Some Family Tidbits

The kids are finally tucked nicely into their beds and the house is a little too quiet. I'm looking forward to this extra long weekend. Emily and Carter have Friday and Monday off school which is so nice. I'm really wanting a lot of family time in before life gets too too busy with another baby. Tonight was lovely, Justin sat between the older two and read to them as I rested on the other couch with Cohen (yes he actually laid down woohoo) and we all just listened.

I'm almost 33 weeks and I'm feeling very very blessed to be hitting this milestone in my pregnancy. As my pregnancies aren't always easy every day is a celebration with this little one cuddled in my belly. I am feeling rather done though. I have a feeling once this stitch is out so will our little Brady.

I started laughing uncontrollably today and then crying and then moving to utter frustration back to laughing because I pulled out YET ANOTHER pair of maternity pant that I have grown out of. WAY TOOOOOOO EARLY. So yes aside from loving the pregnancy and this baby and being happy most of the time. I am sick of feeling super fat and puffy and gassy. That part I am looking forward to getting under control and feeling healthy again and feeling energetic.

Aside from the pregnancy every one is doing awesome. Cohen is teething again and is getting sick but we kind of expected it especially since it looks like his eye teeth are trying to come through - up down up down up down. But he's happy and playful and trouble as always. He is learning so many new words and phrases it's so funny. The best phrase at this time is wada did i do? (what did i do) and his biggest word as of yet is Accident however it came out assident. He through his bottle at the blinds and said "wada did i do oooooooH....sss assident"

Carter is going through a growth spurt right now. It is such a nice change because he isn't an overly big eater and right now he is eating NON stop. He is learning so much in school. Everything about his teacher I absolutely LOVE! She is so into the kids and so fun I really wish he would have spent an entire year with her. He is coming home knowing about archaelogy and paleontologists. which is good for Carter as I surprised the kids with tickets to Walking with Dinosaurs for next thursday. After Carter is learning all about these ginormous things it will be worth every second of it.

Emily is also rather excited about the dinosaur show, a night out with her dad and Carter. Cohen and I will be home eating popcorn twists and watching veggie tales :) She's so funny, she is so stuck on the idea of becoming a celebrity like Hannah Montana. So the other day she was doing the grades in skipping and she made it to college and passed and said now I have my degree to be a celebrity. If only it was that easy. A week ago her class attended a literacy conference at the university and it really triggered a passion for writing. She's always wrote songs and poems but now she is inspired to write children's short stories. And they are soo good and extremely hillarious.

Justin is keeping busy as always. He is absolutely loving his new job and I love his job. He is sooo happy every day. He's never been stressed or tired or sick of any bit of his work which is pretty righteous!! He's also working on his book and he was just notified by his publisher that his other two book ideas have been approved and the contracts are being drawn up. Triple sweet. But what I love and truly admire the most is that he doesn't miss one ounce of family time and he manages to get most of the housework done before I even notice there is housework to do. I'm feeling very thankful for that. I mean he JUST gets it.

Well American Ido is on and I think I've babbled on long enough.
Till next time :0)

Oy Vay....what next?

Today started off as a beautiful fun Happy Mother's Day. The kids presented me with some sweet gifts they made at school. Emily even had Cohen draw me a picture. I got the book I've been wanting and some beautiful stepping stones. My sister has been here all weekend and she prepared a Mothers Day lunch and my parents came over along with one of my brothers and my nephew. A great day of playing outside and laughing and just family fun.



Around 4 Justin took me to the walk in clinic because my arm was looking and feeling worse. See when I was in the hospital just recently I had an IV in my arm, when they took it out it was bruised as it usually gets....nothing out of the ordinary. Until the other day I hit my arm on a doorknob and then the next day the soreness went from the IV area (where I hit it) to the side of my wrist and became swollen and what not. It was getting worse so I thought hmmm maybe a hairline fracture or something but it was weird because I didn't even bump that spot. So I get to the dr. and she says I have a blood clot. Asked me some questions and because of my shortness of breath, my crazy elavated heart rate and the soreness in my leg from all the charlie horses and my blood clotting disorder I was rushed to the hospital. My parents met us back at the house to watch the children and Justin and I were off to meet the doctor.


So we get to the ER and go straight up to the Mat ward. The doctors and nurses were super quick and on the ball with me. The doctor was really worried I had a blood clot in my lung. I have never been so scared in my entire life. I had my blood work, then another nurse came in and I had an ECG done then another nurse came in a put in another IV and then the porter came in and took me for a CT scan. When the results came back the doctor was happy to announce I had no clot in my lung. However I do have a clot in my wrist but not a deep vein clot. The doctors are going to keep a close eye on it and make sure it doesn't get any worse.

Now 3rd time around is a charm, so next time I'm in the hospital I hope it is to have the baby....at the right time!!

The joys of being in my final weeks of pregnancy. I'm completely uncomfortable, achy, crampy and super duper tired. However on the flip side everything makes me giggle and I've stayed super happy and giddy even being so physically drained.

Today I fell asleep in the playroom sitting upright playing blocks with the boys. I woke up with Carter screaming "cock a doodle doo" in my ear and Cohen launching cars off my belly.

I had to take Emmy for her Ortho work and I parked in a spot I was sure to have enough room, right beside a Handicap slot. So after the appointment we go back to the van and a car decided to park super close to us. Not good. I open up my door and try to get in and get stuck inbetween with just the tip of my belly. Too big. Couldn't even squeeze in. I couldn't climb through either because I don't fit between the seats. So I waited for a little bit and no one was coming so I went back into the Dentist's office and asked the receptionist if she could help me move my van. She was so nice and helpful and did just that so we were able to leave!!!

....AND THE CRAVINGS. Oh man. Every thing I drive by I want to eat. But then as soon as i see the next restaurant or grocery store I think of something else. I went from wanting candy - deep fried mars bar - mr. sub - subway - wings - verns pizza - quizno's- finally settling on quizno's to only get turkey ranch and a turkey mequite and sunchips and dorito's and then I couldn't decide if i wanted soup or cookies. Oh the poor lady that was serving us. Bless her patience. Luckily Justin ate one of the subs and the kids got some too of course.



Oh we went for our 32 wk ultrasound on Tuesday and we were able to see what our baby was up to in Tummy Land. HE is sooooooooooooo cute!!! Pudgy cheeks, fat legs, big belly. I love it. He looks so healthy and happy. YES that's right ANOTHER BOY!!!! Our little Brady Seitz. We're still working on the full name and the spelling and what not. It was so funny....so the ultrasound tech didn't waste anytime and scanned right to the genitals and WHOA it was no wondering it was right there like a softball . Justin asked him to take the zoom down a notch....except it wasn't on zoom. Emily was a little upset because she wants a sister so bad but she was also happy that she is going to be daddy's little girl forever and not share that special bond. And we bought her the plaid shorts she's been wanting. This age group clothes fixes everything.



Well I better get back to work . Now that Justin's friend revived our old hard drive we have all our photo's from BC and I had taken tons of photo's of our old place so I have to get everything printed off and sent in our evidence package for our case that we're taking0 to arbitration. It's exciting, a lot of work but it's all good!!

Home Sweet Home

Thank you for all the kind notes and thoughts and prayers and the help we have received has been awesome.

It all started a few weeks ago with a lot of cramping. I've been watching it and checking in with the doctor but she said if it gets worse go in to the hospital if it's after office hours. Well Monday the cramping was bad and I was getting this intense burning sensation in my stomach and around my scar from previous surgeries. So off I went...

We get to the hospital and I got examined right away to find that I was/am 1cm dilated. My cerclage is still in place which is good it's started to dilate so we have to watch that. Then the burning was getting worse and the dr's were concerned that either my placenta was starting to tear or my scar was going to open. So I was put on the fetal monitor and the baby's heartbeat was really low, it was beating at about 103-109 consistently. So in case they were going to have to deliver the baby early they started me on the steroid shots. I had one that night and had to stay in until I could get another shot in 24 hrs. But in the meantime weird things were happening. The baby's heartbeat wasn't going up yet not in serious trouble either. The pain was getting worse and my blood results and urine tests were coming back all funky. I was on an IV drip the whole time and drinking and eating so I was getting more than enough fluids yet tests showed I was really dehydrated and had large amounts of glucose showing up. My white cell count was high and my potassium was low and my blood sugar levels were high. My blood pressure would go from normal to low. I had this weird pain in my wrists, arms and calves as if I had an 14 hour charlie horse brewing. So weird and painful and no one knows why, I got really pale and weak and puffy. But after about 14hrs that started to settle So no one knew what was going on. It was all a mystery.

