Reflecting

As the year comes to a close I must reflect on the best year of my life. This is the year that brought me my beautiful son, Jude. I can't even express how much my life has changed in so many outstanding ways.

The year included a trip out west to the Vancouver Olympics. It was so great to have two weeks with my brother's family - so great that I was late to a number of events because I didn't want to leave the house and hanging out with my crazy niece.

I learned (once again) how great my friends are. They have been so amazing this year! Whenever I have needed someone they have been there for me. Christi was there for every step of my pregnancy AND every step of the labour! Jude and I will always be eternally grateful for everything she has done for us. I can't wait to meet the newest addition to her family (and I hope that Jude and the newest one will be the best of friends). I don't want to leave anyone out, but I feel that I wouldn't have gotten through that first week without Cara and Sharon who drove many hours to stay with me and keep me sane.

Last but not least, my father has been amazing through this whole year! It's been really tough without my mom, I so wish she could be here to see how amazing Jude is, but Dad has made sure that he's been there for me. Not only was he there for the whole 29 hours of labour, he was with me for most of the two weeks or so leading up to labour (there was much waiting and walking around). I'm so happy that Jude is named after him.

I can't describe how much better my life is now that Jude is here. I am so happy (tired, but extremely happy). He amazes me every day and my heart fills with joy every time he looks at me.

We were chosen to be on the show 'til debt do us part. They were looking for single moms and I applied. I learned so much from doing the show, it was embarrassing but I think well worth it. I don't know when it will air, yet.

Christmas was the best I've celebrated in years! I was lucky enough to celebrate with most of my family (including my brother's family from BC). We traveled around (as we used to as kids) and it was great.

Tonight marks the end of this amazing year and I am sad to see it end, but excited for all of the new adventures that await Jude and I.

Have a very Happy New Year everyone!

Happy Holidays

Jude and I would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season! We are very happy to be celebrating with our family - including my brother's family from BC! Lots of snow and lots of family.

Plantable bags

How awesome do these sound?

http://www.greenplanetparties.com/item_309/Plantable-Holiday-Gift-Bags.htm

After you have reused these gift bags a few times they can be planted!

Three months

My baby is three months old today! It's going by so fast; too fast. He's more amazing than I ever dreamed possible.

Happy birthday my beautiful boy!

(the picture is from last week, his hair totally wants to be in a Mohawk - it's too late at night to take a pic of him with my phone)


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Insomnia

It's 3:30 am and I'm up for another feeding with Jude but I've actually been awake since his last feeding. I often suffer from insomnia but it is really hard these days because it is hard enough to get enough sleep with a new baby.

I'm stressed about my c section incision which still hasn't healed. It's been over 2 months since they reopened the incision and I still have one opening that won't heal. I go every other day to have it packed by a nurse. It gets Jude and I out (we normally walk there) but I really want to be healed up - I want the option to have a bath, go on a hot tub, go to yoga.

Then there is the stress of the tv show I'm going to be on. My dad and one of my friends agreed to be on with me but it is really stressful trying to coordinate filming dates with them and figuring out child care when Jude eats constantly and is very reluctant to go to anyone but me.

Then there is the stress of money. I've been asked to cover an expense for my family right now, which I'm totally willing to do, but I don't think everyone understands what a big deal this is since I'm on mat leave. My income is down to a quarter of what it was before the baby and that doesn't cover my fixed expenses. I knew that going into the pregnancy but it would be nice if people realized that this is really hard for me. I know how much the person directly involved appreciates this, it just seems that no one else does.

Well now I'm sure I won't get back to sleep as I'm all worked up. Maybe Jude will surprise me and go down for a real nap tomorrow.


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First laugh and Halloween

Jude has been giggling for weeks but on Sunday he gave his first real laugh! It was one of the best sounds I've ever heard.

I had leaned him down, almost upside down and pulled him back up over and over. He loved it!

