12.29.09
Posted in Diary Entries at 1:50 pm by Nicole
This photo was taken on Christmas when we were at the Day’s Inn, Collingwood. We left for up north after opening presents, having breakfast and coffee (decaff, of course). No problems with the terribly incorrect forecast. After checking in we went to Aunt Mar & Uncle Wayne’s house where the gang was having cocktail hour (which seemed to last all night). It was unfortunate to not have Mom there, but she thought she would be better at home. It is hard to hear my Mom cry and I am so useless. We have planned to go and see her on NYE. We had our turkey dinner, yummy desserts and played the Steal a Gift game. Everyone was very civilized and there were no fights involved. Unfortunately my Nana got the gift for Jonna (because she didn’t play) I felt bad. I got a fancy pillow, Simon got pure honey and maple syrup. My Dad gave us a boxfull of diapers and a weekend away with the family at CasinoRama in the spring. Hopefully “you know who” won’t have arrived by then! P.S. This photo makes me want to run on the treadmill.
A couple days after Christmas, we went to see Lily (2 weeks old). 
What a precious little baby! She was very well behaved and slept the entire time we were there. Simon thinks babies are easy now that he met Lily! Unfortunately I don’t think they sleep the ENTIRE day….
The rest of our 4 days off was spent cleaning, donating clothes, moving stuff, organizing etc. to prepare for the baby room. It was very overwhelming and the house is still a mess. It probably will be until June.
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12.24.09
Posted in Diary Entries at 10:21 am by Nicole
Congratulations to Alleta and Trevor on their baby girl, Lily Grace. Evie is excited to have a sister but I’m sure it will take time to adjust. Here are some photos from her first week. I can’t wait to meet her!



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Posted in Diary Entries at 10:12 am by Nicole
What I/We have been up to lately:
- A while ago, but I haven’t mentioned it: Black Friday Weekend in Erie. Sonia and I headed to Erie coaching. The drive was no problem as were the borders (which I was worried about). As we were driving into Erie, we drove by ToysRUs. The lineup went from the door, allllll the way around the parking lot, around a building, up the road and then reversed back the same way. I was very frightened of what we had gotten ourselves into!! We arrived at a brand new hotel (for us) TownePlace Suites and the room was great! We had a kitchenette with microwave, fridge, stove and dishwasher (fully equipped) We fell asleep as soon as we lied down because we knew morning shopping was going to come very early. We hit the free breakfast and stores at the crack of dawn and didn’t stop until midnight! We hit our usual favorite spots plus a new one for me. Babies R Us! I got lots of great deals and baby items but the entire time I wished I knew the gender of the baby. I guess I’ll have to go back! As for the big deals and bargains, there weren’t many to be had…it was fun to experience the Black Friday rush, but I don’t think I would rush to do it again. I had fun eating at my fave locations – Olive Garden & Red Lobster.
- I spent a night downtown at the Delta Chelsea preparing for my Pre/Post Natal Fitness Specialist exam that I didn’t study the entire week for. Exam was 3 hours at Ryerson University, I seemed to unprepared, but I did spend the entire night studying and then tossing and turning. I was positive I failed. I got 90.5% on the Theory and 83.5% on the practical. I passed! I am so relieved!! Afterwards I walked to Sarah’s apartment downtown and she took me shopping on the Danforth and for lunch at Allen’s (Very delicious!) We had a nice time hanging out together.
- Visit Mom in the hospital. Mom went into the hospital, without telling me, last Sunday. I heard about it on Tuesday from my Aunt (and am still in shock that my father didn’t return my 2 voicemail messages looking to talk to someone) Anyways, she went in because she was weak and couldn’t breathe. They had her in emerge for 2 days, had some breathing treatments and things seemed ok, however she was admitted on the Wednesday. I spoke to her daily (once I tracked her down) and each day she sounded better. Simon and I went to see her on Saturday…she seemed in fairly good spirits, in charge of her 4 person room of ladies and her breathing seemed under control. They did a couple more tests the following day and sent her packing. I still don’t know if home is a better place for her…
- Lily Grace was born on Wednesday, December 16th at 2:15 p.m. weighing in at 9.06 lbs! The photos are very cute and I think she looks a lot like Alleta. Dark hair, big full lips. I can’t wait to meet her in person.
- NYGH Staff Xmas party – planned by Amy & Nicole. We put together the potluck alone, as usual due to lack of volunteers. We organized the food, games, prizes and activities. On the agenda was: Gift wrapping pit with partner and one hand. What a hoot! We got them on video too. Everybody played, I was so happy. $20 Secret Santa gift exchange. The gifts were pretty good, no major catfights between participants. Door prizes were drawn randomly as we had 3 ipod shuffles. Unfortunately I didn’t win. Boo. All I got was a thank you.
Ok, baby update time…
How I’m feeling physically:
- Pretty good actually! I had some nasty headaches a couple weeks ago but they have subsided. I think I know the culprit. Vanilla Rooibos tea from Starbucks. It has a sugar free sweetener in it that I’m not sure agreed with me. I’m scared to try it again to see if I’m right!
- My clothes are definitely too small now, I have actually started packing them up for next year. I’ve enjoyed shopping at the maternity stores and have some nice outfits.
- I’ve been back to the gym this past days(3 whole days!) and I am very proud of myself. I do it after my nap so I am normally still sleeping when I workout. Seems to be working well. I have put together a program for myself and check it off as I go. I feel so much better about myself afterwards, even though I look like a fat person when I’m there. Ok ok, I know I’m not fat, it is just tough to get used to.
- As mentioned above, I do still nap daily when I have the chance. I like napping. It helps me do more during the evenings and feel refreshed – even though it might take away from some of my night time sleeping. Speaking of nighttime sleeping…I’m having a hard time staying off of my back and left side. Apparently they aren’t safe ways to lie and I wake up every time like that.
- We got to meet with the doctor 2 weeks ago and even though Dr. Tunde-Byass was away, we were seen by her assistant. Not much happened, she asked some questions on my history, how I’m feeling etc. A quick ultrasound was preformed and baby was moving and waving like crazy. Just saying Hi I guess!
How I’m feeling emotionally:
- Feeling good at the moment. I do have mood swings which aren’t fun, anger, frustration, crying.
What’s coming up:
- Christmas morning – Gift opening at home with Simon, Lightning and Peanut followed by a delicious breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast
- Christmas in Collingwood – Going up Christmas afternoon, staying at a hotel in Collingwood. I really hope Mom comes.
- House Cleanup 2009 – Garbage bin rental, major cleanup and renovation time. You should see the spreadsheet and project plan!
- 3d/4d Ultrasound – Baby gender test – January 8th, $50. Can’t wait! Hope they can determine the sex.
- Switzerland – Jan 10-Jan 23. Going to visit the Kay gang!! Should be a great trip, I’m really looking forward to it.
- Prenatal Yoga – Starts Sunday Jan 31st
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