I had an ultrasound and everything looked good on that. That confirmed that my placenta was fine and so was my scar. But the doctors weren't sure if things were in the process of going sideways. So I was monitored pretty closely. Also the estimated baby weight was already 4lbs 10 oz which was a good thing in case the baby was born a little early.

So today I was still having the pain and the nurses couldn't track down my original glucose results and they wanted to keep me in for observation another night and just keep up with pain meds but I couldn't. I needed to be home so bad. I would have stayed in but I have a prenatal and ultrasound booked for Tuesday and with Justin being at home and being at my beck and call I thought I could do it. He was having trouble surviving at home with the kids without me. The kids were getting so scared and wondering if I was ever coming home. So I thought I can relax and rest in the comfort of my own home unless it gets even worse. I needed to have a nice bath in my jacuzzi and lay in my bed and just look at my husband and kids when I want to. So far I'm feeling not too bad. Tender and sore but relieved to be home.

So far what the doctors are going on is because I have so much scar tissue/adhesions from previous surgeries that because this baby is so big and I'm getting so big, with all the stretching happening it is stretching and pulling on the scar tissue. Painful and not fun but over with soon. I have a few more weeks and this baby can come. I just hope it stays in a few more weeks!!

Well my comfy bed is making me sleepy so I should turn out the lights and call it a night.

Thanks again everyone for your care and concern and prayers and messages and help we couldnt have done it without you!!
Blessings and
Love Carissa

Whose Belly is Bigger????

I was going through some photo's Justin uploaded for me and I came across this picture he took of me and my dad at Easter time. One of my favorite pictures right now.

I was about 25/26 wks in this photo and my dad well.... ;0)

"i boogie"

Cohen entertained my grandparents last weekend by picking his nose. His new thrill. As you can tell everyone else was quite entertained by his new discovery.

A Great Day...and many more to follow!!

Today Emily came home from school happy. Kids are starting to approach her and want to be her friend. She has been apologized to by some kids and they said they were mean because they had to be but they don't want to be anymore. Later on in the day the bigger bully approached Emily and Em smiled and said Hi and to Em's surprise she said...."so do you want to be friends". I guess she got in a bunch of trouble for bullying and she is not only just being nice to Emily but to other girls as well. Emily is just happy to finally have some friends and not be so alone anymore. She said she isn't quite ready to be friends with the bully but she is going to keep being nice and see how things go and who knows. This little girl is still so young and I believe she can change and be sweet, no person truly wants to be mean.

Update

Justin and I decided that as much as we wanted to just grab our child and protect her and haul her out of school and scream at the children that were bullying and whatever else ran through our minds we didn't. Instead we taught her how to handle the situation in a mature manner and not stoop down to the level of the bully. Be kind, be nice as much as it kills to do it do it. Stay clear as best as you can and talk about it. But not continue to talk about it so negatively and look for more positive things than just the meanness and bullying.

Friday I went in and talked to the principal and he was great. He was welcoming and understanding and ready to take actions into his own hands. He talked to Emily privately and talked to the bully privately and each little girl the bully's social circle. Hopefully it works. Of course the day of the bully continued to go after Emily calling her a liar and just harrassed her non stop but hopefully (fingers crossed) it will die down. Emily feels a bit stronger. Two girls approached her and ate with her and wanted to be with her at recess and while I was at the school spying (openly I might add) I got to meet the girls and they are SOOO nice. They are just your average little 9 year old. Kind, they don't care about what they wear and just act like kids should act.

I have a lot of hope that this coming week of school is going to be so much better on Emily. Now that she has a couple other girls to hang out with she won't be so alone. We've been praying and teaching her and loving her and just uplifting her as much as possible and looking at all that is happy and great instead of all this yucky bad stuff. It's working and even Emily is looking forward to a better week of school.

Thank you everyone for your support and kind words and prayers. It means so much. As a parent it is just heartwrenching to go through this with your child. I mean all you want is your kids to be happy and have fun. Dropping Emily off at school knowing she was going to be standing alone leaning against the side of the wall getting picked on is just so horrifying. This week I think she'll finally be able to just play and have fun and enjoy school a little more and more each day. Thank God!!...and thank you!!!!!

Heartbroken

I just walked into my daughter's room and tucked her in and stood over her for a moment to watch her sleep and lay in her bed holding her monkey. As I write this blog I'm stumped, I'm unsure of what to do as a parent. My little girl's heart is broken and me and Justin feel broken for her.

The transition into her new school has been difficult. First day was great, she loved every minute of it. Everyone wanted to know her and sit with her and play with her at recess. The next day it was just one girl that went back to her and that little girl is becoming a good friend to Emily but right now she is away and won't be back for a week. Even though the bullying started before her friend left it didn't feel as bad because she still had someone to play with. Now she is left standing alone on the side of the school wall.

Her friend Kassidy was friends with another girl who was a little on the mean side and when Emily came along Kassidy latched onto Em which was great. But jealousy took over the other little girl and she decided to let Emily know how she feels about her new friendship with "her" friend. She called Kassidy's house and left a rude message on her parents answering machine about how she hates her now that she is with Emily. She told all the girls at school that Emily stole Kassidy from her. It's so dumb.

There is a popular ring of grade 4 girls already. The ring leader could be compared to Rachel Witchburn on "Sydney White" Total little brat. If you aren't her friend she torments you and if you try sticking up to her she torments you. The other day Emily was standing alone watching the girls play and a girl said Emily help...what Emily didn't know is that one of the other girls names is Emily. Emily said sorry I don't know what you want me to do. They turned around and said they weren't talking to her and called her a "freak". Today the same little stinker approached Emily and asked if she new where another little girl was, Emily said no and she said I thought so because why would you know where she is when you stole her best friend, new girls should have NO FRIENDS!. Emily didn't say anything back, instead she just stood there all alone and just felt sick to her stomach. Emily talked to us about what's been going on today after school and told us that the same girl called her a "whore". But she didn't want to say anything because she is worried we are going to go back and tell the teacher and she doesn't want to be any more embarrassed than she already is.

I was waiting with Emily before school started and a different little girl comes up to her and says..."like why do you wear that same jacket like every day, i mean it's a cool jacket but like you wear it everyday". It then clicked why Emily was going through 3 or more outfits a morning before she knew what to wear. We sat her down and had a heart to heart to her about what is important in life and to our amazement this morning she was wearing her sweatpants and a bunnyhug and said I'm going to school like this, I don't care what they say, I feel comfy. Justin was so happy and said ok then can I come to school with you and we'll go comfy together and shock everyone. So Justin went in his reindeer pants and Emily in her sweatpants. I wish that feeling would have lasted forever for her but it didn't :(. Justin gave her his photo ID to carry around with her so that if she got to sad she had a piece of him with her. When we picked her up from school she still held the card in her hand.

I wish we could protect her and go to school with her every moment. I would really like to tell those kids where to go but that's not teaching Emily the right thing. We keep talking to Emily and helping boost her confidence in herself but it doesn't seem to be working. We are trying to tell her she's better than the kids and not to fight back and stoop to their level but when is enough ENOUGH!! Do we wait it out and hope it gets better. I've already gone in and talked to the teachers and they were so good about it and helpful and had some good ideas but I understand there is so much a teacher can do with so many kids. And these kids are smart and do it when the teacher is not around. Do we approach the parents and talk about it, do we let it ride itself out, do we switch schools to only encounter the same issue there or take the chance that it's not? I'm stuck, Justin's stuck. We know that we can't watch her go through this much longer. Our 9 yr old should not be in such a hurtful situation like this.

??

3rd Trimester, I completely forgot how far along I am. It's crazy. I was at the doctor yesterday and she said my section has already been booked...ahhhhhh where has this pregnancy gone. 2 months oh my. I'm not unpacked or anything, Nesting is in high gear now!!!!!

I'm Sorry....Say that again???

So today I stopped at the Ticketmaster kiosk to buy some "Walking with Dinosaurs" tickets and for starters so indecisive I didn't know what day, what time, how many tickets ughh the indecisiveness is crazeeeee!!!!
Then it gets even more embarrassing.

Lady behind counter : "what is your name"
Me: " uhh McNaught"
Lady: "McNaught is your name"
Me: phff sorry hahaha my name was McNaught my name is Carissa last name Seitz.
Lady: Spell that please
Me: Oh lord (hum and hah)

TOTAL BRAIN FART!!!!!!!!

