Jezebel's Surprise Advent Package Train

[PammieD]

K, tried to answer q's a zillion times but keep getting interrupted by my milk monster. Here's what I remember:
Fave restaurant : Churchmouse & Firkin' (Maitland & Church st in Toronto but its part of the firkin franchise), Starbucks is a winner too
thxgving/Halloween/ny: no thx
joico: yes - if for thick, or curly hair etc.
Addition to WL: footed sleepers for Alexa - she HATES being swaddled so our nighttime wardrobe plans have been destroyed. She is 9 lbs so....
xmas gift history - I dont really remember any xmases with gifts that stand out too much as sentimental etc . I wasn't really wanting for much.
coat is black, fave color is blue (most shades), jewel tones (but not green)
Unicorn wish - my little girl to latch

[coyote00]

If I could travel anywhere I would love to go to Egypt to see the pyramids

Favorite family vacation was Disney World. We actually paid $1000 return flights for 5 of us simpley by flying out of Minniapolis (worth the 8 hr drive). We then rented a huge house there for $1000 for an entire week complete with screened in swimming pool. This cut down on going out to eat and the pool provided hours of entertanment for the kids after a days fun at Disney. We also froze juices and packed sanmdwichs and snacks to take with us during the day (that was a huge savings). The avg price of an ice cream snack at that time ws $5.00 ea and the dollar was at an all time low. We had such a great time and I will hold those memories always.

[RSAS]

It's kind of a ho-hum night here tonight. The kids are in bed and I had picked up a ball of yarn at Michael's today. I'm humbly attempting to create a ruffled scarf (CLB you are ridiculously talented and clever!), but it isn't going so well, so far.

On the off chance I can pull this off (really, buddy, do NOT get your hopes up), what colour is your coat. Or, in case you didn't answer this question (honestly can't remember--have to go check), what is your favourite colour?

My coat is black. I only wear super soft scarfs. Anything else makes me want to claw my face off. But I would love a scarf, I think it was on my WL.

Question Time!

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

What has been your favourite vacation you have been on?

I would travel somewhere warm!

My favourite vacation...hmmm, I guess Disney land when I was 16. I don't travel much but wish I could.

LOL - soooo sometimes you get mad at Canada Post and wonder why your mail is taking so long??? Maybe because of what happened on tonight's episode of "Highway Thru Hell" perhaps?!?! Canada Post semi truck went off a cliff and wayyyyy down an embankment. It took them two days just to unload all the mail off the truck wreck!! P.S the "Salvage Supervisor" on there (guy with the dark mustache) is my best friend's husband! Oh, and good to know, there was a Canada Post employee on site to make sure everything was being carefully removed, not wrecked, opened, etc! Just thought I'd share that with ya tonight....now me off to bed.

OMG! Scary!!!

[RSAS]

K, tried to answer q's a zillion times but keep getting interrupted by my milk monster. Here's what I remember:
Fave restaurant : Churchmouse & Firkin' (Maitland & Church st in Toronto but its part of the firkin franchise), Starbucks is a winner too
thxgving/Halloween/ny: no thx
joico: yes - if for thick, or curly hair etc.
Addition to WL: footed sleepers for Alexa - she HATES being swaddled so our nighttime wardrobe plans have been destroyed. She is 9 lbs so....
xmas gift history - I dont really remember any xmases with gifts that stand out too much as sentimental etc . I wasn't really wanting for much.
coat is black, fave color is blue (most shades), jewel tones (but not green)
Unicorn wish - my little girl to latch

Is there a lactation consultant at the local health unit? Or you can call up the le leche league. This is a list of contacts for Toronto (that is where you are right?) http://www.lllc.ca/find-group-ontario?city=Toronto
If you are more into online help, there is http://forums.llli.org/ which is mom to mom forums suppored by le leche league or http://kellymom.com/ they have a forum too.
and remember its okay to sit around all day with no shirt on!

[juliejolie]

Yeh buddy! Your online order from etsy arrived Im ready to wrap up all your goodies. Will try to sit down and do it over the weekend. Don't know what order to put them in yet though.

[MrsSunshine]

just ordered some stuff too.. hope it arrives fast. once i get that, and finish my xmas part i can start organizing and wrapping. that may be the hardest part of this whole thing. the shopping has been SO easy.

[PammieD]

Is there a lactation consultant at the local health unit? Or you can call up the le leche league. This is a list of contacts for Toronto (that is where you are right?) http://www.lllc.ca/find-group-ontario?city=Toronto
If you are more into online help, there is http://forums.llli.org/ which is mom to mom forums suppored by le leche league or http://kellymom.com/ they have a forum too.
and remember its okay to sit around all day with no shirt on!

yah, thanks for the info. I've already been to the Newman Clinic yesterday & go back tomorrow. We're making some progress but I'm super type A personality, with OCD and a major need to please so this is all really wearing on me. Having her in NICU for her first 2 days with her having a nurse from hell on day 1 in NICU who was forcing a pacifier on her and not even giving me a chance to try breast feeding at all before giving her a bottle full of formula (complaint has been lodged as the head of nursing for post partum was shocked to hear our story given that it's against the hospital's approach or whatever). all this plus the hormonal mess that I've become... Oh, poor Don is LOVING this post-partum period. The guy's a saint!

we're having a little 'baby moon' today...Don's started calling us his little nudists

[MrsSunshine]

heh Pam. you do what you need to do for that little girl. skin to skin is the best thing for her. awesome bonding!!! glad to hear hubby is being so helpful. don't b afraid to ask for anything. btw any chance you can share pics. i think i missed them.