During his tummy time yesterday he didn't set his head down at all! He was able to hold up his head and look around.

On Halloween we went over to my sister's to see their house of horrors (I'm kind of glad I wasn't there at night). We went trick or treating with christi's boys but Jude was having nothing to do with his costume by then.

Thanksgiving part 2

This past weekend, Jude and I headed up to my dad's place in Huntsville. My dad and stepmom were away for thanksgiving so this was our celebration. My sister was there as well. Our drive up went quite smoothly - only one feeding stop. It was a beautiful weekend. Dad and I took Jude for a really long walk. We saw the new arena and university housing. Dad pushed Jude up this pretty steep hill - the view of Huntsville below us was worth it (I think we'll drive up next time).

Jude is all about mommy these days. He cries if anyone else picks him up after 4pm. In the mornings he is more willing to be away from me. As much as this makes it difficult to get anything done, I love every second of the cuddling. I'm already looking back and can't believe how much he's changed in such a short time.



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Mirror

Today, when Jude's Auntie Lindsay visited, she discovered that he loves to look in the mirror. It's so great to have others around to ensure Jude and I don't get stuck in a rut.

Jude is normally pretty fussy at the time when Linds visits, but he's definitely becoming less fussy the more he sees her. (the only nights I get anything done around the house are the nights she visits.)

Jude is growing and learning more every day. He is holding his head up more and more and turning it from side to side. He's also rolling himself onto his stomach when he sleeps. It's so cute - he grunts alot while he gets the momentum going.


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Family Visit

Today Jude and I visited some second / third cousins. I don't see them very often and I really should make the effort to visit more often.

They live next to a river (the river runs through the back yard) and I always forget how beautiful it is. They have a 9 month old baby boy (along with three girls) and I am hoping that he and Jude will spend time together as they grow up.

Whenever I visit I learn another piece of family history. This time I learned that we are somehow related to the original owner of the company that helped build the titanic.


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Pockets?

Can someone explain to me why a baby would need pockets? Seems like a big waste of fabric and energy.


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First movie

Jude went to his first movie yesterday. The gta has a number of movies for mommies. There turn the sound down and have stroller parking (which looked so cute with all the strollers lined up). We met my friend Tara and her daughter Marley. We went to see 'the social network'. Unfortunately Tara didnt get to see the whole movie as Marley was pretty fussy by the end. Jude hardly moved throughout and only cried for a few seconds when he was hungry.

The movie was really good. I do wonder how much was true. Really interesting and I definitely recommend it. The three main actors were excellent.

Library time

Yesterday was jude's first day of his library storytime program. I'm really glad we went but Jude slept through the whole thing. I think it will be really good for me (meeting other moms in the area and learning games to play with Jude).


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Hospital Stay

After Jude was born we were in the hospital for a few days. I wasn't expecting (or prepared for) a c-section. Finding out that I wasn't going to be able to carry anything for about four weeks was a shock. It was so difficult to get in and out of bed. Being told that you shouldn't use your ab muscles is alot easier said than done. Jude ended up jaundiced and throwing up his food so the nurses sent him down to the ICU nursery. That was pretty upsetting. My poor little baby was there for about 36 hours. I tried to get down there for every feeding, but sleep did take precedence once in awhile. I ended up having an iron deficiency and had some issues walking down to the nursery.
He seemed to be perfectly content having his first sunbathe!

He had lots of visitors in the hospital: Rach (who I called when I woke up on that first morning and couldn't get a hold of my dad - she stayed with me all day), Christi, Dad, Lindsay (who also stayed one day with me and kept me entertained while Jude was in ICU), Jaime, Mike and Sami, Cara (who drove all the way from Clinton to come and see us), Lisa, Sharon (who stayed with us after we left the hospital) and Grandma Sue.

On the Wednesday I was finally getting released it took us forever to get out of there. Dad, Sharon and I played some cards while waiting for the okay.