Uffffff

Bumper Belly

The belly is officially getting in the way. I bend over, I topple over, I set the table and bump the kids in the head, I get stuck, I get stuck in doorways. We had family over for Easter and my dad and I tried getting through the doorway at the same time, his belly + my belly = both us getting stuck and having a good laugh!!! It's all fun. I love this stage of pregnancy. I love the belly and I miss it sooooo much when it is gone and turns into a ball of flab but at least we are rewarded and gifted and priveliged to have such a beautiful baby. I'm getting more and more excited. I love being around stores other than Walmart (I HAVE MY CONSIGNMENT STORES BACK YAY AND DISCOVERED AND NEW COOL ONE!!) I see my new specialist on Tuesday and hopefully soon we will find out what our little one is so we can plan a little more.

The children had their first week of school and LOVED every minute of it. The school is great. They have caught up already and are working on some pretty cool projects. 620 kids versus 100 kids was a big change for them it's been fun fun fun. Today there is no school due to a water main break.

We've all been sick...still. Ugh I am desperate for this dumb cold to leave our home finally it's been lingering since we moved. Cohen is still not any better, mind you he's playful but he's got a gross cough and runny nose and his molars aren't quite out yet. I think once the molars break through completely he'll get some rest. Justin had to have emergency oral surgery. His wisdom tooth was causing a bad infection in his mouth and making a mess so he had it taken out yesterday but it was growing sideways so they had to cut and drill and ugh it's gross...stitches and everything. Poor guy is on so many drugs to help with the infection and pain and nothing is working.

Oh and breaking news....FOUND OUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. I had to transfer my license over and went back to McNaught, they wouldn't let me be a Seitz because I didn't have my certificate. So now that I found it I have to get so many things changed over. I was so worried I lost it or forgot to pack it or something but Justin to the rescue found it in my cards keepsake box. I'm excited to get everything changed over. Our health cards, bank accounts, driver's license, dr. files. etc...

So now that we are somewhat settled we have to start dealing with issues that have arisen back in the Okanagan. Our old landlord is pulling a fast one on us and being quite snakey which is soooo UNCOOL!!!!!! We did a lot for that guy, we took care of the home as if it was our own, we brought his yard back to a YARD, we never fussed with his lack of repair or broken promises, our fridge broke down a week before we moved and defrosted all our food, stressed him out we just let it be, put our food in a mini fridge and said we could live without it if it was going to be a hassle to get a new one in. So what happens is this...

Our moving van was scheduled to come on the 10th a Monday when he had to work so he thought it would be best to come on the 9th keeping in mind that our stuff will still be in the house but the walkthrough was needed. He confirmed with us about 12 times via phone and email and everytime we said yes we'll be there for you. He shows up with a painter and some friends and their child. Justin was waiting the whole time to do the walkthrough and he comes out to shake Justin's hand and ask for our address to mail us our rent refund and our damage deposit. So a couple days later I find out the postal code and what not and email it to him for him to say that he won't send anything back UNTIL he walks through it next time he's in the village. Uhhhh ILLEGAL. You can't redo a walkthrough with the tenants being gone. We've looked into EVERYTHING with the rentalsman and that was wrong wrong wrong of him to do. How it works is he has to tell us right then and there what is wrong with the place and the portion of the deposit that he wants to keep and if we don't agree we take it to arbitration but he only has 15 days from the time that we provide him with our written mailing address or our deposit gets doubles. Well lets just say it's April 4th, I gave him our address March 12th. So far I have only received my post dated chq's and two days ago I received a check for the rental portion he promised to return to us. No deposit but he left us a note with the rent chq stating he will see the house in a week and take it from there. No go buddy, so we're filing. What a kick in the rear to us though. We were so patient and understanding with him, never made stink about nothing and always gave him rent and fixed small things ourselves and he pulls this. It's insulting and disappointing. We don't even want to fight about it we just want what is rightfully ours returned and be done with it....no drama. It's not that easy dealing with it from another province either and who knows maybe that is why he is doing this because he knows we don't have the time to pursue it. But we will anyways especially now that the amount gets doubled.

Well I think I've babbled on enough with this blog. I'm procrastinating the errands a little oops....note to self - - get butt in gear...

25 wks

OOoooooh do I feel huge. I don't even think my belly or my rear will fit on the camera. Other than that so far so good. YAY!! I still haven't had to go on bedrest which is super awesome and I can definitely live with hormonal flairs, crazy heartburn and a little wild flatulence as long as that bedrest stays away.

I had my first prenatal in Saskatoon and I'm going back to a specialist I really liked so I'm feeling pretty fortunate to have her back and have her do my c-section. I was a little apprehensive about switching doctors in the middle of the pregnancy but all will work out quite nicely.

It's getting funny for the kids now because mommy can't move as fast and I get short winded when they need a talking too and I have started getting stuck in parking stalls between the door and the next car and the dining room chair and the wall which they find that just hillarious. Me not so much :0))

Oh and must I add....SASKATOON ASIAN SPRING ROLLS Ahhhhhhh
I'm so happy to be home. I'm going to eat there tomorrow and I'm going to order some for take home. I love it!!

As soon as I unpack my camera cables I'll be sure to upload some photo's.

Bibbity bobbity boooo....

Nope didn't work. The boxes are still here :0)
Actually it's not that bad. Justin's dad drove in and helped us pack and put stuff together. My dad helped with our bedroom, my mom was over today helping me do some cleaning and unpacking. Because we've been in this moving process for so long now I'm just sooooo anxious for it to be all finally settled and not a box in site. We are having fun with the new house though and even though we haven't been able to see too many people yet in Saskatoon we LOVE being back. We had the funnest silliest time at the grocery store it was just awesome. Justin can't stop doing the happy dance which is pretty entertaining. The kids are still missing their friends in Naramata but I'm sure once we get them set up at a school they will feel a little more settled themselves. They need their routine back and it's been temporarily broken. Poor Cohen is just beside himself in agony the poor baby is cutting 4 molars all at the same time. Each 1/4 the way through. He's had it pretty easy in the teething department until now but hopefully he can get some rest soon.

This weekend will be our first big family get together in ages. We are having everyone over for and Easter/triple birthday combo celebration. Easter Sunday dinner followed by Happy Birthday's to my sister Jenna, my awesome husband and my dad who's turning the BIG 50!!! I can't wait.

Well I best be getting back to it. Hopefully I can get organized soon and post lots of photo's.
Toodles....

We're here and waiting....

Well we have had quite the exciting adventure. We packed up and moved from Naramata, I love love absolutely love that place and I'm so glad our family experience the village life there, but it was time to move home with baby #4 on the way. Emily and Carter had a hard time leaving their friends and Gramma but we plan to keep in touch. Emily was able to make a wonderful memory with her BFF Maddy, they performed in a talent show and sang Hannah Montana's "True Friend". It was awesome and a huge accomplishment for the girls.

Saturday the 8th we flew to Edmonton to spend some time with my Jenna and Justin. We went to Chuck E. Cheese. We are so going back too. West Ed was fun so much fun. The kids got to go on a bit of a shopping spree and Build A Bear and splurge at the Disney store. We also saw the underwater sea creatures and the kids were able to touch sting ray. It was a good way to keep their mind off leaving the friends and not being around their dad.

Justin arrived on Tuesday and Wednesday we headed for Saskatoon with a nice stop for lunch with Papa Harold. Mmmmm Dairy Queen. We got to Saskatoon and the kids got sick :0( along with everyone else. We're at my parents and trying to get organized and get settled. Hopefully the moving van gets here tomorrow!!! We are just anxious to get in the house and get settled and the kids are desperate for their toys. It feels so good to be back around family and hopefully we'll be able to catch up with some friends soon.

Oh it's supper better run....

Cohen

Yesterday was Cohen's 18 mth immunizations. All went well so we thought, usual swelling, pain and fussiness. We treated him like always with tylenol and lots of cuddles. This morning he woke up and I went to change him out of his jammies and his arm was so swollen his sleeve was tight. When I got his clothes off not only was he swollen from the his collar bone to his elbow, left side of chest and left side of back all the way to his shoulder blade, but from his elbow to his shoulder was completely red, hard, and hot. Because he had some swelling last time we new to report it first with the health nurse and find out exactly where we need to go from here. So we called in got some info super fast and they called our family doctor in which we were able to get in right away. I drove up there, he took one look was extremely concerned and got on the phone with emerg and a pediatrician. Off we went.

I got to the hospital quick because the pediatrician was meeting us right there....so I thought. 2 fricking hours later she finally arrived and said they emerg admitting said to wait because they had no rooms, we then proceeded into a room that was indeed vacant for the entire 2 hours. What came about his exam is that Cohen developed an infection a bad one that can only be treated through IV meds. So they proceeded and tried to put in an IV. Doctors, nurses on top of Cohen holding the poor guy down and they couldn't do it. They tried twice and stopped. Gave him some meds to make him sleepy but it did the reverse and made him super duper hyper, I mean he was literally jumping on the bed. So they tried again. TWO more hours and 5 more pokes with the IV needle they finally got it in. The doctor had to call in two male paramedics to help hold him down and because she couldn't put the IV in and her resident couldn't they retaught the paramedic how to do it. I was just blown away. I mean the guy said he hadn't done it in years and couldn't remember how to do it. He failed a few times and Cohen was bleeding and crying. I just wanted to take him and run. But finally it was over with. He was then given his first dose of antibiotics...

