carry her around already. In fact, I went to the washroom yesterday, and I come back to the living room and she we holding Caroline! YIKES. Thankfully she was holding her very carefully! She went to a time out, and she apologized to Caroline.
Catie has had the hardest adjustment to becoming a "BIG SISTER" In the first day that Caroline was home, Catie was on the bed too where I was changing Caroline and she stomped down on her face...and she has swatted at her face and scratched her poor little wee head. That was the first few days. And now, she says baby, and kisses her head and places her hands gently on her sister. She is teething and working her way into the 2's. Uhgggh. The Terrible Two's! She is feeling out her ways. She is crying more, and acts like Caroline. All in All, she is doing very well for such a huge adjustment in her short 20 months of life. I am very proud of how she is doing. She is a great big sister so far.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Mothers Day - May 14, 2006
Caroline 12 days old
Cameron, age 6.5
Catie age 20 Months
Carly age 3.5
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(photos of the kids taken by Aunty April. Thank you for taking them April)
Mother's Day was nice. Started off with breakfast with the inlaws here. We had eggs bennie and fruit salad. I received a lovely bouquet of flowers from Cliff in pinks and purples. Cliff even brought me a decaf vanilla latte from Starbucks. I opened up my gift from Cameron which was a terra cotta soap dish, and a soap. And, a nice coloured booklet on why Cameron loves me. From the girls I received beaded bracelets from the preschool Mother's Day tea at school on Friday. It was nice morning with them also. It was nice to watch them sing and do the actions of the songs. It was special to see my girls doing that, and then looking down at little Caroline. How far we have come in just over 8 years of marriage.
Then, we (together with my sisters) packed up a lunch and brought it over to my parents for a lunch for my Mom. The photos are from that visit. It was the perfect day! Hot and sunny...
The Journey of a Mother
The Journey of a Mother
For those who are fortunate enough to still be blessed by having your Mom with you, this is beautiful...For those who aren't...it is even more beautiful. It takes my breath!
The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog, and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."
Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and >the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."
And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all...unconditional love.
And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became a little bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children."
And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see shining road and golden gates flung wide.
And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them.
And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."
Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down thee street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion, happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow...and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...not even death!!
MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED.
"The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart." ~Helen Keller~
For those who are fortunate enough to still be blessed by having your Mom with you, this is beautiful...For those who aren't...it is even more beautiful. It takes my breath!
The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked. And the guide said "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog, and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."
Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and >the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."
And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all...unconditional love.
And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became a little bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children."
And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see shining road and golden gates flung wide.
And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them.
And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."
Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down thee street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion, happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow...and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space...not even death!!
MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED.
"The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart." ~Helen Keller~
Welcome to my New Blog!
Welcome to my new blog! As you know, my 5th and final baby was born 2 weeks ago. We have 5 wonderful children all 6.5 and under. Cameron is our eldest son, and he has 3 sisters named Claire, Carly, Catie and Caroline.
Here you will find updates and rantings and ravings of our family of 7!
Cathy
Here you will find updates and rantings and ravings of our family of 7!
Cathy
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