It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

End of November and the house is ready for the holidays...well, almost. I have always decorated early, usually after my November vacation to New Hampshire as I always return with great Christmas decorations that I don't want to store away so I have to get on display. The house literally could pass as a Christmas store, there is hardly a corner that doesn't have something related to the season - a tad of an over kill perhaps, but Darren said he was going to throw out / give away anything I didn't use - Well, I showed him. There are tree's in the bathrooms, every bedroom has something, and again, not a corner bare! That threat just worked in to a challenge to find a home for everything...HA! It's kind of like the silly comments about spending money or shopping too much - just makes me want to do it more. Maybe if he was smart he would tell me I'm not spending enough and I'd actually look in to things and realize - Holy Shit - there is a minus sign in my bank account...

This has been a tough year for Christmas shopping because I don't have a clue what to buy people, we all seem to buy what we want when we want it, so it makes buying gifts so much more difficult and I just don't like giving gift cards but may have to resort to that in a few weeks time. Greta was easy to buy for, we purchased big items for her that she'll need, High Chair, Walker (not the old lady walkers but the learn to walk walkers, this one is a baby carriage so dual purpose, and a few other well thought out toys that won't annoy me with screeching sounds, beeps, music and clutter. I'm mean, but I just don't want to have toys everywhere. We are actually giving her a toy room, that is the big gift, a room with two doors (my small office off the great room) that can hide all the items and a new toy shelf to keep everything. Currently however this room is Xmas central, where I am hiding all the wrapping paper, extra gifts, gifts to be wrapped and JUNK. Having a room like this allows my house to look clean and organized by allowing me to throw baskets, boxes and baby items in it.

I have actually been very busy preparing for the holidays, I was honoured that a friend thought of me and our home when looking for houses for an upcoming Christmas House Tour, a fundraiser for the Stratford Community Choir. I have decorated other peoples homes and tree's in the past but never was in a tour, but this coming Saturday our house will be on display for a few hundred people to walk through and visit. Ironically the night before I was asked to participate in the house tour I mentioned to Darren, as we sat looking at the Great Room decorations, that I do all this work and no one ever comes to visit, well, now they are coming. 99% of them will be strangers, but that is okay!!! I am looking forward to it, and I enjoyed having a deadline to work with and keep me motivated to get the house ready for the holidays, but it proved to be a challenge with a 5 month old. I don't like to stop a tree half way in, so I was timing decorating around food and play and boredom and definitely did a lot after she went to bed or when Darren got home from work. Greta thankfully has been quite good and thanks to Baby Einstein, she learned about the orchestra and all the different instruments as I decorated trees and cleaned. We have also discovered the she can ride around in the stroller room to room as I decorate and she watches or plays with toys. And better yet, she has been napping (in the stroller). When I see she is getting tired in the day now I put her in the stroller and drive it around the house a few times and off to sleep she goes, it's been wonderful. Why didn't we think of this before!!!

Time is definitely flying by and the individual days go by so quickly. I have managed to decorate 4 large trees, 5 small trees, cleaned, scrubbed, Xmas gifts bought / wrapped (well, still have gifts to buy for the impossible to buy for people on the list), baked, cooked, out for visits, out at least 3 days out of the week, kept up with Emails / Facebook all with a 5 month old and a failing liver that is causing a lot of pain and agony these days, and for annoyance, I'll add my puffed up body that is depressing as hell...Now, not saying it is always possible to do everything I want, I can't always attend things, and believe me this week I do have a lot on the go, but at the end of the day, it will all get done. Last night Darren and I were looking forward to a dinner out with our friends Garry and Gwen and a Christmas Fundraiser for Toys for Tots at the Confederation Centre. Well, Darren realizes he is on call, so Mom, who was going to babysit for us, came to the show with me, but we all, including Greta went out to supper beforehand. Successful dinner out for Greta, she just played in her seat and eventually fell asleep (phew). The show was good, but both Mom and I were exhausted, but the toys donated filled the lobby which was wonderful. I had bought some toys specific for the event, but I actually took toys I had planned to give away to kids on my Xmas list and donated them too. I figured all the kids I know have so many things that they can't possibly play with everything they own and will be spoiled by many, so I gathered 8 toys in total that I had purchased for the kids on my list and took them all to the event (In other words, don't be shocked when I'm not giving kids presents this year, I made a donation in their name!) On a separate note, I can't get over the Xmas Wish lists for kids nowadays...iPhones, iPads, DSIs (I think that is what they are called), laptops, cell phones...holy moly, I know a lot of adults who would like these gifts too, I can't wait to hear some of the calls to Santa this year, Santa needs to get stock in Apple or an electronics store to keep up. I guess we would have asked for this stuff if it was around when we were growing up too, although I'm sure if we asked for a $1000 gift on our Santa's Wish List growing up we would have been told to go get a job.

SO, I now find myself at 10:30am still in my pjs. I just put Greta in her stroller for a nap, her eyes are almost closed and I'm multi-tasking by moving the stroller with my foot and still typing this blog post, but I must get going. Mom is here for the week, I have gifts to deliver, hopefully some shopping this evening if Daddy wants to spend another night with Greta, I have a sweet party on Friday to prepare for, I have to check in on my flower arrangements that are being made for Saturdays open house (although I may just trust the florist, she told me to come in and see if I was happy with them, but I will be, so I don't think this is the top of my to do list), I have to clean the house (or find a house keeper who can come in on Thursday)...get my hair done, buy new clothes (mental breakdown yesterday when I realized my puffy body has made all my clothes shrink!!) And of course, have 200-400 people to the house on Saturday...Fun times! Phew, I'm tired out already.