Now it is 10PM and Justin has taken Cohen back into emerg for his 2nd dose and tomorrow morning he will go in for his 3rd. In the mean time he has the IV all taped up on his little foot, hobbling around the house. After his 3rd dose tomorrow he will then be able to take the meds orally. Thank goodness!!!

I better go back and sit by the phone, hopefully everything goes smoothly for him tonight.

Remember Me?

Ooooooooh I gots it.
My husband came home with the brand new book from my favoritist author ever Sophie Kinsella.

S-A-T-U-R----DAY

Thanks Kristin for an super fun girls night last night. I had such a blast.

Kristin and I went and played BINGO, it was hillariously fun. It was $10 for 15 games and although we didn't win any money we had so much fun. Then appy's half price at the Pasta Factory. Mmmmm... they were so yummy. Our men had the children and when we got home everyone was well behaved and sleeping. It's so nice to return from an evening out to know that the kids were great.

There is a talent show being held at the local highschool and they were offering auditions from K-12 kids. Emily and her BFF Maddy had their hearts set on performing. They found a song, learned it to perfection and choreographed dance moves. It's awesome. At noon today they had their audition and it went great. Maddy's mom and I got the message from one of the judges before we left and they said they would make it so hopefully that stands true. Perfect timing, something for Em to remember always before we move away.

It breaks my heart though. I thought this move would be much more happier and I've been so sad to leave. It's been cry fest after cry fest. Our time in the Okanagan has been memorable and the people in the village will always be in our hearts. I feel like a big bad mom having to tear my kids away from their friends. Carter is starting to just accept it and doesn't really care, he'll miss his buds but Emily oh dear. Her and her lil hearthrob Riley. Riley has promised as soon as he can drive he is going to come and get Em from Saskatoon and take her up to the top of the mountain and give her her first kiss. They are just smitten with eachother. Riley carries around Em's valentine in his jacket pocket and wrote "I love Emily very much" under his hat. On Valentine's day he gave her a cool super hero card at school and then later that night dropped off a hand made card with a box of chocolates on our doorstop. Who knows maybe this little love story will last a lifetime. Too soon too tell of course they are only 9 but they just love eachother so much. Emily is very firm on how she acts around him, she tells me mom, guys don't like girls falling all over them so I just act cool especially around his friends. She never wants to embarrass him. But for the first time the other day at school the boys were playing basketball and Riley took a break and said guys I gotta go say hi to my girlfriend. Em was just shocked. We plan to keep these kids in contact and bring Em out to visit and hopefully we'll be able to meet up with them when they are in Calgary this summer.

Well again, I best get back to packing while Carter is at his friends birthday party. Till next time...

Private no more?

So the private thing is just thrown out the window. Easier for the readers that don't have a google account. Oh well my hacker husband will make sure no psycho's goof on my blog ;))

We have been so busy with the move that I've been neglecting photo's and blogging. I can't wait to be moved and be done with all this packing but I am going to really miss it here. I'm sad and worse the kids are just heartbroken.

I am flying to Edmonton with the children and we'll stay with my sister until Justin drives through. We leave on the 8th and we should be in Saskatoon on the 13th and hopefully all moved in on the 15th.

Well back to packing. . .

Carter sings
2...4...6...8...
Who do we appreciate
.......MEEE!!!!.......

Going Private

I've decided to go private with my blog. I did it a little too soon though without much notice so I've decided to wait until the end of the week to put it completely private. So if you would like to continue viewing it please send me your email on the comments section of the blog and I will make sure to add you.

Reason for doing so is there are a few too many creepo's out there I've discovered and I figure since I'm posting about my kids and what not it would be best. The last thing I want is someone from some other country whom I don't know checking out my profile same as within my own country.

Kicks of Joy

I'm 17 wks now and today I'm feeling a lot better. I went in for the Shirodkar stitch on Tuesday. It all went well, the doctor did an amazing job except I wasn't completely frozen by the spinal and I felt them cut and it just about shot me through the roof but I couldn't move my legs so I didn't get to far. After that it went fine. Normally I'm a nervous wreck and super scared. I was a little nervous and worried but I was alot calmer. The doctor that did the surgery has performed 2 others on me and I think that's why I felt so safe is I just trusted him so much. The after affects were a little different this time around, a lot more cramping and pain but I"ve been taking it easy and Justin has been helping with absolutely EVERYTHING which makes this recovery time that much easier.

After I had the surgery and was wheeled back to my room the nurse brought in the doplar to check on the baby. Justin and I waiting anxiously to hear the sweet sounds of our baby but nothing. She tried over and over and over and nothing. We started worrying because we've heard the heart beat on the doplar so many times but not this time. Luckily our doctor was in the next room and he rushed over to check with his portable ultrasound and there was our little baby with it's heart beating sweetly. He then checked the doplar and the thing was broken. Phewfffff. What a relief that was.

Since I've been home I've been feeling a lot of baby kicks and movements. I've been feeling little things here and for a couple weeks but they are stronger this week and Justin was able to feel some flutters ---- no they weren't gas bubbles either ;0)
The kicks are coming at the perfect time, it's always a little nerve wracking after surgery to wonder if the baby is ok and feeling the movements we know it is completely fine.
We are still unsure of the sex, when they checked on the ultrasound baby had it's legs closed and twisted so hopefully we'll find out in a week or so.

Well I best be going and resting some more.
Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers.

Nerves

I finally got over the silly hives and discovered it was from a Granny's turkey allergy. No more turkey for me that's for sure.

I finally felt rested and happy the ordeal was over and the pressure came on Friday night. Because I've had an incompetent cervix in the past I had stitches put in at 14wks. This pregnancy has been going so good and my cervix looked great so the doctor thought I might be able to get away with it. 2 wks ago I was measuring 3.81cm an yesterday only 2.09cm. Since the shortening happened in a short period of time I am booked in for my shirodkar stitch this afternoon. Better be safe than sorry.

When I had it with Carter and Cohen I was a nervous wreck and bawled the whole time. I was given a spinal but the doctors are opting to just knock me out this time around. Oh that would be wonderful. So for the next week I'm out of commission, lots of movies and books an sidoku and icecream lots of icecream. I'm so happy Justin is working from home now and that he's around to help with Cohen. I'll miss lifting the little man but hopefully it's just short term.

Off I go to pack up my gear for the waiting room.....

2008------sloooow down

I can't believe January is nearly over. I hope the rest of the year doesn't go as fast as the past few weeks have.

Justin accomplished his first week at home with productivity and peace. Not driving 3 extra hours a day has sure relieved a load off his shoulders and mine too. It is so nice having him home everyday for breakfast and coffee and dinner and early suppers.

We're still planning our move home. Somethings are going smoothly and others well are frustrating. We have decided to rent a home for the first little while. We were approved for a mortgage and we were so excited that we can buy our first home but we didn't want to try doing it long distance. This is something that needs to be experience with the kids and us walking through places with a realtor. The rental market however is so ridiculous. I can handle the increase of rental properties short term but what I can't handle is most places are half finished. No one is finishing their homes anymore. Finished home = more money but oh well something is sure to pop up soon. We don't anticipate finding a place until the beginning of february so we can have it bookef for March or April. I just want this part to speed up. I want to be in Saskatoon like yesterday...oh I'm craving the Keg, saskatoon asian, poverino's, samuraii. Jerry's icecream.

OH boy now my mouth is watering and I need food.....I'll post another time
what to eat ... what to eat...

The Blessed Things 2008 Brings

I can't believe Christmas is oooover. I'm so sad, we had such a great time this year I didn't want it to be over and technically in our house it isn't, I still have my tree and all my decorations up. But I do realize I need to take them down soon....ESPECIALLY SINCE I NEED TO START PACKING FOR
OUR
MOVE
HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So it all starts with this..
My husband has been working his butt off and it has finally paid off sooner than expected. I'm so proud of him and all his accomplishments and all we have to look forward to this year and the years after. He did this for our family and he always managed and continues to keep us his #1 while achieving his goals. The #1 Security/ hacking companies in the world offered Justin a job just before Christmas. It's amazing. He's still in shock. The craziest part is they only hire the best of the best in the world and he is now one of them. He officially starts this Monday and he gets to work remotely every day with the exception of speaking at conferences and what not. So because he is able to work remote we decided with all the stuff happening this year it would be best to move home.