The plan was for my dad to bring me a bottle of Harp beer while I was in the hospital. I hadn't had beer for over ten months and really wanted one, but after the very long labour and delivery I just didn't feel like it. But, then my Aunt Lynda suggested my milk would come in if I had a Guinness and that was a great idea. It tasted great and the next day my milk came in.
I had knit a hat, sweater and booties for Jude's going home. Unfortunately, the sizes didn't quite work out. It was like Goldie Locks: the sweater was too big, the hat was too small and the booties were just right.

Labour

I finally have some time to update my blog! Who knows how much time I have as my little munchkin could wake up at anytime.

After the two rounds of induction my labour finally started while I was having dinner at my sister's place with my dad. Christi (my coach and amazing friend) came over to my place around 11pm. We headed over to the hospital around 1am as Christi was worried that I was progressing. Unfortunately, that was not the case. They sent me back home. I did watch a bit of Buffy and slept for 2 min increments and had at least 4 showers (they felt so great). At 8 am we headed back to the hospital and they were able to admit me!

This meant I wouldn't have to move around anymore and could get some drugs. Before I went into labour I was not keen on an epidural. I did not want someone sticking a needle into my spine. But, I did want the morphine. Once I had the morphine I was able to sleep for a bit and that was great.

My Dad and Christi were with me at the hospital, which was great. It turned out to be a very long day and it was great to have them both there.

During my labour a number of things 'went wrong' or at least they did not go as hoped or expected. They brought in an intern to break my water (I didn't have an issue with it being an intern). She attempted it four times and Christi finally told her to stop and get the doctor. The doctor only had to do it once. Unfortunately, there was meconium which meant the baby could be in distress so the baby and I both had to be monitored. This meant no walking, no showers and no jacuzzi. I was bed ridden for the rest of my labour. They also determined that I was dehydrated (which seems so crazy considering how much water I drink) so I needed an IV. I hate IV's and giving blood (for as long as I can remember it has been difficult to find a vein and then there was that time that they nicked a nerve and my arm was messed up for a week). Well, this was just as bad. They tried a couple of times in one hand and it hurt so bad that I was crying and had to get them to take it out (my hand was bruised for a couple of days), then they tried the other hand and it hurt like hell as well. So, they had to call in an IV specialist - that finally worked.

I was hooked up to so many things on different sides of my body that I kept getting tangled whenever I moved!

I asked for more morphine but they said I couldn't have it because the baby could come within 5 hours (my baby didn't show up for another 13 hours). So, I broke down and decided to go for the epidural. Of course, I did jump during the epidural and thought I had paralyzed myself. I then went into shock or something similar and was shaking uncontrollably for about 20 mins. Five blankets later and I was asleep. Before the epidural I did try to eat some lunch, which I then proceeded to throw up. I then found out I couldn't eat with the epidural!

The rest of the day was kind of a blur, nothing much happening. I started to disbelieve anyone who gave me a timeline. We kept thinking the baby was only a few hours from being born, but no. My baby seemed to be very happy where it was.

I know there was talk of the baby being born at 7, then at 9, then at 11 and then we realized he would probably be a Sunday baby.

Around 11 or so it was finally time to push. Christi tells me I was pushing for about 3 hours, it's all a blur to me. I know I asked for a different playlist (more AC/DC less Alison Crowe). Around 1am the doctor was free again and came to check on me. They decided he was descended enough to try and pull him out. I don't know how many times she tried but my baby just wouldn't come out. So, I was quickly unhooked and wheeled into an operating room for a C-section. I'd been crying for about three hours and was just really emotional about this being my first surgery.

I had to have a top up of the epidural (the second top up) and like the times before I started shaking uncontrollably. They strapped my arms down but I broke through on one side. It was so uncomfortable. I was able to feel them move stuff around, but it didn't hurt. Finally the doctor announced that it was a boy! Unfortunately, I didn't feel like celebrating. It actually took me a few hours to be really excited about the birth of my beautiful boy, Jude.


