Finding calm in chaos

have you seen it???? Nah, me neither. I wouldn't mind a few extra hours in a day though, but I guess that would really mess things up globally, now wouldn't it?!?!lol
So, I will make do with the 24 I have.....too bad I need sleep!!lol

Well back to work I go, here's some pics for you!!










Have a blessed day!!!

Updates!!!

Happy Saturday my fellow cyber posse!!
Things are going wonderful! I hope everyone had a great New Year and is all geared up for a brand new year!!
This is the first year I didn't make any resolutions..per se. I do have some goals that I would like to accomplish in the next year though!
We have so much going on right now...so please excuse the bullet point updates!

FAMILY:
Everyone is doing good...the Il's, SIL's and us too. SIL is now engaged (Bills sister) to a great guy, so we're very happy for them. They are planning for a wedding in 2010 in the summer. MIL is doing good and has been feeling good as well. My Mama is doing great and and praise the Lord, we are approaching 3yrs sobriety!! I am so very proud of her! My sister is doing really good, they moved back to the city!! Henri is doing great and growing like crazy.....hopefully we'll all be able to see each other in the new year!!
We as a family have been doing really good, everyone is so happy to have Breanna home safe and sound and not have Mama trudging to the hospital every night. We have been really enjoying being an unschooling family......plenty of life lessons the past few months!

BREANNA:
This is one tough cookie, let me tell you! As I said before, she is breastfeeding exclusively after only had the opportunity to nurse a handful of times given the amount of time she was NPO (no food by mouth). This was achieved by my going on a dairy/casein free diet. There is a story that goes along with that and when I have a longer time at the computer I will share it with you...because like the majority of the stories from that experience, they are long! Breanna has a severe allergy to both and hopefully she'll outgrow it, but for now, this is how it is.
She is a doll, but very outspoken! If she is not happy she will yell until it is fixed...which is typically just a feeding or a bum change! She HATES to have anything on her head or her face and will scream if this happens, she also does not like to have her hands/arms restrained in any way (no swaddling!!) she does however, LOVE the wrap! She would happily spend the entire day there and has done so!!
PICS!!!

*Breanna all wrapped up in Elsa *10wks old*


*Breanna 10wks old with her beloved suckie from the hospital*


*Breanna 10wks old....finally her eyelashes have darkened a bit!!*

She is just so precious and I thank the Lord every.single.day for her....I thought for sure when I saw the blood that frightful night, that I was losing my baby girl.

***ETA: This was from last Saturday!!lol***I had intentions on coming back and writing more, but alas, it did not happen that way! But I'll post it anyways!

Freaky Friday

Okay not really, although switching places with my oldest wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Today is crazy, I am pulling from all of my internal resources and prayer. The children are SOOOOOOO grumpy...this is totally not like them. Yes, they fight and argue, but this has been non-stop since 7:42am! They have screamed, yelled, stomped, fought...you name it!
Hopefully things will come down a bit now...I told them all to snuggle up on the couch and order a movie...although I am certain there will be some rumbling over WHICH movie to order...oi!

Tonight I am going out with my Mom. It's her birthday today so I wanted to take her out for a coffee, but first I am going to hit Value Village. The kids would like something for Halloween and I want to scope out some wool and cotton and maybe a pair of maternity pants...since I've discovered that I have no pants!!!lol All I have are capri's!! I have two prs of cotton ones, but they no longer fit!!lol I've posted some stuff for sale on various sites in the hopes to be able to earn some paypal to buy the stuff I need...but the economy is so sad right now and then the exchange rate...ugh! It's awful!!!
I am selling and have sold all my wraps and carriers...(I have two for sale if you're interested!!!) I have sold and am selling cloth diapers (I have a beautiful Berry Plush diaper lot for sale!!) Bill is taking all my itty bitty baby boy stuff to the consignment on Sunday....so hopefully I get a bit back from there!
I am trying to make as much as much as possible, but my time frame is slipping away!!lol
So here's my TO GET FOR BABY LIST:(or rather, a wish list of stuff I *hope* to buy!!!lol)
-clothing (the extent of this list, I don't know...a friend of mine is passing down some of her little girls items...Have I mentioned my love of second hand things?!?!)
-I am hunting for an all cloth Diaper bag, preferably Mama made and girlie
-more wool sweaters for mitts, longies, breastpads etc...everything!!lol
-Aden & Anais swaddling blankies (saving up!!)
-Organic mattress pad for the baby's bed (saving up!!)
-Maruyama wrap (should be able to get her at the end of the month!!)
-more cloth pads for me
-Babylegs for baby
-wash cloths (I was going to make these, but this turned out to be too time consuming without owning a serger)
-a couple receiving blankets
-herbs for labour and postpartum
-Emergen-C vitamin stuff (for labour and PP)
-1-2 prs of good mat jeans for me (brrrr, it's getting colder around here...capri's don't quite fit the bill!!)
-2-4 more Kissaluvs or AMP's in NB size, but will see.