We've always wanted to move home and now is our chance. We're so excited and we're so sad all at the same time. We live in an amazing village unlike no other and the people here have hearts of gold. I wish I could take the village with me and all it's ammenities but I can't. However this will be our vacation spot. We're sad to leave our friends and even sadder to have to leave ma behind :( My husband's mom is in a nursing home and because of her dementia and the outstanding place she is in we've been advised that it's best to keep her here where she feels at home. I still want to pack her up with us but I have to think what's best for her and we've had some memories we're going to cherish forever.

Our move date is March, whenever the movers can fit us in we go. So we are lining up a house and packing and preparing.... I can't wait to see all our friends and be with our family again.

Speaking of family, we had a very family holiday. Yesterday was our first empty nest day. First we had Justin's mom for Christmas Eve, then Justin's dad for Boxing week and his wife and his Aunt and Uncle and then my brother Nathan, sister Jenna and my brother in law Justin flew out for a week. We're not sure what to do without company anymore. Last night we just went to bed at 8.

The kids are doing wonderful. Cohen has new tricks up his sleeve everyday. Carter is keeping us entertained with his current defiance stage and Emily poor thing is becoming black and blue with all her falls but she is good and "in love".

Here is a bit of a heartbreaking yet heartwarming story.
Our sweet Emily has taken the breath away of our little neighbour boy. He just loves her and has for quite some time now. Christmas Day he brought her over a little gift...an ornament and a card with the words of thanks and I love you and you're my girlfriend. So sweet. She felt bad because we're moving and so after he left she called him on the phone and broke the news. :0( He told her that's ok, because one day he's going to find her and marry her. We talked to his mom and she said he's been crying every night and he's so torn that she is moving. And when she tells him to think happy thoughts he says it's worse. They are going to miss eachother so much but maybe one day he will find her like he says. I mean it really is only 9 years away. Justin and I were almost ready to just cancel the move, it broke our hearts that we were breaking theirs.

For Christmas we got a new camera, it's super sweet and I've been having too much fun with it. So much that I've taken almost 200 photo's already. I'll have to upload them all soon. IN the mean time here are a few from Christmas that Justin tested out. Enjoy and more will soon come :)

Blessing to you all this 2008!!!!

Carter being silly as always!!

Emily thrilled about all her new Hannah Montana stuff!!

Cohen's new camera pose...say cheese Cohen.............Cheeeeee

Santa Morning!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I"m not sure who is excited more me and Justin or the kids. We've decided we can't wait anymore so we're letting the kids open all their presents today with Grandma and tomorrow they can enjoy their Santa gifts. I'm going to make a yummy mommy meal tonight in hopes to fill my children's belly's and have them in bed somewhat early because I know tomorrow they will be wide awake at 5 AM.

Tomorrow we're having a special Christmas dinner with a wonderful family in town and then Boxing Day... Papa Harold arrives. New Years Aunti Jenna, Uncle Justin and Uncle Nathan get to come visit for a week. Then we'll take a trip up to Apex and let the kids go tubing down the mountains.

Yesterday we had some snow, enough for some tobogganing so if it decides to stick around for the day and not melt we might get a chance to use our sleds.

Enjoy the holidays everyone, we miss you!!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

Our Christmas present came a little early this year. Last night we had a bit of a scare. I was having some severe sharp pains in my side and because of all our previous pregnancy troubles we thought we better get to the hospital. The doctor on call was a complete ass and that is an understatement. A total mean uncompassionate heartless man. First of all he didn't believe my pain was coming from where I said it was then he sends in a nurse with a doplar and because she couldn't find a heartbeat he says, well if your bodyis preparing for miscarriage there isn't anything I can do for you. So go home and come back tomorrow for an ultrasound. I said I wanted an ultrasound right then and there with their portable machine and he continued to fight me on it until I told him that if he didn't wheel in the machine I would do it myself and that I wasn't leaving the hospital until he could tell me my baby was alive or not. So afer he storms out of my room whipping the curtains he sends another nurse in to try and get me to leave the hospital because they needed my bed. FORGET IT!!! Then another nurse comes in...one who heard what was going on from outside the curtain and she said if they didn't do the ultrasound she would do it herself. Finally the doctor comes back in and does the ultrasound not really knowing what he's doing and instead of moving the probe around he leaves it in one spot not seeing anything and says ... are you even pregnant...when you saw your gyno what did he even see.... Justin and I both said...A baby! He said he didn't see a baby....but after he moved the probe around there was our little bundle of joy bouncing around my uterus. He then says he still has no idea if anything is wrong but that was enough for me at the moment. Something to go home and have hope about and pray about. So today we went for our ultrasound and the baby is perfect. Healthy, measuring on date and everything else looks absolutely perfect. We both started crying and hugged the ultrasound technician. The best Christmas news we could hear.

Here is a little funny story that happened this morning.
Cohen was playing with Carter's slinky and stuck it in his diaper, the back of his diaper. He's running around as the slinky is bouncing up and down and we're all laughing when he stops to poop. Justin is hoping it's a toot and unwinds the slinky from his diaper and indeed he pooped, and pooped on the slinky.
Never a dull moment in the Seitz home...

Moments like these....

This morning Carter was off school. He had to attend in the afternoon because of a big school performance. He was so happy to be home and we got to hang out and make muffins and have car races. Then I had to do some tidying up while Cohen was sleeping so I started in the living room and I was talking to Carter but no answer. So I walked to my room to make my bed when there he was making it for me. I took one look at it and was so happy he thought of doing something to help me so we could play some more. It was made the way kids do...messy blankets, pillows all over the place and sheets half out of the bed but it was the best bed making I've ever seen. I left it and loved the gesture and thanked him and we ate some muffins and drank some milk. Moments like these I love and cherish being a mommy!!!

Lately....

Last weekend we celebrated Emily's 9th birthday. We went glow bowling with all the kids Saturday night. They were so good and had so much fun. Here are a few photo's:

Presents, presents and more presents. The kids that joined us for the birthday were more than generous and gave Emily wonderful gifts. She received a few gift cards for Claire's so she's really anxious to go and shop shop shop!! Gramma Vonn and Uncle Eric and Auntie Krisitn were able to come join us for the party with baby Harrison. Other news on the homefront:

Yesterday was the first report card of the season, Emily's first report card with letter grades and Carter's very first report card. The reports were outstanding. Emily has straight A's and is exceeding in most subjects far beyond her grade level and Carter is a top notch kindergartener.

Our little beaner baby is doing great. We had an ultrasound on Thursday and it was so nice and clear and great to see such a healthy little baby. We could see the head and bum and arms and legs and a rapid beating little heartbeat. We were given a due date of June 27th and we'll have a planned c-section, if all goes well then baby will be here around mid June if the baby follows the same path as our last two boys baby will be here end of May beginning of June. All we want is a healthy pregnancy this time and a very healthy lil baby. It's exciting and scarey all at the same time.

Cohen is growing like a weed, he's going through a major growth spurt right now which is a little rough on me in the evenings but he's been really good during the day. He has taken up the act of climbing ON EVERYTHING. When I have pushed in all the chairs and blocked off the kitchen entrance he builds things to climb on. And dances and dances and dances. If he even hears the beat of fingers tapping on a table he starts bouncing. It's hillarious.

Carter on the other hand is having more difficulty. Since September he has been suffering on and off with headaches but they are always accompanied with a stuffy nose and many other things. Recently they have gotten worse and we're trying to find out with frequent visits to doctors what is going on with this little guy. He's always been such a sick boy and we're tired of seeing him always under the weather. Hopefully we find a solution to his problems soon because it's really starting to bring him down and Justin and I are getting more stressed as the days go on. Please keep our little guy in your prayers, it's not an easy thing to see a child sick all time. I just hope it's nothing serious and an easy fix. Hope to God it is!!

Justin has just completed Chapter 2 so it's off to the publisher. He received his 1st chapter back with really positive remarks and encouragement. Which is great motivation to keep on writing.

And I think I'm ready to get my butt in gear to go shopping. I think I've made the family wait long enough while I blogged and uploaded photo's. :0)

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Doodeedoo

Well I think I'm getting used to the new "do" hairdo that is. I am over the fact that if it's just done with a quick blow dry that it still looks really uneven so I'm flipping it. It also make me look more like I'm 27 than 5 so I"m living with it.

The other "do" we're preparing for is Emily's 9th birthday. AHHHHH. We had a huge awakening as parents. No more my little pony parties and strawberry shortcake and barbie parties. Yet she still plays with all those things she wants more Big girl parties. So we're doing a bowling party. As proud as I am as a mother and as happy as I am that my kids are healthy and reaching these birthday milestones I am also shocked at how fast it goes and saddened that they are that much older. I could just bottle their youth and keep them young forever and keep them in my care forever.