There was some concern when they were checking Jude over, they wouldn't let Christi take pictures. We heard a cry and then nothing, Christi kept me distracted but we were both worried that something was wrong. But, then everything turned out okay.

I was still shaking uncontrollably so I couldn't hold Jude when we left the OR. The nurse carried him down to my room, Christi did get to hold him and then handed him off to my dad. Unfortunately, there are no pics of Christi holding Jude in the hospital (after all her help there really should be one). Dad and Christi stuck around for awhile while I slept. They headed home around 3am. When I woke up I was finally excited to see my new baby. They moved me into my recovery room and Jude and I went to sleep. He's so beautiful and so amazing!

My life has changed for forever.

Induction round 2

Back at the hospital for a second round of induction meds. Spent 3.5 hrs here yesterday afternoon and then another 1.5 at midnight last night. Dad and I have been here since 2:30 today and I'm not sure if I hope I'm heading home in 1.5 hrs or staying for the long haul.

When I got home at 1 am last night I was greeted by freaked out cats. There was a bat hanging from the ceiling! Dad was able to get it out this afternoon without killing it.



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Induction

I'm finally in a bed for my induction and I'm really annoyed so far. Was scheduled for 2:30 and didn't get in a room until around 3:30. I was ready to go back home and let nature take its course. Christi rushed over to make sure I stayed.

Still waiting

Today was my 'due date', but no sign of baby. My dad had been here since the beginning of the week, but headed home for the night since nothing was happening. So, we are hoping the baby waits until he gets back to Mississauga.

Had quite a busy few days as my dad and I did lots of running around and work around the house. We had a quick visit with his godfather yesterday. That was pretty cool as he is around 90 and was at his work and then showed us his sailboat. He's sailed around the world multiple times.

Hopefully the next update will be news of the baby.


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Google Chuck Norris

OMG but this just made me laugh out loud (and due the pregnancy I almost peed my pants).

The list universe today (and it has been great this week) had stupid criminals (including a Darwin award winner). The number one on the list is great! (http://listverse.com/2010/07/16/10-truly-ridiculous-criminal-acts/)

But, the best part was reading the comments and one of the commentators suggested going to google and searching on 'google Chuck Norris' and selecting 'I feel lucky'.

Last Day of Work

Today is my last day in the office before I go on maternity leave (I have three days of vacation before my official last day of work). And what happens? I find a problem with a spreadsheet I had designed, so I had a bit of a stressful morning while I fought with Microsoft Excel to figure out how to fix my issue (damn sorting screwed up my formulas). But, I figured it out. Of course, I did :) It's pretty rare that I don't figure out a solution (now I have just jinxed myself).

We have a corporate meeting in about 15mins and then I'm done... for a year! I can't wrap my head around that. I really can't.

I'm hoping the baby doesn't make an appearance at least until next Friday. It would be really nice to have a week off to myself to get some things done around the house and to relax. Plus, my coach is off to a cottage for a week and I rather not go into labour during her vacation.

Customer Support Post

The List Universe had an excellent post this week and their #2 is very much my #1 (and I actually posted about it earlier this week). The list was about time-wasters and their comments on 'customer support' were so bang on!

With that being said, I actually had a half-decent support call with Petro-Canada yesterday. Granted, they haven't followed up like they said they would and I don't know if the issue has been corrected, but I didn't want to throw my phone across the room when I spoke with them so that's already 100 times better than my normal customer support contacts with other companies (this week: Dell and Creative Memories top my list of crap support).

http://listverse.com/2010/07/10/10-most-annoying-time-wasters

Crap support

I really don't understand how companies can have such horrible customer service. Today: creative memories. I really don't understand why I continue to use their products considering how frustrating and non-existent their customer service is!


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Bootie

The first bootie!