As you can see, I didn't build up many fun Greta stories in the past 2 weeks, she has been a very good little girl and didn't embarrass me in public along the way. She is growing, still fairly tiny but strong and determined, she gets annoyed if she can't do something like turn a page of a book or grab a toy on the exercauser, but she is so happy, she smiles all the time, still doesn't cry or fuss much and with a few exceptions, doesn't seem to make strange yet when new people come her way. She has a closet full of clothes ready to wear, I just need her to grow a tiny bit more, she is still wearing her 3 month wardrobe, but some items will be retired to the sell bin very soon and we'll make room for the 3-6 month items. I hope we have a long winter, I have a few 9 month outfits that are too cute and it will be pretty darn hot in the summer to wear a knit top and pants! And I am convinced she has worked out a secret code with Daddy - one that somehow allows him to escape toxic diapers, he is either in the shower, or just walked out the door and I can smell the child from across the room, he left for a coffee the other day, 5 minutes max...and lord, I was cleaning toxic waste out of her belly button, it was the worse so far...GAG, I can't even write about it, GAG....lord, I'm having a flashback.

So that is what is happening in our neck of the woods, if you have any interest in the Christmas Home Tour - tickets are $10, it's this coming Sat, Dec 4th, and I have a few tickets, but you can also purchase them at various locations in Stratford, just send me a note and I'll help give you the details. There are 5 homes in total, 4 in Stratford and ours in East Royalty, we are the "normal" house on the tour, we do have a large home, but we are the smallest on the tour and I would say the most realistic, one is my Vet's house...I'd love to go see his, I'm sure I must have paid for the granite kitchen with my vet bills from this past year alone...ha!!! Enjoy your week, get the Christmas decorations out, seems many are decorating early this year, I'm convinced it's because the stores start to decorate before the Halloween candy is put away. It's now 10:55, Greta has been sleeping for 25 minutes, may have another 5 for a quick shower...

Toodles....

PAINFUL and Good Memories!

Good ole Port E...

Overhead shot of Port Elgin...

Greta approving the Christmas Tree... Happy Girl...

Greta's Bedroom Tree, pink and brown of course!

First of all, I need to tell you all that I didn't think a Blog would happen again, I have just spent (or shall I say wasted)...TWO hours trying to reset my password through Google to access my blog, it was always within the "system" so I never had to type it since the day I entered the details and obviously I didn't have a clue what it was...Patience is not a virtue I have, especially when it comes to technology, I am proud of myself for not throwing the computer threw the window, believe me, the lap top was over the shoulder a few times ready to be whipped across the room. I think I only refrained because the smashing computer pieces and thud would wake the baby!

So...with that frustration, I'm not sure I should be writing, I am in a very, very sour mood. So, I could complain, lets see - I'm still puffy, it drives me insane and is very, very depressing. I see people out and they look at me as if I've eaten way too many french fries and they don't know what to say, this I hate as I read minds and I know they are thinking, holy sh%t, you have a triple chin and your look like you are squeezing your ass in to those pants. I was greatly looking forward to going out to supper tonight, a friend and I headed to one of my favorite spots, Mavors, and as I'm driving I know exactly what I'm going to order - couldn't wait - but, they changed their menu...and it's awful...they went all fine dining crazy prices, limited choices fancy...so, be forewarned, if you were going for a favorite, they are no longer there, you will however get veggies that are now displayed lovely, and full tomatoes still on the vine as pasta sauce and well, a much steeper bill...sadly, it will be my last visit. Lets see what else is going on...I am in pain again...which means my drugs probably need to be increased, but I'll live with the pain versus an increase in meds. ... gosh, I'm on a roll...lets see Greta is going to be 5 months and some friends and family have yet to lay eyes on her, that isn't so much of a frustration just an eye opener and a what can you do scenario...and I spent WAY, WAY too much in the USA and have banned myself from shopping (well, I set pay day as my release date). Oh yes, and our microwave blew up yesterday and needed to be replaced pronto and tonight it has been discovered the TV in our bedroom is dead....Okay, that little vent was fun, I should do that more often!

Now, on to life in the Edgett-Gallant Household...We had a successful trip to my second home, beautiful New Hampshire. As we crossed the state line, I said, as I do every time...why don't we just move to NH...I would be so happy, it's beautiful, people are nice, I could shop and shop and shop, we would probably see people more often then we do here because everyone seems to visit North Conway now, and well, it just makes me smile when I'm there. We have talked about a time share or a condo, but we do love where we stay each trip, so maybe we'll think more about a more permanent option, but for now, our visit to the Golden Gables a few times a year is just perfect. It was also our first trip as parents and leaving Greta behind - that too was a great success. Now, I know I'm going to sound mean (shocker I know)...but Darren had a much tougher time than I leaving her. I checked in daily and looked forward to seeing Facebook pics each night of her stay in Moncton with my sister, niece and parents, but I thought it was GREAT...for all of us. I highly recommend it actually. I know many haven't left there kids ever, and I hand it to you, but I just need that time, and feel deep down it will be good for Greta too. I don't want to sound overly pessimistic, but I'm a realist and know with my health and just life in general, we don't know what tomorrow will bring, I want Greta to know she can go to other people, and be well cared for and have fun and not miss us to the point that she is a wreck. The funny thing was, when we returned home, we were excited to see her and I went in to my sisters house to find her playing in an exercauser - I called her name and nothing, clapped my hands and nothing - I asked my sister if she lost her hearing over the weekend, and then literally moved Greta to make eye contact and nothing, the toys were more interesting. SIGH. It was rather funny, she had no interest in me nor Darren, but that borrowed exercauser was the cats meow! She eventually came around and shot off a smile, but I knew she was not too traumatized over her little sleep over. Scarlet did great too at the sitters...so all around...it was a relief, and makes me more eager to do it again. Now, my sister may not feel the same - Greta was very good, but the child doesn't nap and gets bored easy and with Haley now 11 years old, I think everyone in Moncton forgot how busy a little 4.5 month old can be. It was beyond appreciated that she could stay in Moncton, although next time, maybe I can offer a PEI vacation and the sitters can come to Greta, I had a truck filled for her - not to mention, we took 2 vehicles to NB so Greta could have her own limo...ha!