I DO need to post more pictures but my camera has been acting up but hopefully Santa surprises me with a new one **hint hint**

I'm seriously craving anything that tastes like grapes. Pickles smothered in grape jelly...............mmmmmmmm oh shucks I just finished the grape jelly WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?? I drank all my grape water, I ate all my grape jelly beans and I have no more grape jelly however I do have pickles. It's so weird I get more cravings in my first trimesters than I do throughout the rest of my pregnancy. And as for pickles with Emily I loved pickles and with Carter I loved pickles with chocolate cake and icing, yes mixed together, but with Cohen I barely ate pickles.

Well I just heard the car door which means Justin is home and I gotta finish watching my movie.
...Toodles

November Long

Mediocre busy around the Seitz home this weekend. It all started off with a baaaaaaaaad hairdo. I swear BC hairdressers SUCK!!!!!!!! I had a perfect picture of how I wanted my hair done and the woman did not bad but missed some spots so when I went back to get it touched up a different girl took it upon herself to screw my hair up even more. ugh. I can't go back now or I'll have no more hair left. At least I can mask the mess by flipping it up. More reasons why we need to move back to Saskatoon. I need my hairdresser back :0(

We went out for an awesome meal at our friends place Saturday night. She made a roast chicken with fresh herbs and the works with apple and pear crisps for dessert. mmmm my mouth is still watering. It was such a nice treat to be cooked for. It was a great night and it was going really good for the kids when all of a sudden Emily comes out of a bedroom, hair in front of her face, crying yet breath taken. She fell off the top bunk onto a big fish aquarium and hurt the side of her ribs. She has a nasty gash and she's pretty sore but thank GOD it didn't do more damage to her. We're just thankful she didn't hit her head. She'll be sore for awhile but she's a trooper and she'll be aok.

Last night was a big moment in Mr. Carter's lil life. He has been dealing with his first "loose tooth". Scarey for the little man. He was so worried about losing a part of his body and he was crying all week and did not want to lose this tooth. Until last night it was soooooooo loose and he got the courage to try and pull it himself and it came right out. He went from being scared to proud at the snap of a finger. Lucky man the tooth fairy came and he is so happy he is a little more grown up today. Now he keeps asking when his adult tooth is going to come in and if it means he's going to be big like his dad now.

Well I think I've spent enough time on the computer for the moment. Justin is upstairs managing the boys and that's an intersting task for one person. Cohen is probably trying to stick more of our belongings down the vent :0) So till next time........ toodles..........

6th Week

We went for our ultrasound yesterday and everything is looking great. I feel a little less nervous but not completely at ease yet. I know I shouldn't worry and I should just enjoy the moment and be happy everything is going good but I'm so scared of the "what if's" just because we've had such problems in the past. Other than that I've been feeling rather well. Tired of course but Cohen has me running around all day so that explains that, and a little nausea here and there but nothing crazy. The only thing that's been happening nonstop is heartburn and indigestion oh goodness I drink water and I've got heartburn. But I can live with that if that's the only trouble I get. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and help us get through this first trimester trouble free. Thank you for your well wishes, prayers and support. It means a lot to us!!!

Only Treats this Halloween

On October 28th our dearest friends Kristin and Eric welcomed their first lil baby Harrison Gunnar Amundson. He's such a cute baby.

Justin's book contract is almost complete well actually it is finally complete he is just going to sign it and start writing and he needs to have it finished by June which is perfect timing because we have BABY #4 COMING LATE JUNE BEGINNING OF JULY!!!! Yeah that's right, the Seitz's have done it again *swoooooot*. We are so excited. We're praying for a great pregnancy. Last one was just too scarey so if you could all pray with us we'd love that and appreciate it so much. God's good!!

Here are some Halloween photo's from last night. The kids had a blast of course of course and so did I when I saw how much candy I can sneak into at night. Ok ok maybe I will keep my paws out of their treat bags this year. But if Emily's candy is still around at Easter I'm eating it.

Daddy with his Halloweeners Vampire, B1(banana's in pajama's) and Hannah Montanna

The Seitz home is FULL of surprises.....
Stay tuned *wink*

Battling the Good Stuff

So just as Justin has been picked up by one publishing company, another company came in with a very positive agressive swoop and is wanting his book. Wow what a compliment...two publishing companies playing tug o war with my JMan. Such an honor and a blessing and a happy push in the right direction. Other authors have advised Justin that writing a book can be tough and at times you'll feel like giving up but the end is so rewarding to be honest the beginning is just as rewarding and the drive and motivation Justin has right now due to the excitement everyone has is amazing. A huge thank you goes out to my dad, When we were visiting my parents this summer Justin had told my dad of his idea and my dad was very supportive and gung ho and said why not...just go for it and see what happens and good thing he listened. Good thing!

Oooooooooh I'm so so proud of my husband. The book deal is a go and it's about 90% finalized the 10% left is contracts and paperwork. The publishing company is so excited to work with Justin on his book and they just had really positive feedback for him.

When we first moved out here Justin worked for his brother in a tar pit and it totally felt like hell, I mean tech guy working in tar sounds hellish to me too however the lesson he learned was how much he appreciated life and his family and his career in the tech industry and to not take one day for granted. Ever since we've been distanced from the drama and nonsense and focused on the good and promising, life has completely turned around and it's been an amazing experience. Every second we've endured out here has been worth it and we've been able to do it all as a family.

We'll keep everyone posted as the book moves along, Please pray for continual motivation (as writing a book can take time) and thank you for walking along this journey with us as friends and family.

The leaves are changing color, the weather is much cooler and it rains every once in awhile. I love fall!!
I'm fully recovered from my surgery. I feel awesome except during ovulation it looks like that trouble will never go away and the doc said the only cure is another baby (short term cure). Oh how that would be so nice -- who knows what the future will bring ;0)
Our Thanksgiving weekend was so nice. It started off with a date, Justin and I hadn't been on a date in 10mths. Cohen just needed to be fed so much that it wasn't possible but now that he's on a great schedule we're able to go out ALONE!!!!!!! We had our dear friends Kristin and Eric over for dinner, I cooked a ham and leftovers made a nice warm soup Mmmm. Then Monday we had a turkey dinner with our senior friends in Penticton, Beverly and Emery. It was great until Cohen got bit in the face by their dog. Not the dogs fault, even though I would like to think so but he is a good dog. Cohen tripped over his bum and got nipped right under the eye, starting at the bottom of his lower eyelid. Luckily it didn't break the skin, he had a nasty bruise and swelling but it's already looking way better, you can't even tell he was bit, looks more like a fall. Thank God it wasn't worse.
Now Papa is down, he arrived at our place this morning and it's been so joyful around here. I love when he visits because he's so involved with the children and he plays right down to their level and doesn't stop until they go to bed. So tomorrow night we're having a family dinner with Justin's aunt and husband and papa. I love cooking for people so tomorrow I'm making a rice pilaf, greek salad and Chicken stuffed with feta and marinaded in a verde sauce. mmmmm and Chocolate brownies for dessert. Ohh so hungry already.
We have some great news to share....Justin had an idea for a Technical book so he wrote a 17 page proposal and gave it to his agent who has then been sending it off to publishers. We had some feedback on Friday first from Justin's publisher with good news that his book idea is liked a lot and the publishers think Justin would be a perfect fit for their company. Then he was contact by an editor from the company with the same news and that they would like to have a more formal phone meeting with him on Monday. First stage, and it's so exciting. We're not too sure what's going to come of this quite yet but just the thought of someone liking Justin's idea is appreciated so hopefully the news just keeps getting better. We're trying to wait for Monday very patiently but it's hard. This is where the "Univeral Remote" would come in hand.
As soon as Cohen's bruises are gone we're going to do some family fall photo's. I'm so excited to take some pictures of the kids in the leaves....so stay tuned.

Happy Thanksgiving EVERYONE!!

October

I'm so happy October has arrived. I love fall. It is my favorite season, the chill, the colors, the leaves on the ground and Thanksgiving. We have my father in law visiting this month and his sister Aunt Shirley and her husband have moved to Penticton so we will be able to have some nice much needed family time with my in laws. It's always fun when Papa comes and the kids just can't wait....me either. He's so playful and loving and overall a very special man, always thinking with his heart. We are also awaiting a new baby in the family, our dearest friends Kristin and Eric are due at the end of the month. I'm so excited. We're finally going to be mommy's together!!! Cohen is going to have a lil playmate close in age and there is going to be another baby around how sweet is that.