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Hat for baby

Just finished knitting the hat that goes with the sweater for the baby. Next up... Booties



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8 Days and Counting

There are only 8 more working days for me. Of course, I'm a little worried that this baby will then be late (and even bigger), but I'm definitely feeling the need to rest. It feels like I've been go, go, go for last couple of months. This coming weekend is somewhat quieter than the past 6. I have my baby shower and a poker night, but that's it. I've taken Friday off from work and looking forward to a relaxing day.

I woke up this morning and was thinking that it didn't really seem that cool in my condo (considering how much lower my AC is set than years past). Hmmm, that doesn't appear correct. The temp is 10 degrees warmer than what the AC is set to. I am definitely feeling the heat more this summer than I have in the past, but I am really glad that I'm normally so cold or else I'd probably be dying with no-AC. I think my cats are not at all happy.

My dad is coming down to help me with a couple of things around the house this week so I suspect all of those other things will be put on hold so that he can check out the AC. Fingers crossed. I will probably want it working for after the baby is born.

This past weekend I headed up to Goderich do some 'camping' with friends. I say 'camping' because I actually slept at my Grandmother's each night. Everyone else was actually camping. It was really great to get back to a campsite. I have missed it. This was the first time we camped at Point Farms and I think we are planning to do it again next year because it was a fabulous site. The beach was excellent as well. We had 3 sites and there were about 17 of us (plus 3 dogs). The kids had a great time. The only issue: we didn't get our picture! Heidi, Cara, Teresa and I almost always try to get a picture of the four of us (and often times including others) when we get together. Of course, I didn't think of this until the next day and it was too late.

Ultrasound

I had an ultrasound yesterday and I seem to be having a big baby! The tech asked if the father was tall. Why? Because she measured the baby appears to be at 37.5 weeks instead of 36! She thinks the baby is already 6 lbs 12 oz. Normally at this stage the baby would gain a pound a week. That could mean a 10 lb (plus) baby!

Besides that the baby had a perfect ultrasound (I always did like tests - so maybe my genes are in there). Lots of movement, as always, and it was difficult to get all the pics.

Now I'm kind of hoping for an early labour.


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Difficult Reads

One of the blogs that I consistently read every day is 'The List Universe'. Today I read their list of the most difficult reads and was intrigued to find out who has read any of these.

http://listverse.com/2010/06/07/top-10-difficult-literary-works

I have read only one of these: 'The Sound and The Fury'. I believe I read this in university after Lisa had read / recommended it. I don't remember hating it and actually believe I liked it (but I really can't remember the story).

I know my Dad has finished War and Peace and I'm sure my friend Lisa has read a number of these (and would probably like to add Hearts of Darkness to the list - or maybe just add that to a books I hate list).

After reading the list, I have absolutely no desire to pick up any of the other books on this list. I used to think I would try 'Atlas Shrugged', but I think I'm past that and have way too many other books on my shelves to put myself through that kind of misery (at least it sounds like misery).

Make The Itching Stop

Two weeks ago I developed a rash on my stomach, arms and hands. It then spread to my feet. It was really itchy and I decided to have an oatmeal bath - big mistake! That caused the rash to explode on my legs and back. My OB said it was hard to diagnose rashes (but it was definitely not this one specific pregnancy rash) and she thought it was a heat rash (as it did start when we had our heat wave in TO), she gave me a script for some cortisone cream and told me to take some benadryl. Unfortunately, those didn't work (well, they gave me some relief). This past Monday I made it in to see a dermatologist. She thinks it is one of the other pregnancy rashes (I don't know the names of them). She did a biopsy on my leg, but it takes two weeks for the results. Not only do I have an insanely itchy rash, I also have itchy stitches.

Regardless of what it is, the consensus seems to be that it will stay until the baby is born. That's about 7 weeks from now. I'm not sure I can handle it. I look diseased, which is really great since I go for maternity photos on Saturday (I really hope they are good at the air-brushing).