So, on to NH and Maine...this is simple - I spent WAY too much, have enough clothes for Greta that I could open a boutique (but they are all cute and I will wear them all even if I have to change her 5 times a day). The Christmas Tree Shop had so many goodies, and lets just say the puffy body didn't cooperate so I bought little as far as clothing for me, but did manage to give Coach a nice chunk of change and a few new pair of shoes have been added to the collection. We also had a great time with friends, our trivia partners, Garry and Gwen travelled to Maine and NH and we met each night for supper. We enjoyed lovely meals (all be it way too much food - the USA portions are nothing short of disgusting), but so nice to have friends to meet up with and talk about the days purchases, travels, weather, life, etc)...they had a bit more time and were off to Boston when we departed for home, believe me, if we had even a small amount of room left in the truck, I would have followed them. If you can imagine, I still have Christmas shopping to do, I just don't know what to buy people, it's not even the money, it's truly people need nothing. Today we all just seem to buy things for ourselves, if I need or want something, off I go to the store, and it seems all those on my Xmas list do the same, so it makes it very difficult to finish my Xmas shopping! Our house has exploded with festive decor over the past week I have a few rooms finished and a mess everywhere else, but I have to admit there is a peace about sitting in a lit room under a Christmas tree and a hot chocolate (that would be SOOO much better with Baileys but I can't) that is comforting. I enjoy this part of Christmas, I think that is one reason I decorate so early - that and the fact it takes me weeks to do all the rooms and I want time to enjoy it - but come Christmas Day - I'm ready for it to be over...I actually dislike Christmas a great deal and become quite the humbug. I love buying and wrapping and preparing, even baking and cooking - but I find it a let down of a holiday, perfect time for family arguments and fights, so I actually happily spend the day alone and celebrate Christmas on Boxing Day - although this year we will open some presents Xmas morning and little Greta will join me for the day as Darren heads to his family's place to open some gifts with them. Greta will have new toys to play with so I suspect and look forward to a new Christmas outlook, at least I hope.

As we were driving to NH, all along the way I had thoughts, memories about my life, it was strange, almost as if I was having flashbacks and they were memories brought about by signs, or songs, or comments...I wish I had written them all down as I thought at the time I should do a full blog about them, but I'll end with just a few that happened just 75 minutes from our house....

As Greta and I headed to Moncton last Wednesday, I was driving towards Port Elgin and saw the "Circle Sign"...that sign may not mean much to many of you, but that sign meant everything to me...my family is from Port Elgin - yes, that little traffic circle is actually more than a round about, there is a Village where my relatives are from (I never lived there, but Mom grew up in Port E)...I'm sure most know about Port Elgin because it was the closest spot to get canned beer before the can ban was lifted, and many years ago, many probably stopped at my Great Grandparents store Allens, it was located in the Village where the gas station now is, but there were a lot of great times at that traffic circle. My grandparents lived in the white house on the traffic circle, you will all head to Moncton now and be able to look over and say - hey, that was the house Gail spoke about...if you look up the road, it is my Aunt Peg's house and the next house was my Great Grandmothers...yes, the family road....Port Elgin is small, lets say 500 and that includes the graveyard residents, and no doubt, I'm related to a large majority. Our family sadly has gotten much smaller over the years, but as I was driving with Greta in the back seat (asleep I may add) I looked down at the clock and remembered a trip that Wayne and I took with our Aunt Mona to Moncton...We would always guess the time we would drive in my Grandparents drive way, I don't recall what we got, if anything, as a prize for being the closest but I found myself guessing what time I would roll in the driveway and telling Greta to make a guess. I also remembered as much as I couldn't wait to get to my Nana and Grampie's house, we would say a quick hello and run through the path between their house and my Aunt and Uncles and go see them and enjoy a cookie that was freshly waiting for us. I was also reminded how kind and thoughtful and giving my grandparents were, to us but also to strangers. I remembered the numerous people who pulled in their driveway and walked in to the porch to ask for directions and then the next thing I know my Nana was serving them food and drinks and offering them a place to stay for the night. I remember my grandfather picking up hitch hikers and giving them money to make sure they had a good meal and extra cash in their pocket even though they never asked for a dime - just a drive. I remember my grandfather buying a bottle for the town drunk (well, maybe there were a few of them) on more occasions than I can count. I recalled a couple asking if they could pitch a tent on the lawn because they were backpacking and just couldn't go any further -they ended up in the house for most of the night playing cards and probably having the best meal of their life. There was always a game of Scat on the go, and we learned to be good gamblers at a very young age, but we had to really play, none of this sitting at the table and being annoying kids, we had money to play with and we played with no assistance nor sympathy. If we lost our quarters, we were out, although Nana always compensated us for our losses after the games!!!

Anyway a few nice memories all from that traffic circle sign. I have been called materialistic, I have been called an over spender...but I am also a giver...I enjoy giving and buying for people, and believe me, it's not because I have extra cash, but I enjoy it and when I am out I think of other people and what they may like or what I can do for others...and I think I was reminded who I learned this from by seeing that sign.

That's all for tonight - only took 4 full hours to get to the end of this blog...a special hello to my university roomie Andrea who I saw this evening at the grocery store ( I swear, I was picking up essentials - it didn't count against the no shopping ban)...and thanks to Krista Dykstra who was at the Colonel Gray Craft Fair selling the sweet head bands that Greta has a dazzling collection of - if you are in Ch'town, the craft fair runs all day tomorrow and the bands are perfect for all little girls - get shopping gals - little girls need pretty flowers in their hair and if there are some left that means I will need to get more - and we can't have that...so go buy some itty bitty bands!!!

The time has come...

Little Tutu....
4 Month Old Greta Claire

Smiling girl tonight - November 9, 2010

How will you Remember?