This list is just some random thoughts.......we'll just have to see what I can come up with!! some I have already got and am awaiting to arrive!!!
I will post pics and stuff when they arrive as well as links to where I got it!!

Well, I'm off to post a long overdue update in the Habitat blog!!!
If any of you Mama's are interested in seeing pics and knowing prices...send me a line!! I accept funded paypal only, but all my prices include shipping (to USA and Canadian addresses only) and all prices are USD if you're in the US and CAD if you're here in Canada!! If you're on my Flickr, you can see pics there!!
email me at:
mama26blessingsATyahooDOTca (changing the DOT and AT to the symbols!!)

Doctors Appt Update!!

Just a quick note!

Everything went very well and I am very blessed to have such a great doctor!

Soooo, here's the verdict:
My body is not favourable for an induction right now (via breaking my water) I'm still at 1cm(which is nothing to jump around over when you've given birth 5 times!!!LOL) and there isn't enough forewaters (bulge of the amniotic sac above baby's head) for her to break. She did say that I am in 'early labour', but knowing me, I can be there for a month!!!LOL She did mention that I could go in and have an IV with Pitocin started, but I'm not comfortable with having that unless my body was showing it was a bit more ready. Basically I won't 'allow' anything unless I'm at least 3cm.

So, now I will spend the day cleaning some more and 'enjoying' contractions every 6-8mins!!!LOL!! Praise the Lord I feel good and can do that!!!I'm also so happy that Matthew is a happy little guy in there as well!

So for right now, nothing exciting to report, but if things change I'll let ya'll know!!!!

Thankyou for all your well wishes and prayers!!!
Have a blessed Friday!!!
~Penny

Doctors Appointment

Happy Monday!!!

Here's the latest scoop from my 37week appointment!!
HB:145
Blood pressure: 100/60
weight:130 (but I'm sure it said 135, the nurse was looking at it over her desk)
measuring:37.5 weeks
and I am dilated to a 'good' 1cm!!!

Next appointment is Nov.3rd and we should be scheduling the induction that day(although not for that exact day, I don't think)!!!
WHOOHOO!!!!

POsted a couple new pics in the flickr, I was playing with my camera in the mirror!! I so totally love that trick!!!LOL!!

I'm also going to be doing a regular belly pic tonight for the top of my blog, only about two pics left for that....:o(

Well, time to start bedtime routine!! Have a blessed Monday night!!!!

Look what I made!!!!!

It's a lumpy, bumpy, Nursing Pillow!!!LOL I made this with no pattern and in less than 1/2 an hour, the stuffing part took the longest because I wanted it pretty firm.
What do ya think?!?!LOL






I also finished up baby Matthew's Room today as well, I posted the pics in my Flickr!!

Three things, there is no crib, change table, or dresser. His pack 'n' play is set up in our room and when I get it all set up, I'll take a pic. It will eventually go in the far right hand corner of his room. I don't have a dresser for him either, still keeping my eye out for one on Freeycycle. For now, he has a hanging shelf in is closet that holds all his tiny outfits perfectly!! I also do not use change tables, I had one for a couple of years, but got rid of it just before Mariah was born. All I ever used it for was to take up space and hold JUNK!!!LOL I have a mini change station set up at the foot of the bed in his room, and all his supplies will be in a portable basket. I usually just end up changing my babies wherever!!!LOL

I think I am all set and ready for Matthew. I will have to get a couple packs of disposable diapers. The hospital where I deliver doesn't supply you with them. Besides, cleaning those first poo's out of cloth diapers is really not fun!!LOL
Oh and I'm also waiting for my mom to go and get the carseat!! That is a very important part, if I plan on bringing him home!!!LOL

Have a blessed Evening!!!