On a donor related note: I found out today that my donor is all sold out. I know there has been at least one other pregnancy reported for my donor so my baby will have at least one half-sibling out there. I definitely plan to pay to keep my other sample in storage (just in case).

Task

Picked this up from Sharon's blog:

Rules:
* Grab the book closest to you.
* Go to page 56.
* Find the 5th sentence.
* Don't go looking for your favourite book, or the coolest one you have - just grab the closest one.

'She never wed.'

At this point in my life that sentence seems very apropos.

Too Busy

I've been so busy with baby stuff I have been remiss in keeping my blog up to date! Quick rundown:

Work is insane! Been working alot of weekends and travelling to a client site in Kitchener (good news - I get $100 in expense money for each day I do that trek - I've ordered a new laptop with the money from April trips).

I started my third trimester last week! The baby is moving around a lot and kicking up a storm. There have only been two times when I could feel / see the baby move on the outside. This week I go for my gestational diabetes test (hopefully everything goes well).

The baby room was painted this weekend and it looks amazing. I huge THANKS to Teresa, Heidi, Karen, Kevin, Mike, Dorie and Lisa for all their help over the past couple of weekends. I hated not being able to help with the painting and everyone was awesome in giving up their weekends to help me out. The room is yellow and burgundy and I can't wait to finish decorating.

Mike and Kevin carried the new dresser up the three flights of stairs (yes, the stairs are horrible). I can now start moving clothes from the closet into the dresser and start setting up the room. I still need to get new window treatments, though. The blinds have been there since before I moved in and they are pretty disgusting.

I'm about to start on the next baby knitting project: a lace type covering for the bassinet. When I was born my mom's friend gave her a wicker bassinet (so it's over 37 years old). Unfortunately, she was killed in a plane crash shortly after that. My dad is building a rocker and a new custom mattress has been purchased. Now, I just need to figure out how to knit the 'shawl'. I really hope it works out.

That's about all I have time for today!

Baby sweater

Just finished the baby sweater! It looks better than I hoped.


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Fug Girls and the Next Harrison

I couldn't resist reposting this! As many of you know I LOVE Harrison Ford. Han and Indy? Hello? The fug girls have a slideshow up about who Hollywood thinks will be the new 'it' guys. I loved this post about Chris Pine being the new Harrison (the comment on the whip did it for me).

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/04/fug_girls_slideshow.html#photo=3

Mini Strikes Again

Just when I thought my finances were in order my car has a service need. I knew there would be a service required in July and that it would not be easy on my finances, but I didn't realize that I would also have to replace the brakes right now. I guess it's better that the brakes went before I was on mat leave. Who knows how I would pay for these things when I'm not working. I love my car, but the Mini is so expensive to service.

They weren't sure they would be able to do the brakes today (the red light came on this morning while I was driving to work) but once I played the pregnancy card they said they could do it today. The last time I had a red warning light my transmission had gone on my first mini and I had to buy a new car. So, the red light freaked me out.

I've also been having problems with the drivers side window. It takes 5 or 6 attempts to get the window to stay closed. Apparently, this is a known issue with the minis (as the service guy knew exactly what I was talking about). They can't fix that today (well, they could but I don't have time to wait around for that). I really hope that one is under warranty. My car is not even two years old so I'll be really annoyed if I have to pay for that one.

Ah the joys of owning a BMW / Mini. I love my car, but I do not love how much it costs.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

This year is a little different for me on the St. Paddy's Day front. Normally, I take the day off work, get a group of friends together to hit Failte (Irish pub in Mississauga) for an entire day of drinking green beer. This year there will be no beer for me. I'm half way through my pregnancy and alcohol is frowned upon. But, I must say I am tempted to have some Guinness today (but won't).

So, for all my friends who are partaking this year - please have a green beer (if possible from the Guinness family) for me!