Life around here is starting to settle a little. I"m starting to get back in my groove. I'm still sore but it's getting better. I start really cramping up when I am doing to much or walking to much but on the flip side it feels soooo good to be doing things again and getting out for some fresh air. Yesterday we went for a drive around the village, there was a baby bear walking around. We were too late, didn't see it but it was still exciting. We've had amazing help and support from our fellow villagers. We've had meals, and pick ups and drop offs for the kids, some babysitting, housecleaning. I've never seen a more caring village where people just stop in the middle of whatever they are doing (even driving ;) to see how we're doing and how I'm feeling. It's amazing. I love the warmth and friendship in this town. It's been a very positive experience for our family, this move was one of the best moves ever.

Cohen is demanding some attention, he's snacking on the wooden table, so he must need food, real food ;)
Till next time
Thank you!!

*A Sigh of Relief*

Last night Justin put Cohen to bed at 8:20 and he was asleep by 8:46 and today I put him down for his nap at 11:47am and at 11:49 he was sleeping *SMILES*

It feels so good to have Cohen back on a schedule and now this time is actually going to be me time. We've realized how important it is for children to have "family" time and "alone" time. We always always do everything as a family, we're never a part but what we're trying to do is Cohen has his time with me in the morning, when Carter gets home from school he has Mommy time while Cohen sleeps and when the boys go to bed early at night we've been keeping Emily up to have Mommy and Daddy time and Justin spends time with the boys separately by doing little sports games for Carter or trips to the store to help. It's making a world of a difference, the children are handling my recovery time a lot better.

And to think none of this was drastic changes all simple......except maybe with the endless crying but in the end I can now say IT WAS ALL WORTH IT :)

..........and shorter yet!!!!

Thank you for bearing with me during this adventure in parenting Justin and I are facing. It's nice to have a venting system.

So my last quick post was Cohen's first nap, reason I say first is he woke up 40 minutes later, so tired he could barely hold his head up. I thought I better nurse him again since it was lunch time and he was falling back asleep so I placed him back in his crib at 12:47 and he cried until 12:57 and then he was FAAAAAASSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTT asleeeeeeeeeep. HE SLEPT UNTIL 2:30pm. I was so happy. So hopefully tonight goes alright. I'm nervous and sleep deprived but trying to remain positive. I didn't think we'd be able to go through with this but we did and I'm shocked and overwhelmed and I'm left with the worry of "is this going to affect him"...?

.....and it gets shorter and shorter

So I thought I better keep up with the ferberizing today, 1) I'm too tired and sore to run after Cohen all day and 2) I can't stop now. So when it was nap time I nursed him and he fell asleep, as soon as I placed him in his crib.....he woke up. So I gave him a hug and an I love you and his blankie and I quietly left the room as he was howling at the top of his lungs. However the good news instead of taking an hour and a half like last night, he only cried for half an hour. So I think we're making progress... Whoppee!!

Crappy n' Cranky

So after Cohen finally went to sleep at 3:50 I was so wound on frosted flakes that I couldn't sleep and Carter was having issues so I got back to bed at about 5am and Justin's alarm went off and I was sleeping by about 5:30ish to only be woken up once again by Mr. Carter at 6am. When I finally got him back in bed he decided to throw a fit and Cohen woke up.

I just can't win. When I let Cohen cry it out more I went in his room to check on him and he had a poopy so screw it we stayed awake and got ready for school.

When is nap time?? :0((

3:50am HE DID IT, HE'S SLEEPING, ALONE IN HIS CRIB!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it...this is great. He has the heartbreaking baby sobs :0( but he did it.

I shouldn't have had two bowls of frosted flakes because now I'm wide awake and so far from being tired it's not even funny ha.

losin' my ever lovin' mind

It's 3:30am and I'm awake listening to Cohen scream. It all started with Carter getting up at 2am thinking it was time to get up and that sleeping sucks and he was mad that he had to stay in bed now it's the baby's turn. Up until tonight I have been getting up with him and feeding him back to sleep usually resulting in falling asleep with him (bad habit to get into). Cohen used to be so good at night. We would place him in his crib, wind his mobile and he would put himself to sleep up until he was 6mths old then he could stand in his crib and one day snapped it in half. So tonight was my breaking point. I'm sore, tired, grumpy, emotional and the boys just wouldn't cooperate, I finally got Carter settled but the baby is learning how to put himself to sleep. IT'S SOOOOOOOOOOOO HARD. I'm seriously ready to jump off my balcony (ok maybe that's not such a good idea but ugh seriously)!! Can't I have a break already. Aside from me needing my big break so does my husband, the poor guy has to be up in an hour and a half for work. So I put my stubborness aside and shut his door (I have no idea how he sleeps through this but thank God he does). Hopefully he won't be a total disaster tomorrow. At least if I'm a total disaster tomorrow I can laze around which is exactly what I've been doing anyways.
3:36am - the cries are getting weaker.........oh maybe not.
The hardest part is going in his room every 10-15mins to let him know I love him and that I haven't totally neglected him but I almost think it's harder on him having me in there time and time again.
3:40am - getting ready to cave ........ not gonna do it ugh maybe I should....nope we've gotten this far it would all be a waste if I stopped now dammit
3:41am - I'm going to lose myself in text twist for awhile...
WISH ME LUCK!!

the little lights in my life

Nothing makes me giggle more than the words that come from my little kids mouths. Cohen, Emily, Carter and my nephew Dante are doing all they can to make me feel better and it's sure working. Although it hurts to laugh it's hurting less and less everyday (that and I was prescribed new meds but they don't need to know that *wink*)

So Cohen he does nothing but run around all day trying to get into whatever he possibly can. It's hillarious. Just this morning Justin was changing his diaper and he got away from him stopped looked right at his daddy and peed on the floor then smiled and ran away.

Carter and his stories are something else indeed. Sometimes it's hard to know what's real with that boy. Maybe he'll come out with a bestseller one day. He has this little mini PDA he got from his Auntie and he asked to have some phone numbers in it so I put Mommy's number and Daddy's work number and he then asked for Uncle Eric's number and I said ok and he acted all suspicious and said "well you know mom in case of an emergency I gotta call my dawg" so last night he did just that except there was no emergency he just wanted Eric's number to call him whenever. Thank you Kristin and Eric for being so patient when he calls and remember this is only the beginning I won't blame you if you need to block our number eventually haha.

Emily....oh boy, she's getting prettier and prettier and the boys know it. She came home yesterday and told me that there is this boy in her class head over heels in love with her. He offers to do everything for her and he told her that he will try anything to get her to be his girlfriend. She says but we're only in grade 4 we have lots of time for boyfriends and girlfriends yet I don't want to be your girlfriend. And he said well Emily I'm not quitting until your mine. Grade 4 oh goodness oh gollie this is just the beginning.

My nephew Dante.........one word to sum him up is sweetheart. He's so funny and so thoughtful and I miss him like crazy. He just learned how to call our number and he has been calling us up to 10 times a day. He likes to play webkinz over the computer with Em and Carter so he calls to organize the play except yesterday. It all started in the morning he called bright and early (he doesn't understand the time difference) and he informed us that he was grounded from webkinz for the day because he pushed his lil bro so he called just to talk. Then he called afterschool a few times but I was waiting for the doctor to call and forgot to call him back so he called again and says Auntie Carissa I've been waiting all day to talk to you....so I sat down and talked to him and we had a great talk and he said "if you're good at my school in grade one you get a gummie worm ... do you like those".. I said I love them...so he said..."well I will be extra good so I can maybe have two and then I will send one to you in the mail" My heart just melted then he thought it wouldn't be fair if he didn't send one for everyone so he's going to tell the teacher he'll be super good if she gives him 4 gummies haha I wonder what she'll say to that!!

Thanks for my babble Justin is home after taking the kids to school so I better pass the computer off to him so he can get some work done.....till next time

This n' That

As I lay here I can't stop thinking about how much I want to get back to my normal life. Being layed up really sucks when I'm so active and involved with my kids. I feel like I'm missing out on everything. However I'm so happy my husband is the one filling in for me. He has really really stepped up and is doing a magnificent job being Mr. Mom. He's managing to get his work done for Itiva, cook, clean, do laundry, feed the kids, pack their lunches, get them ready for school all while running after Cohen making sure he's not zapping himself in a new found plug in, fielding phone calls, and making me more comfortable. I'm still in a lot of pain, my left side is cramping and throbbing and my meds just aren't keeping up so I'm sitting here waiting for my doctor to call and hopefully he can prescribe something a little more manageable. I want nothing more than to get up and move around more but walking to the bathroom is enough for now, this time I'm trying hard not to push it because the last thing I want to do is tear something and end up back in the hospital and my husband doesn't need to miss anymore work than he needs to. Times like this I wish my parents were around to relieve some of the stuff Justin has on his plate. We're just thankful he works for such a good company that's understanding of our situation. When I get the go head to start picking up Cohen and resuming acitivity will be a very good day until then I gotta find ways to stay relaxed in bed. So I'm reading a really good book, I just finished the first book "Even Now" by Karen Kingsbury and I'm on the second book "Ever After" and Justin found me this awesome magazine called "Real Simple Family" Its fabulous. It all down-to-earth realistic parenting tips, meal planning for kids and just simple topics mom's have on their minds day to day. Anyways I best be getting back to my book.