Less than 48 hours...yes folks, the time has finally arrived, the long awaited moment when I'll be relaxing in my hotel room after helping the USA economy rebound and President Obama signing my name and Hallelujah that I arrived to boost the Maine and New Hampshire retail sectors. Can't friggin wait. Darren and I are heading on our first baby free vacation...So, she is only 4 months old and I know many out there reading have teenagers you have never left, but I can't follow in your footsteps. I know for me, it is a healthy move and Greta will be much better off having a Mommy who can shop stress free and have a little me time, us time, sleep time, etc, etc! She may be cute, but no one is cute enough to take shopping - I marathon shop - this means I don't stop to eat, maybe a bathroom break if I really, really have to, but when you don't eat and barely drink, this is even a rare occurence! Eating is for he weak, and can be done when the stores close! Greta instead is off for a little vacation of her own, lord knows she is travelling as if she is going on a month long excursion to Europe. Good grief, the child is requiring her own vehicle to lug her stuff. Yes, you read correctly, her own truck is going to NB. Greta and I are leaving for New Brunswick tomorrow to get her settled, along with her STUFF, and the stuff is just regular stuff, thanks to a friend of my sisters, all the toys, swing, chairs, strollers, gadgets have been provided, so I just have to bring Greta and clothes / diapers / daily essentials. Well, these daily essentials are taking up my entire trunk and back seat, (15 bibs and receiving blankets (which may not be enough) take up a lot of room). And people question why she isn't coming to New Hampshire...There isn't room and I'm pretty sure it would be frowned upon to have a baby sit on my lap in the front seat or tied to the roof rack. I am starting to question why I didn't offer a lovely Island vacation to the NB babysitters, it may have been easier, but alas, Greta I know will do splendid and we will have a much needed and relaxing holiday filled with shop til you drop evenings, grossly large USA portioned size meals at yummy restaurants and I am hoping some amazing deals. And the animals seem healthy (knock on wood) so our pet sitter will give them lots of extra love and attention and hopefully not have to make a visit to the vet!

So, that is what is coming up...the past week has been rather uneventful. It has rained for 5 days now, quite depressing, grey and gloomy. It is the type of weather where you realize you wasted a days worth of make up because you are not going to bother leaving the house. We didn't have any visitors, or any wild get togethers to go to and even the Dr's appointments were at a minimum. I sadly returned to my specialist and it was confirmed that the old liver is fighting a good fight but not quite there...my numbers went up instead of down, so disappointing as they were going down so steadily...but alas, it could be worse so I guess I should be thankful there are pills I can take. Sometimes hard to think that when I look in the mirror and push around the water that has taken up residence in my face and neck, and now shoulders I get so frustrated I could scream, I hope my December appt proves to be a bit more successful and the steroid meds will be replaced with another treatment option. I need this water to leave my body - pronto! I told the Dr that it's a cruel med to give a woman immediately after losing all the baby weight, he agreed and said the goal is to have me off the predisone as soon as possible. I wonder if that means he is afraid for my mental health...just a guess, I go in with a list of "things" of how this drug is affecting me, and I think he looks scared. He is also teaching me how to give my own needles, I am suppose to have B12 shots every 3 weeks, but since my family Dr no longer has a nurse, this requires I go to the walk in clinic to have the nurse give them...well, sitting for an hour to get a needle - with a baby - not my cup of tea. I'm not sure if I am going to like giving my own needles, but at least they will be on time.

And, amazingly...it's Remembrance Day Week again. I cannot believe how quickly the time flies. This time last year I was sick wit H1N1, had just found out I was expecting a baby and was being tested as discussions began on how all the drugs I had taken could affect a baby. I was MENTAL ...and I mean that with every serious bone in my body. I had to cancel my trip to New Hampshire that had been planned on Dr's advice, I just wasn't physically able to do the trip. I now find myself packing a year later to do the friends and family weekend again, this time healthy (well, my form of healthy) and will be missing out on the Remembrance Day services in Canada but will be in the USA for Veterans Day. I do think we will hit St. Stephen during their service however...one great thing about being an employee of Veterans Affairs Canada is every day is Veterans Day...but this year the Department is asking ... How will you Remember?

Veterans’ Week 2010, November 5 to 11. This year’s poster, which is above, uses a modern tag cloud or word cloud to show what remembrance words come to mind when we remember. The “How will you Remember?” image reflects this year’s call to action to all Canadians which asks you to think about your participation in remembrance activities. Take the remembrance challenge.Your challenge is to make remembrance more than something you feel. Make it something you do. There are many ways you can show that you remember and honour our Veterans.Pin a poppy above your heart. Attend a local Remembrance Day ceremony. Visit a friend or relative who just returned home from Afghanistan or who served elsewhere in the world. Listen to Veterans talk about their experiences. Create a mashup and share it on the YouTube channel. Visit the Veterans Affairs Canada fan page on Facebook, write on our wall and share how you remember. Change your Facebook profile picture to a poppy, write on your wall about how you remember or create your own remembrance fan page. However you choose to remember, don’t forget to tag it, link it, share it.Tag it. Once you have made a remembrance creation, don’t forget to tag it. This will also help friends and others find what you have made.Link It, Link your creation to vac.gc.ca. Share it. Be sure you share with a friend.Visit http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/ to learn more, to get interactive and share your thoughts or to find remembrance events in your community.

So, thank you - to all those serving our country (Hello my friends serving right now and to their wives who are home waiting for their safe return), to those Veterans who will walk in the Remembrance Day celebrations and to those who have served and sacrificed.

Have a great week, Toodles!

Is that a trick mirror....

Have to first add a quick video of Greta's latest trick...She is trying to blow bubbles, or shall I say, try to humm (you know the sound we can make with our lips without spitting)...well, she is making the sound, just has the spit flying. It is our fault, we taught her, as we were always making this sound to get her attention for pictures and lord knows, she has the camera in her face enough. It does crack us up, and is funny to watch - for a few minutes - but she does it now NON STOP!!! I had a friend and her little guy over today (thanks Tanya and Ryder) and at some points it was hard to hear over the humm and flying spit! So, enjoy the video...then read on to our latest adventures!

So, you know the little line on the car mirror - Objects may be closer than they appear, well, I need one in every mirror in the house, Objects in mirror may be bigger than they appear. Holy my face...I'm down to 3 steroids and the puffy face is still with me. Depending on the time of day it goes from pudgy to down right inflated. It must stop, it's driving me insane, I sometimes catch myself in front of the mirror pushing my double and triple chin out of the way and thinking what type of complications someone like me would have from plastic surgery (no need for responses to that - I can really imagine the complications), but I would still risk it. I think my skin has stretched enough that even when the water leaves my body, I'm going to be left with saggy skin. I went 9 months without a damn stretch mark and now my face is going to droop...AHHH... Well, if plastic surgery is required, I'm getting it all done, my slightly crooked nose, my thighs, ugly knees, can they build in abs...I'm doing it up.. All this beauty in the eye of the beholder - bull...find me a good plastic surgeon, make sure I get it paid for because of mental distress and I'm there..ha!