Lost Boy

Very sad news today about Corey Haim. I definitely had a multitude of Corey posters on my wall in high school. Silver Bullet was one of my favourite movies (plus it was Stephen King) and then the lost boys may have started my love of the vampire genre.

It's sad that all the news is mostly about his drug use. I'll remember him for how much I loved his movies (and how I watched them over and over again).


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Canada Vs. Russia Here I Come

That's right I'm heading to the Canada / Russia Olympic men's hockey game! J and J and I ended up with a set of quarter final tickets in our olympic package and it turns out to be this game! Now my brother thinks I should sell my ticket and make a ton of money (which I probably could), but I didn't come out here to sell all my tickets.

I ended up not going to the victory ceremony last night (even though I had a ticket). The first one I went to was fine and I'm glad I went, but I didn't feel the need to go again. Megan's friend was in town for the olympics and didn't have tickets to anything so I gave her my ticket so that should could experience some of the olympic fever first hand. Now, I did not realize at the time that Canada would win gold yesterday in Ski Cross and that I would miss the raising of the Canadian flag and a stadium singing our anthem. Instead I was with my brother's family and was giving my niece a bath. I guess I really am pregnant because I'm not all that upset about missing the victory ceremony.

Tomorrow is the gold medal women's game: US vs. Canada and that's what I'm really looking forward to.

Vancouver has been alot of fun, but I am looking forward to getting home and seeing my babies (apparently I did not leave them enough food - thanks Christi you are the best!!!). Of course, I'm not looking forward to going back to work. It's been really nice to have this time off and just relax.

Men's aerials was definitely a highlight this week. Excellent commentary throughout the event. The best of all the events, I'd say. It was really cold, though. After over a week of beautiful weather out here in Vancouver the temp started to drop. We were sitting on metal benches and they were chilly! We were supposed to be going to women's aerials tonight, but we'll be at the hockey game instead.

We've seen a ton of curling. I believe we've been over there 4 times and still have the bronze medal women's match to attend. My favourite part of the games has been at curling - Norway's Pants! (pics to follow)

Gotta go to the game!

Speed Skating, etc.

After the Whistler event, we had to rush to get to speed-skating back in Vancouver. The bus driver turned on the air conditioning half way back to the city and it was soooo cold on the bus. A ferry ride and another bus got us to the Pacific Coliseum. I will not say the bus got us close. I'm really surprised by how far away the buses are from the actual doors we can get in to the events. The buses were not stopping at the stop near the entrance to the venue so we had quite a bit of a walk to get to security and then another walk to get to the doors. So far, UBC Thunderbird arena probably has the best seating (ie enough room to not feel squished).

We missed the first event of speed skating, but did get to see 500 m women's short track and Canada won silver. We also saw the men's relay semi-finals and the men's 1000 m heats. Very exciting with lots of crashes, false starts and disqualifications. There was some stupid guy in the stands who kept yelling after the racers went to the start (even with all the notices to be quiet at the start of the race). The entire place starting shhsh'ing him. If you ever get a chance go see some short track speedskating live.

Yesterday I had a day off due to my snowboarding half-pipe tickets being cancelled. Apparently the conditions for standing room were dangerous. So, Jason still had the day off (since he was going to go with me) and we headed to the aquarium. Fiona loves the fish. We saw the sea otter (my fav) and the beluga whale show.

A nice relaxing day and a gorgeous day. We are having beautiful weather here in Vancouver and Megan, Fiona and I are about to head out for a walk while the sun is still out.

Tonight: my first men's hockey game. Norway vs. Germany.

Not green

I'm up at whistler for cross country and found out that the only way to get water up here is to buy bottled. Green olympics my ass. If you aren't going to give me an environmental option don't make me dump out my water before I come into the venue. Really not all that impressed. Not enjoying this event at all - plus the guy on the jumbotron is a moron.

It is gorgeous up here, though. Actual snow at an Olympic event.