The Doc prescribes

the pills!

My husband prescribes the chocolate!!

Surgery

For those of you that didn't know I used to have a lot of problems with my ovaries. Almost two years ago I had my left ovary removed. Two months later I got pregnant with Cohen so my cycles had only been normal after the surgery for a couple months and they were sore and tender but once I got pregnant I obviously didn't have to worry about ovulating anymore. Funny thing was I was still having pain on my left side throughout my pregnancy. 4 months ago my cycles started back up and the pain was getting worse with each cycle lasting anywhere from 5-12 days. I booked an appt. to see my specialist and also had an ultrasound booked but not for a few weeks yet. Thursday the pain was back, and it wasn't getting any better by Friday morning so I decided it was best to go in instead of laying around the house feeling too rotten to move. So I had some tests done and things were coming back fine but the pain was getting worse so they scheduled an ultrasound, more pain meds and called my gyno to come down. From my history he was concerned and though doing an exploratory lap would be the best route to take, he gave me all my options and possibilities to consign to. The result. Two years ago the doctor that was supposed to remove my entire ovary, left a chunk inside (not good) the fallopian tube left behind was damaged and there was a lot of scar tissue and a cyst on my right ovary. So the doctor was able to clean everything out and remove the leftover ovary and remove the tube and tissue and sewed me up and now I"m on the road to recovery. I think it will be ok and I look forward to having less painful cycles in the future. I've got good pain meds and good help and now I'm going to get some good rest!! Thank you to everyone for your concerns and thoughts and prayers. :0) We'll keep you guys updated!!

Kindergarten Kid

Carter is officially a Kindergartener. His first day was yesterday and he absolutely loved it. I cried, I tried not to but I just couldn't hold back the tears. We all went as a family, Justin and I, Emmy, Auntie Shannon, Uncle Dallas and baby Cohen. Carter was so happy to be with his friends again. He just loves Maria and his buddies Hank, Henry, Blaize and Bryce. His teacher is wonderful. She's perfect. She's so in tune with the kids and young and vibrant and cheery and playful and structured and organized and just a very nice person. He has a great group of a kids in his class and it's going to be an awesome year for him. He loves being able to participate in school activities and routines just like Emily. Packing a snack, having recess, gym, and library time are all perks for him. He wants homework soooooo bad so the teacher assigned him to come up with a list of his favorite websites. I'll have to take a picture of him tomorrow with his new haircut. I wasn't able to make it into town today so I decided to try and cut it myself and it looks "sweet" as he puts it!!

Family

It feels good to have family around. The great thing about family is that you can start off just where you left off and it feels so natural and as if no time was lost. We're having a fun time with Justin's brother and sister. Justin's brother is a doctor and it was so funny last night. Carter has been sick and to help him breath better at night Justin would take him for a drive with the windows rolled down to let the cold air clear up his airways. So last night Carter was coughing, and coughing good but after we gave him some medicine the coughs became a little forced and he was trying to go for another car ride. So I told him that Uncle Dallas is a doctor and the he knows when kids are real sick and when they are faking it. So today we're sitting at the dinner table and Carter very seriously says, if you're a doctor can you fix my toe haha oh boy we all broke out laughing.

On a side note we had the boys to see the pediatrician today. The trouble with Cohen's growth seems to be no trouble at all. Just as we suspected he's following in his father's footsteps. He might be a little low in iron but that is an easy fix. Carter is doing good he might be dealing with some asthma issue's/ reflux issues brought on when he gets a cold. Nothing we haven't heard before and good news as it's something we can manage also. As for Emily's excitement, she was feeling better today (she's been sick) and there was a bat at school. She got a close up and we're all headed to the school right now to have our own peek at it.

Ciao

Justin's brother Dallas and sister Shannon have officially arrived safe and sound!! Time for some yummy KFC...

The up in up

I've been thinking a lot about the events going on in our family here and back home and I am left feeling shocked and relieved and blessed. So much has been going on with people we love and it's been just overwhelming but Thank GOD the outcome has been great. So my Aunt is out of the hospital YAY. She got out last week. She is still suffering from the westnile meningitis and it will take awhile before she feels 100% but she's home, with her family and starting to improve.

My brother was involved in a head on collision Friday afternoon. Thank goodness he wasn't hurt. His car is completely totalled but because he wasn't at fault he should see something good from his insurance. We are all so grateful that he walked away with whiplash, he is in pain but no scrapes or bruises and no fatalities.

Friday night we enjoyed a lovely dinner with some friends in Penticton, Jackie made a yummy tortellin alfredo and I made a rolo cheesecake. We ate so much we all had food coma's afterwards. When we got home we were ready for a nice, peaceful sleep after a long week only that didn't happen. Carter woke up at 3am with a barky cough and his breathing was very laboured it was scarey. He hadn't had an episode like that since we lived in Saskatoon. So off to the ER he went and the doctor gave him pulmicort in a nebulizzor and it seemed to settle it down a little. But again Thank God he's alright. We've all got a little bug of somesort but that's minor, we're alive and happy.

Saturday I was able to have some mommy time out for my friends baby shower. It was such a fun time. We played cute shower games and ate yummy yummy food. We all made a freezer friendly dish so when baby comes she doesn't have to worry and we each had to bring a charm to put on a bracelet so when she's in the hospital she can have a piece of everyone with her without having us all crowd the labour and delivery room. The closest charm I found to symbolize something in our friendship was a feather. She used to clean my home while I was on bedrest and we would visit and visit as she cleaned and we just became really good friends. Then I went home and we were supposed to attend our block bbq but because Carter was sick we didn't feel it was fair for some to go and some to stay back, so we hung tight as a family and played the Wii and watched a movie. Today we were still feeling yucky so we stayed quiet however Justin busted his buns outside in the yard.

This week will be fun. We have a lot of excitement storing up for the week ahead. Justin's brother Dallas and sister Shannon are coming tomorrow and they are here for a week. We haven't seen Dallas since our wedding and Shannon was here a year ago so the kids are very excited. Justin took the week off of work and I took the time off babysitting and we are going to have a great family bonding time with his brother and sister.

Oh and tomorrow Carter has his Kindergarten interview. Then he either starts Tuesday or Wednesday, I'm so happy Justin will be here to help take him for his first day. We were thinking back to the day we walked Emily to her first day of KIndergarten and how I cried and cried and didn't want to leave her. I'm not one of those mom's that looks forward to sending their kid off to school. I would homeschool but I don't think I have the smarts for it and I figure I better leave it to the professionals.

There is a lot to look forward to this week. A good positive week!! I'm going to fold my laundry and watch Fracture now that the children are all fast asleep, I should also be sleeping but I wanto to be ahead tomorrow so I can rest when Cohen sleeps. Nighty night!

Is School Cool?

My daughter thinks so..

Here she is on her first day back..... GRADE 4. I'm totally having separation anxiety, she was begging and begging to eat lunch at school and I wanted her to come home and have lunch with me but then i realized I gotta stop being such a needy geeky mom and let her have some breathing room and yeah she ate lunch at school today. Carter starts next week, stay tuned for a therepeutic blogging session :0))

Oh Mr. Sandman

.....bring me some sleep!! Justin and I daydream of sleep. Our weekend was wonderfully filled with a lot of quality family time and the only thing it was missing was sleep. Our little Cohen has been teething for days. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday night all nights with a maximum of 2 hours of consecutive sleep, Cohen would awaken at 4am and be up for the day. 4 our of those nights were accompanied with a fever. Yesterday Cohen cut his 4th tooth, 2nd one on the top, and by the looks of it out teething sleepless nights are far from over. This poor little guy has two more coming in at the bottom and two more at the top. As hard as it is on Justin and I, I feel so bad for Cohen and his little mouth. As parents we have prescribed Cohen, Orajel, Motrin, icecream cones, cuddles, lullaby's and lots and lots of love. Emily and Carter each had some Daddy time and Mommy time so they will be happy so maybe this afternoon I can sneak a nap :)