I'm still suffering from hot flashes, I convince myself there is some other disease within me, thankfully I'm off to the specialist again this week and going to ask for the full meal deal blood special. I want ever little box checked off on that requisition...and I mean everything. It just can't be normal at 36 (fine, 36.5) to have hot flashes 20 times a day. I feel for those in menopause, I'm with you...it sucks. At least if it was menopause and I was in my 50's or 60's when it was happening I wouldn't be changing smelly, stinky, knock your socks off diapers...because let me tell you, when you feel weak and sweaty from a hot flash, a toxic hot diaper is the last thing you want to add to the mix! I'm starting to wonder if my weak spell last week was more this combo then my meds and inner ear infection!

I have to admit, I'm finding things with Greta a bit easier. I know everyone said the 6 week mark was when they noticed things getting easier...well, it took me a bit longer, lets say 12 weeks, but now at 4 months, she is a little bit more fun and entertaining - which includes entertaining us and able to entertain herself and seems to have gained a little bit of independence, so we are all happier. She was never extremely needy or anything but she is just very content to play now on her own while I manage to cook or clean or shop on ebay...She does love cartoons (right or wrong)...it works and it's quite cute for her to watch and listen to the songs and characters dancing on the screen. She sleeps quite good too, she went to bed at 7:30 tonight, as of midnight, still sound asleep, I suspect she'll get up sometime for a bottle, but we have discussed this routine and are happy with it....it's nice for her to go to bed so early, as we'll either rest and relax or sleep ourselves, or just do things we want to around the house. She does sleep in late if she does get up during the night, today was 9:30...and what do I do...I sleep in too! I really should try to get up earlier, but she is my alarm clock and who am I to fight it. I do have a Dr's appt at 10 later this week, so I'll have to ensure I set the real alarm, as I did find myself late last week for an appt, as getting up at 9, and trying to get both of us ready to face the public, and get her fed all within an hour takes one big miracle!

And can you believe it's November...unbelievable to me! The months are flying by, this time last year I was still in complete shock that I was pregnant and calling Dr's, being put off work - a mix between H1N1 and psycho tendencies, and my guess (although I can't quite remember) not speaking to Darren..ha! This year on November 1st, I am thinking...I have a lot of Halloween and Fall decor to pack away for another year and the Christmas planning must get started. I always decorate early, I'm a perfectionist when it comes to my Xmas tree's and I put up a lot of tree's in the house and each tree can take a full day if not two...I am not measuring the ornaments distance from each other ... BUT... it does appear that I did. If I don't like the tree - I start over! It's painful. Darren's contribution is bringing up all the decorations from the basement and not touching any of the trees. He did try once, I sat in agony watching the few ornaments he placed on the tree go in to a spot I wouldn't have chosen, tried to bite my tongue and finally agreed - there will be no sitting around the fire and trimming the tree as a couple...nope, it's my job! As kids, we always had our own tree in our rooms, I think because my mother always had taken the time to place ornies in a pattern as well...Greta will have her own tree each year...not that she will decorate it this year, but down the road, she can decorate her tree ( I may have to bite my tongue better than I did with Darren) - but it will hopefully mean hands off the others in the house. This always worked for us as kids, we never touched the "adult trees", no need for us to have a Xmas tree where the bottom 3 feet had no ornies...I'm looking forward to decorating Greta's tree - pink and brown of course, with white teddy bears! Hope it will look as cute as what is in my head! I also always decorated early because I always hosted a sweet exchange as a first celebration to the holiday season although I have after a lot of thought and consideration decided not to go forward with it this year. I will miss doing it, but for quite a few reasons won't be hosting one this year. Will have to come up with another way to see a few friends over the holiday season and get them over to the house this year. One good thing this decision has on my planning, I won't need to have everything done for the end of November. Of course, there will hopefully be great deals in Maine and New Hampshire and I'll add to my Xmas collection! Can I say HOW MUCH I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO GOING AWAY...My travel curse better not surface, I am leaving this province and this country one way or another....lord help the person to mess with that!!! Well, a bunch of nothing in tonights blog, and I must depart, the hot flashes are returning and the hot lap top isn't helping, I must go find a freezie to cool me off.

Toodles!

A Whole lot of Sh*t (And I'm not talking about Greta's)

Howdy my fellow readers....Hope this note finds you doing well. 12:13 in the Edgett-Gallant Household, the Gallant part of the house is sleeping, the Edgett-Gallant part is sleeping and low and behold, that leave the Edgett gal on FB, Email and now my blog. Tired, actually quite exhausted, but I can't seem to sleep and thought I better get a note out in case I don't have a chance on the weekend.