[RSAS]

yah, thanks for the info. I've already been to the Newman Clinic yesterday & go back tomorrow. We're making some progress but I'm super type A personality, with OCD and a major need to please so this is all really wearing on me. Having her in NICU for her first 2 days with her having a nurse from hell on day 1 in NICU who was forcing a pacifier on her and not even giving me a chance to try breast feeding at all before giving her a bottle full of formula (complaint has been lodged as the head of nursing for post partum was shocked to hear our story given that it's against the hospital's approach or whatever). all this plus the hormonal mess that I've become... Oh, poor Don is LOVING this post-partum period. The guy's a saint!

we're having a little 'baby moon' today...Don's started calling us his little nudists

I've heard really good things about the newman clinic! Jack Newman is supposed to be the go to person for all things related to breastfeeding. I'm glad you have the opportunity to go there.

[juliejolie]

yah, thanks for the info. I've already been to the Newman Clinic yesterday & go back tomorrow. We're making some progress but I'm super type A personality, with OCD and a major need to please so this is all really wearing on me. Having her in NICU for her first 2 days with her having a nurse from hell on day 1 in NICU who was forcing a pacifier on her and not even giving me a chance to try breast feeding at all before giving her a bottle full of formula (complaint has been lodged as the head of nursing for post partum was shocked to hear our story given that it's against the hospital's approach or whatever). all this plus the hormonal mess that I've become... Oh, poor Don is LOVING this post-partum period. The guy's a saint!

we're having a little 'baby moon' today...Don's started calling us his little nudists

Sorry to hear! I gave birth at Mount Sinai in downtown Toronto and I had a wonderful experience... I had a hard time getting DD to latch and I couldn't express enough milk but the lactation consultants there guided me through it, and even after coming home... They called me and made weekly followups where I would come in to see how much DD was gaining from breast feeding... And showed me different methods, helped me with introducing a breast pump, etc. At the end of 6 wks of appointments with them, they gave us a certificate of completion and sent us home with lots of pamphlets, contacts, and most importantly confidence.

I hope it gets better! I think you're doing wonderfully

[PammieD]

Thanks everyone...yah, St Mikes was really fantastic with the exception of the one nurse. Our munchkin came out blue/grey and completely floppy (first APGAR was 4 but her nurse said it really was more like a 3).

Our good friend did a rotation with Jack Newman when he was finishing his residency and so he was able to help me a lot for the first few days (just support wise) and then was in touch with one of the LC's all weekend. By the time I went in first thing yesterday, they knew everything that had happened with her and were all super supportive. Jack definitely has a reputation (anyone I've spoken to will say that he's pretty 'gung ho' to put it politely), but the guy's the world's foremost authority on breast feeding and the LC & student I saw were super supportive yesterday - none of the guilt etc some people have felt/cited from there, associated with having bottle fed their babies etc.
I know We'll make it through and I'm by no means the first person to go through any of this...our situation isn't even that bad! It's just the whole process. Don just keeps reminding me that my body's Taken a giant kicking so I'm allowed to be a bit of a mess.

On the plus side, I currently weigh 12-13 lbs less than I did before I got pregnant (26ish I think less than last Monday?). Who knew pregnancy would be the best diet I'd ever been on! (with long term side effects )

Gonna try to upload some pics with tapatalk (have patience if they end up all f'd up! This is going to be my first attempt!)

[PammieD]

Oh - pj pants, size large? Long sleep tshirt for sleeping in, size med? Or if a button up top/set, size large for both. No fleece though thanks. I get too wrapped up in it in the sheets. Flannel or cotton is gr eat.

[juliejolie]

Thanks everyone...yah, St Mikes was really fantastic with the exception of the one nurse. Our munchkin came out blue/grey and completely floppy (first APGAR was 4 but her nurse said it really was more like a 3).

Our good friend did a rotation with Jack Newman when he was finishing his residency and so he was able to help me a lot for the first few days (just support wise) and then was in touch with one of the LC's all weekend. By the time I went in first thing yesterday, they knew everything that had happened with her and were all super supportive. Jack definitely has a reputation (anyone I've spoken to will say that he's pretty 'gung ho' to put it politely), but the guy's the world's foremost authority on breast feeding and the LC & student I saw were super supportive yesterday - none of the guilt etc some people have felt/cited from there, associated with having bottle fed their babies etc.
I know We'll make it through and I'm by no means the first person to go through any of this...our situation isn't even that bad! It's just the whole process. Don just keeps reminding me that my body's Taken a giant kicking so I'm allowed to be a bit of a mess.