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Vancouver update

Van is awesome! But finding it very difficult to leave the house to get to my Olympic events because my niece is way too cute. I'm already dreading the day I fly home to Toronto.

Womens hockey has been awesome so far. Curling was very exciting this morning. Canada goes to an extra end and makes an awesome shot. Everyone was on their feet! Icing on the cake - Germany beats the US.


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First event

Tonight was our first olympic event - womens hockey, Russia vs Finland. Very exciting game, lots of checking, lots of crazy shots on net. Most of us were cheering for the underdog Russians. But it was very hard sometimes as they played very poorly. Their goalie was phenomenal, though! The offense hung back at the blue line, no one went to the net.

After the game we went out for some dinner and the restaurant was showing the NBC feed instead of a Canadian feed so we didn't get to see the gold medal mogul run. But we were certainly cheering during the hockey game when we heard the curse was broken.

Now I'm stuck on a bus heading back to my brothers. The US VP (Biden) just drove by and so no one could drive down the street and the bus isn't allowed to make any of it's regular stops for a couple of blocks.

I'm very much looking forward to bed. Tomorrow more hockey - womens: Sweden vs Slovakia.


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Vancouver update

Julia, Jana and I flew into van yesterday to begin our Olympic odyssey. The flight was great. I had 3 seats to my self and was able to take full advantage of westjets live tv. I had tsn and ctv Olympic coverage going on my TVs and was watching luge, ski jumping, hockey and speed skating (and checking out the protest every so often).

My brother met us at the airport which was awesome. The trains packed up pretty good before we got to our stop. Elevators were handy with all our stuff.

Jason and I walked around and got some food and then headed back to his place. Everyone looks good and Fiona is crazy energy girl. She loves to climb so we spent alot of time climbing up and off the bed (well she climbed and I laid on the bed). She's still super cute.

I fell asleep during womens moguls but woke up in time to see Canada win silver. Then off to bed for some much needed sleep. I was up until 4:30 am before my flight getting work done and up at 7am the day of our flight. Hopefully I'm all rested up and can now get into full Olympic mode and keep up with Fiona.


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Double entries

So I don't update for forever and now i'm duplicating entries. Slight technical difficulties with the iPhone.

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Baby update

Well it's not so much an update as it is the first post on the baby. I found out I was pregnant a couple of months ago but haven't posted because i was so crazy tired. The second attempt at donor insemination worked. Which is really lucky as it can take years of trying.

It was interesting and weird to pick out a donor on line. But with much help from family and friends I finally picked one and starting in July we'll see how I did.

Crazy tired and nauseous for the first three months. now I'm tired because work is insane. I definitely have a belly going on and can no longer fit in my old clothes. Thanks to friends I have lots of new clothes to choose from.

The ultrasounds have all gone well and I've heard the heartbeat and seen the babys hands.

Expected due date: I'm going with the last week in July. As every doctor gives a different date.

I'm hoping to be more regular in my update now, but who am I kidding?

Baby update

Well it's not so much an update as it is the first post on the baby. I found out I was pregnant a couple of months ago but haven't posted because i was so crazy tired. The second attempt at donor insemination worked. Which is really lucky as it can take years of trying.

It was interesting and weird to pick out a donor on line. But with much help from family and friends I finally picked one and starting in July we'll see how I did.

Crazy tired and nauseous for the first three months. now I'm tired because work is insane. I definitely have a belly going on and can no longer fit in my old clothes. Thanks to friends I have lots of new clothes to choose from.

The ultrasounds have all gone well and I've heard the heartbeat and seen the babys hands.

Expected due date: I'm going with the last week in July. As every doctor gives a different date.

I'm hoping to be more regular in my update now, but who am I kidding?

Olympic Fever

Well, it's been awhile but I'm going to try to update the blog throughout the Olympics. We head out in a couple of days and I can't wait to see my brother! I've gone a little crazy on the Olympic gear and can't wait for our first event (Sunday).