So, lets see what has happened since I last posted...Oh yes, I had my first ride in an ambulance! Fun times. After writing my blog Tuesday night, I had actually commented how I was going to bed early, little did I know it would be a long night. I had chills / then my lovely hot flashes / then chills again - I had fleece pjs on, a down comforter, fleece sheets and a hot magic bag, 5 minutes later I'd be the opposite (well, still kept clothes on, can't get crazy you know!) That went on for a few hours, as I tried to get sleep and continuously woke up, the dizzy spells I had experienced earlier in the week seemed to intensify, finally I hit the point that my vision was affected and I couldn't stand, was blacking out. I called down to Darren who was having a comfy rest in the man cave, that I needed to go to the hospital - but what do I do first...Have a bath!!! Ha, if I'm going to the hospital, I thought it would be good to at least shave my legs! Well, I then have a freak attack as I'm feeling quite bad, and said maybe we needed to call 911...Darren dialed away and explained what was happening and we were really asking for advice but they said they were sending someone to assess me...They arrived - which I must admit felt like a long time to get here, but the attendants were wonderful. I'm feeling part embarrassed, somewhat relieved, as I knew how I was feeling was not normal. I was well enough however to gather all of my drugs in to a ziploc, my allergy bracelet, my medic alert, my hospital card, and the instructions for each of my drugs - how organized of me don't you think!!! I even wrote notes for the attendants and Dr's just in case I passed out, just so they knew all my medical condition, how many pills I had taken, who my Dr's were...I think I was a pretty impressive patient. As I sat at our counter stools and they started to hook machines up to me, I started to realize I may not be imagining feeling sick...my heart rate was bad, my blood pressure in the normal range (which is bad for me, as it's usually low), and blood sugars were off...so, they announce they are getting the stretcher and taking me in. Poor Scarlet looked more scared than anyone, Darren was holding her and she looked so sad, kind of "where are you taking my mommy look"...I assured her I would be back and off I went. Have you ever been taken down front steps in to the night air on a stretcher...I am sure they knew what they were doing and I know I'm a bit heavier with this water weight, but I thought they were going to drop me. My head was pounding and the little bump at the end of the stairs almost had me jumping to the sky. I get in the ambulance and it wasn't what I expected...tons of lights, which were really bothering my eyes, they hooked me to a heart monitor and call the ER and about 5 times explain that I'm 36 year old female with elevated heart rhythm...UMMM, I didn't call them about my heart, but it seemed to be what they were focusing on...They put an IV in (ouch, right in my damn hand, the worse spot but they couldn't get a vein in my arm) and then off we go. It was a long ride, we only leave 3 minutes from the hospital, it felt more like 20 and I have realized, I'm a pathetic back seat driver, I need to know where I'm going, so to be backwards in the ambulance, and lying on my back, just sucked...didn't like it at all. I arrive and guess what - the cute Dr's were not on..SIGH. Just make my life worse! Oh, it was...it was the ER Doc that can't speak English and was rude. Oh well. The nurses were excellent and again, in with the heart monitors, blood tests, booked for Xrays. I'm quickly realizing, if you are sick, just call an ambulance. I received excellent care and I'm sure it's not just because I looked like death and my heart was funky for some strange reason. But are you ready for the verdict...keep in mind, I'm assuming I'm going to hear news that it was my medications that were messing with me, well, it kind of was, it stripped my immune system and despite living in a bubble and to my knowledge, not being exposed to anyone with an infection, I have a sinus and inner ear infection, which was taking me off balance and making me have the black out episodes..SIGH, I took an ambulance, called 911 and I have a damn infection! WTF. Anyway, it was a fun experience, and yeah, something to blog about...See, there is a silver lining!

Of course, what does spending the night in the ER mean, well, other than I'm exhausted because you don't sleep while there, it means I was told to "stay off work"... humm, guess the Dr doesn't know about maternity leave as he was told a few times I had a 4 month old. But seems I wasn't allowed to move my head in any quick motion, lift, pretty much just needed to rest...so poor Darren had to stay home and do Daddy Duty and Babysitter to me for the full day. For his co-workers reading this - I really am this sick, no one can make up this crap! HA. I think spouses of sick people should get another week off in their leave, call is "holy shit she is sick again and I have to stay home leave". Believe me, it's no vacation, I can be quite demanding!!!

I spent the day doing very little, but rebounded a bit today, I feel a bit better and no dizzy spells (should back up, have 2 more prescriptions to add to my pill box) and desperately needed my hair done, so thankfully managed to get an appt. I had to take Greta - now, she was an angel, otherwise this blog would have been called My Nightmare at the Hair Shop - but she really was perfect, for 2 full hours, she entertained the gals at the shop, had a little snooze, starred like crazy at people and didn't say boo. What a relief! I then had to rush home, give her some food, and rush back out as it was needle day. Poor little thing. Second time we saw real tears flow from her eyes, the first was at her first set of needles. Three needles in the legs, I would have cried if it was me too, she screamed and the little tears filled in her eyes, quite sad, but she rebounded quick and within a few minutes was all better. She has been sleeping since 7:30pm tonight (which is her normal bedtime), so here is hoping she does okay and there are no major issues that will follow her tragic little experience. Knock on wood, so far so good! And since she didn't receive a live virus in the vaccine, I can be around her...Good thing, as Darren may have been ticked!

That is the day thus far. Made it to the big shop of Walmart tonight as well, needed more Halloween treats and had to buy a few little things for our extra special trick or treaters who make a special trip to the house each year, can't just give them regular old candy, I save that for the strangers. Of course, me going to a store - on pay day to boot - means my candy order somehow became $85 worth of items. One more Xmas gift for Greta - NOW I'm really DONE!!! This time I mean it, I'm running out of room and I'm going against everything I believe in toys (in that I don't want my house to look like a day care - so that really is it, but she needed a stroller for her dolls and it's a walker)... Good news is, I'm being quite specific on the items I've bought...and we have my old office as her toy room. Where we can shut the door. Thus far, I have to admit, I'm quite pleased that the house still resembles my house, have to love having an office off our main room that I spend most of my time, one push of the baby stuff in to the side room and a closing of the door and presto - Adult house again! I ended the night making a batch of cookies for a friend and to share with company this weekend, the house smells lovely, who needs air fresheners when I bake cookies every few nights - I am vowing not to eat any, well, maybe one or two just to ensure they are edible, but I'm packing these ones up and sending them out of the house. I had hoped to take my little Halloween Kitty Kat around to a few places tomorrow, but we'll see what the day brings, if not, and for those reading who are not here on the Island or I won't have a chance to see, I added a pic of her first Halloween Costume and a few pics of her best buddy Erik at the pumpkin patch last weekend. I hope she will learn to love Halloween Season as much I do. Kind of sad that I don't do my halloween party like I did years ago, but times change I guess, now I will just have a little one to live vicariously through!