On the plus side, I currently weigh 12-13 lbs less than I did before I got pregnant (26ish I think less than last Monday?). Who knew pregnancy would be the best diet I'd ever been on! (with long term side effects )

Gonna try to upload some pics with tapatalk (have patience if they end up all f'd up! This is going to be my first attempt!)

Haha, same here with the weight loss... For the first 3 mths after giving birth I had lost nearly 38lbs! Sadly, it didn't last long... I gained back 10lbs. They must of pumped out a lot of stuff in addition to pulling my DD out... lol, and I think the breast feeding helped cut calories but I decided to bottle feed after a couple of months cuz my supply dewindled significantly and DD refused to eat. No shame here... It was good while it lasted.

[PammieD]

Haha, same here with the weight loss... For the first 3 mths after giving birth I had lost nearly 38lbs! Sadly, it didn't last long... I gained back 10lbs. They must of pumped out a lot of stuff in addition to pulling my DD out... lol, and I think the breast feeding helped cut calories but I decided to bottle feed after a couple of months cuz my supply dewindled significantly and DD refused to eat. No shame here... It was good while it lasted.

Yah, my goal was 6 months of breast milk...if pumping/bottle feeding is our future, we'll be fighting to make it through to Christmas. Gotta have faith though!!!

[julesie-pie]

LOL I was thinking as I was scrolling threw the thread that the couch very much reminded me of my first couch. Which as a good Army couple we did repair with duct tape. I love duct tape!!!!!!!!!

When it first ripped a little I suggested that we fix it with duct tape, but hubby refused (said it wouldnt work)! I told him last night that I want to go couch shopping this weekend! And he said NO! WTF??? He said DD would destroy it or pee on it - HELLO I am not looking for a fancy smancy couch here, just one where I cant see the foam! Is that really too much to ask?! Too bad for him, we are going anyways, and if he doesnt take me I going to go shopping with my parents next week and buy one! (done my rant now)

Canadian Tire has rows and rows of Christmas stuff out

Went to Ikea yesterday (I love Ikea) AND they had all their christmas stuff out YAAA! Pick up a couple items for my buddy as well!

omgosh it took me a bit to figure out you ment the drink

LOL

PJ pants(size M) because I am tall and a nighty never covers my behind.

BAHAHAHAHA

but that happens to me too (being tall)

Question Time!

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? England or Hallstatt & Slazburg Austria (we went to Austria for our honeymoon, it was lovely - Hallstatt & Slazburg were soo nice and great for hiking, we want to go back in a few years when DD is older and go trekking the mountains!)

What has been your favourite vacation you have been on? my 2009 trip to England (the last time I saw my Grandma)

Soooo glad I live in Ontario right now... sorry it is winter there already





The ONLY conditioner that works with my crazy hair is Pantene



No thank you



It is cute that you are humoring him by asking



That is EXACTLY what my husband said! MEN!



Now you're just trying to give us slower ones MORE pages to go thorugh!

My lifelong goal is to see the seven wonders of the world.
In regards to fav one...
As much of a full-service 5 star resort sort of gal I am, I decided to try camping again this summer to appease the kids and it was my fav vaca to date! It was so beautiful I literally set the tents up in the moonlight; we were completely secluded so didn't have to constantly nag the kids to keep it down; our horse of a dog was able to join us (he is so big that we cannot board him); the kids could swim & fish right at our campsite; absolute beautiful weather; Didn't have to pay hundreds of dollars each day for tickets to events or tours, didn't have to disappoint the kids by not eating out every meal; didn't have to tip valet or bell boy or servers...it was awesome! Least stressful vaca ever !

I am guessing you mean the 7 NEW wonders, right?!

Nat if your my buddy... my scarf from you could be lopsided and 100 different colors and I would LOVE it!

Our dream is to see Russia, Italy and Paris. It will happen... but years down the road for us.

Our favortie vacation spot is Cuba. We love it. Heading there again in January. I love falling in love all over again with my hubby (yes, we are *that* couple on vacation)

We are looking to go to Cuba this winter too w/ hubby's brothers. what resort do you go to? any suggestions??

Great questions!
If I could go anywhere, I would go to Moorea (in the Tahitian islands) and stay in an overwater bungalow.
My favourite vacation was our second trip to Jamaica. DH and I decided to splurge on a Sandals resort. (I'm a travel agent, so "splurging" for me is still 80% off) I was 6 months pregnant with DS and would be our last time going to an adults only resort for a while. We were upgraded to the riversuite penthouse that came with a buttler---truly a pampering experience!

are you still a travel agent???

Sorry to hear! I gave birth at Mount Sinai in downtown Toronto and I had a wonderful experience... I had a hard time getting DD to latch and I couldn't express enough milk but the lactation consultants there guided me through it, and even after coming home... They called me and made weekly followups where I would come in to see how much DD was gaining from breast feeding... And showed me different methods, helped me with introducing a breast pump, etc. At the end of 6 wks of appointments with them, they gave us a certificate of completion and sent us home with lots of pamphlets, contacts, and most importantly confidence.

I hope it gets better! I think you're doing wonderfully

my DD was also born at Mount Sinai! though i did have one nurse from hell there too (will rant about her later)