So, another October has come and almost gone. As I was looking at my emails tonight and seeing my year in review and the emails automatically deleting I realized this exact day last year, I was in the hospital (what a shocker)...some may remember, others are new to my life via the blog, but I was one of the few early sufferers of H1N1 last year, I spent a week in and out of the ER, and last year on this exact same day I was there...and I was there on the 29th and the 30th. On the 30th, the Doctors informed me that I was pregnant. I will refrain from all the choice words I said on the 30th of October, 2009, but it had a few things to do with you incompetent idiot Doctors on PEI know NOTHING, do the test again! Well, I guess they were right...although that first day they said I was having twins...Anyway, that day was Darren's birthday...and rest assured, there is no hope I will be in the hospital on his 37th birthday finding out there is a baby on the way - I won't rule out I won't be in the hospital though...so fingers crossed we can have a regular birthday celebration, Dr and shocking news free! All for now, have a great and Spooktacular Halloween! Thanks for the continuous support and comments about the blog, I have a lot of fun writing it and it's fun to see how many are reading it and enjoying it, I get a few notes every day, some from people I've never met, others who I know through friends of friends (and sometimes of friends of their friends). Never take anything personal from my comments, just my view on a few things and the daily happenings in my mind and life, with a few exaggerated comments here and there - well, just a tad exaggerated! I have never claimed to know squat about parenting, but Greta is doing very well, so our wing it attitude and go with the flow has worked. Or for once in my life, a little luck has decided to shine on me. We have a baby who is growing, all be it slow but soon she'll be 13lbs I'm sure, she is pretty darn cute, is always well dressed, has a sweet personality and thankfully is a great sleeper, so we must be doing something right...oh, and she loves the hair dresser and shopping! But again, this blog is about us, we are just sharing our thoughts and our days with you and if you like it great, if not...why keep reading!!! HA! Better go test those cookies! Signing off, 1:09am!

Football - The Real Story

Football - yes, I said the "F" word. Darren is having a tough week, seems his Quarterback got hurt, had an affair or is being accused of something inappropriate - whatever the case, Darren has been complaining. Now, I don't despise football, I leave that term for baseball. I grew up in a football family, my father coached football, played when he was younger and the games were always on and lord do I say it, I was a cheerleader and spent many a cool evening cheering on our team on the football field, so I actually do know the game. I still however am not interested in putting on a jersey or paying much attention. So I thought it was time I looked in to the football terminology and help others out there who may not be football savy but who every Sunday become a Basement widow. Greta has actually taken to the game and seems to follow the players on the TV (yes, I know we are letting her watch TV) but if I didn't, I would be with her morning and night and Darren would not see her on Sundays. There are a lot of great Mom Bloggers out there and "Because I said so" posted the best football lessons so I took it upon myself to pick out a few favorites, expand on some and do my duty to all the Sunday basement widows to help out understand the game a little bit more, hope you enjoy!

FOOTBALL TERMS

Automatic first down - when the referee drops his yellow hanky on the field and the boys run over it and fall down on it, the ref gets mad because his hanky gets muddy and that's gross. Then he moves the football away from the players as punishment and says, "automatic first down".

Blocking - This is when a couple guys smash into each other. Sometimes it looks like they're dancing with each other, but don't say that aloud because shirtless, beer-swilling guys with their stomachs painted blue (purple and yellow if you are a fan of Darren's team) would be offended if you implied the players were anything less than manly.

Carry - From Sex in the City - but she spells her name Carrie and is married to Mr. Big - although I would have left him after he didn't show up for the wedding!!!

Dead ball - if the players step on the ball with their pointy-bottomed shoes and it deflates, it's dead.

Down - Comfy comforter, goose or duck!

Eligible receiver - this is the term for the single, available men who catch the ball. This term could also be used for single women who line up to catch the bouquet at a wedding.

End zone - the place where the players hope to get a few times during a painful 4 hour game, followed by a spike of the ball and a ridiculous dance for the TV viewing audience.

Field goal - The goal of the field is to...hmmm, I'm not sure what it is. I think it has something to do with kicking the ball.

Formation - See all the players in a bunch on the field? It's not totally random. I know! I was surprised too! It's actually a specific formation.

Fumble - Depending on the team - this is when Darren's language becomes very inappropriate for Greta's innocent ears and causes major booing from the crowd.

Gridiron - It's another name for a George Foreman grill. I'm not sure why it's in my glossary of football terms other than because George Foreman is a famous football player - or was he??? He was some sports person!

Halfback - Who is Quasimodo, Alex?

Interception - When the fans start groaning and the other side jumps up and down and screams in excitement and you try to figure out why everyone's moving in the opposite direction suddenly. See reverse.

Kickoff - When a player kicks the ball and his shoe flies off.

Offensive - This is referring to the smell that comes from the players after a game.

Pass - When a player hits on a girl and gets charged with being inappropriate (see above comment about Darren's quarterback)

Quarterback - the guy who throws the ball and gets paid the most

Referee - the guy on the field in the zebra costume who always makes bad calls against your team and fails to see all the fouls the other team makes.

Right Guard - men's deodorant

Scrimmage - I don't know what it means, but it's fun to say. Repeat after me, scrimmage, scrimmage, scrimmage...

Sidelines - Where the coaches stand to block your view of the field

Snap - The fastening device that holds up the players' pants

Tackle - A box of fishing lures and such

Touchdown - This is what the players spend two+ hours trying to do

Hope this little dictionary helps a few of you out there, it's quite the game. Since Darren's birthday is this weekend, I'll give him his day of football watching, without commenting on what a waste of a day it is - really, Sports Desk shows all the highlights at least 10 times a day, a lot of hours spent watching a game when you could just catch the main highlights over and over and over again. Oh wait, we have a $300 cable bill that pays for all the football channels - I guess he better watch them!

Besides that lesson - since my last post - I'm still puffy! I took it upon myself to reduce my meds a bit early, bad decision on my behalf as I took a little weak spell and tumble yesterday, thankfully I managed to get Greta in to her crib and didn't drop her and I made it to the phone to call for some assistance, but lesson learned - lack of food and playing with dosage is not a brilliant choice. I have spent a fortune on Ebay and online shops - I'm bored and it makes me happy, so what can you do!!! I'm going to bed early, well, early for me, don't feel caught up on sleep, but maybe it will pay off eventually. Thankfully Greta has been sleeping great, and she has a good Daddy if she does wake up during the night. She has been going to bed by 8pm, ideally it would be great for her to get up by midnight for a bottle, but she will either make it through to early morning, or look for some food around 2 or 3am, but then sleeps until 8:30 or so...So, sleeping through the night for the most part - we'll take it! And my favorite holiday is upon us - Halloween. The house has been decorated for awhile now and we'll have to get our big display up for the kids on Halloween night, we'll be having a fairly low key day and giving out candy, and Nov 1st, Xmas will take over...I have been collecting Xmas decorations for Greta's Bedroom Xmas tree, it will be the first one I do this year for sure, too many cute things for it sitting in bags in the spare room.

Well, quite the hodge podge - Football to Xmas talk...Enjoy the week everyone. Hopefully by the time I get to blog again, I will be able to report the puffy face is coming down - granted, if we don't get a lot of kids for Halloween, the extra Halloween treats could cause a puffy face too...will have to give out handfuls to those who show up at the door!

PS. Still looking for recipes for my Xmas Recipe Book - I haven't received many, so please share a recipe, it would be greatly appreciated. You can send it to, geedgett@eastlink.ca

Toodles!

Shopping cures everything...

http://www.photographybyrachel.com/ to check out Rachel's work....

I came home this evening to find lovely photos in my Email Inbox from Greta's personal photographer (okay, she does take other people's pictures), but since Greta pretty much sees me behind the camera an hour each day, nice to have someone who really knows what they are doing snapping photos / and better yet, editing them...So thank you to Rachel Peters yet again for the lovely visit and photo shoot with our little diva (and diva she was - smiling was not on the agenda, but when you are so cute, you don't have to show a gummy grin!). So a few of my favorite shots for my "followers" are above...but let's put aside the fact that Greta is pretty cute - she has also been fairly annoying. Now, for those grasping their hearts and thinking, how can I say a baby be annoying...well, they can, and I don't mind admitting it. I have been annoyed, I have raised my voice this week in frustration, I have opened a bottle of vodka (okay, that is not true, but if I didn't have liver disease I would have - and I mean, I really, really wanted to!) Greta has been fussy, and I know babies are fussy at times, but Greta really hasn't been, but off and on now since mid September she has had these periods where she will scream, cry, fuss, whimper and we can't figure it out. I started to think she may be bored, under stimulated / over stimulated at times, we can figure out the hunger and the diaper requirements, but when all seems okay - what do I do - Go to the Internet - FUSSY BABY in Google will lead someone like me to sites that say Diabetes, serious abdominal infections, colic...you name it, I can find the worse pages out there on the Internet and convince myself there is something really wrong. So much so this week we headed to the clinic. Now, I have been to the clinic many times, the last two times they almost killed me with drugs that caused an allergic reaction so it took a lot out of me to go in this direction, but this unusual behaviour was worrying me too much and our family Dr was away. Well, we arrive and I go to register her name and didn't want to bring her in with me - there are sick people in there, I can't be around sick people, and I don't want Greta in there either, so I kindly ask the receptionist at the clinic if she thought it would be a half an hour as I would just stay in the truck for a bit - she laughed, the kind of laugh that was saying - who do you think you are and not a hope lady - she then said, it's more likely 2 hours...TWO hours, to sit with a baby who I think is sick, but don't want her exposed to really sick people. So what do we do, take the baby to the grocery store! She likes it there, I have quickly realized the inevitable has happened - she is calmed by shopping. I think she likes the lights, the colors, the people in the aisle's who look at her but can't tough her because I always have a net over the car seat and I know she likes the sound of my card going ching ching / whoosh through the machines. I actually had her to the grocery store a few times this week and most times, she falls asleep or just looks around. It's when we stop rolling in the cart and buying (when we are in line to pay) that she may make a few sounds. By the time we finished at the store, we head back to the clinic, this is an hour later - and they still have a long way to go, she was #35 on the list, they were at 17...we didn't stay.

Thankfully I did manage to get her in to our Dr today, really lucked out, and guess what, she doesn't have any major diseases like the Internet said, she is just a normal baby who cries - not an exceptional baby who just never makes a sound (although that is a nice thing too!) All it took was a little drive up the street and a little shopping, and presto - instant cure. It always makes me feel better too. The Dr was kind enough to still treat me with respect and not laugh and say, you silly first time mother, she really listened and did say it does sometimes show a warning sign for a baby to all of a sudden become fussy - but in this case, nothing to worry about. We did get her 4 month assessment out of the way, yes 4 months old already! She is now weighing in at 12lbs 2oz, finally weighing what Scarlet does, and she is growing in length, 23.5 inches. She is still on the low end of the charts, but that is okay becausecshe is still able to wear all her little clothes, so a nice bonus. So many said not to buy little clothes as she will grow out of it so quick - well, 4 months of wearing 0-3 months - I'm pretty pleased! I did get a bit of a lecture - I was going to try Greta on cereal, I mean my baby book indicates I had cereal at 3 weeks, and I know the new "rules" say 5 or 6 months, but really...this changes yearly. But the Dr did say hold off until she was 5 months....and then I was asked - does she following things well, and focus well - and what do I admit - YES, she loves TV. Not the thing to say to a Dr I guess...She said books and music would be better. OF course they would, I know that too, but in 4 months, I have not once had to sacrifice having a shower, getting my make up on and having my hair done (fine the hair is in a ponytail, but still, it's done for me)...and WHY can I accomplish all of this - because of Baby Einstein DVDs and Little Bear on the cartoon station! I totally agree, kids watch way too much TV, and nothing drives me more insane then a young kid playing on a video game non stop or sitting in front of a TV all day long instead of playing outside....but I want a shower and the TV is my assistant for an hour a day...and Greta focuses so well....

This post was going to take another direction, but I must admit, I can barely see the screen, it's now 2:45am, I have been suffering with insomnia (some due to my medication) but it's caught up with me and I can barely move my fingers and I can't write anymore...so I'll just have to leave you with our Dr visit story for tonight and the lovely photos from Rachel. I really do think shopping cures everything, may not cure debt, but I have felt pretty good this week, got a lot of shopping done via the Internet, have I said lately how much I love Ebay! I am pretty sure the Fed Ex truck should be arriving every few days for the next month after the work out I did via Ebay and Paypal. And if Greta can feel better and be calmed by a little outing to the store - I guess who am I to go against it.

Enjoy your Friday everyone, so hard to believe another week has come to an end, wishing you all a great weekend and I promise to post again soon..