It's almost the weekend!!!!

Today has been an 'interesting' day with my oldest. He has had a poor attitude for most of the day. I think it's mostly because I let him stay up a bit later to watch his dad play his computer game...so I guess you reap what you sow, huh?!?!?

Anyways, other than that, it's been a typical day. Tomorrow will be a bit busier as I am taking my three girls out first thing in the morning to go grocery shopping and then we're coming home and cleaning!!! No school for them tomorrow, or I guess we could call it a life skills day!!LOL

Oh, I was doing laundry the other day and overheard Kayla playing in her room....it was too cute not to catch on video!!!

Isn't that just the funniest thing???

I also received an email and thought I would post my reply here. Thankyou to all of you who take the time to send me emails!! I'm so happy you all find my blog a blessing to your life in some way or another!!
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Dear, Penny

I read your blog quite often and I find myself amazed at the things you do and keep a sense a humour about. I only have 2 children (boy 10yrs and girl 4yrs) and can find myself in a stressful mood quite often. Thank you for taking the time to write about your life and how you manage it. Your blog has been such a blessing to me. I had some questions for you and I hope you can answer them, but only when you have the time. I know you are a very busy woman.
1. what are your favorite baby items? I think having so many kids you must have some favorites!!

2. what are your least favorite baby things?
I ask this of you because my good friend from church is having a baby and there are so many baby things out there and it has been so long since I had a baby.

your friend,
Doreen in Manitoba
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First of all, thankyou so much Doreen for taking the time to write to me!!! I'm so happy you enjoy my blog and are interested in my opinion!!
Here are my answers and I hope you find them helpful!!!
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1. Hmmmm, I had to think of some of the things I simply cannot live without when I have a baby and here are some that I can think of:
-baby washcloths (I usually try to have at least 2-3 dozen of these on hand because I use them as bumwipes. I make my own wipe mix and then use it with the cloths)

-receiving blankets (the flannel ones, I use these for everything...burppads, change pads, swaddling you name it!!LOL I try to have 2 dozen of these)

-My Snugli (Mine is one of the old corduroy ones and I have used it since Alex, I LOVE it.)

-my pack 'n' play ( I don't use cribs anymore, so this has been an awesome lifesaver. It goes anywhere and I can use it for so long!!)

-My favourite baby bath products!!(I LOVE the Canus brand of Goat's Milk stuff, I have only found it at The real Canadian Superstore, but I highly recommend this product. It smells so fresh and clean and comes in lotions and balms and soaps and shampoo's!! and an AWESOME zinc baby bum cream)

-Newborn and size 1 diapers (I use cloth, but I have always loved and been grateful to receive some packs of disposables, it can make those first few days/weeks a little less stressful)

-a baby chair (like an infant seat, I love the portability of these as well. My new personal favourite is this one baby papasan chair
It looks so cozy!!!(they need to make on in Mama size!!LOL)

- a swing is nice to have as well, although some babies love 'em and some HATE 'em!! I've had a couple of each!!LOL

-my Pump 'n' Style breast pump by Medela. I was so blessed to have one this by entering in a breastfeeding essay, otherwise there was no way I would've ever afforded it!!LOL It is well worth the money though!!!

-breastfeeding pillows (these are a lifesaver in those early weeks and really help position baby)

-my infant car seat bag (I LOVE not having to bundle baby up or worry about snowsuits, just buckle 'em in and zip them up in the bag!! What a dream!!!)

-my new favourite a head position for in the bed!!! After dealing with Mariah's flathead, I simply can't live without mine!!!)


2. I can't really say there is anything I don't like. I guess manual breastpumps, those are so time consuming.

-undershirts that don't attach to the crotch, they always find their way up the poor baby's back and around their neck!!LOL

-baby bath tubs (can you imagine they have baby spa's!!!LOL Gimme a break!!ROFL!!! I only ever used a baby tub with Alex and it was such a pain and messy. I either use a large mixing bowl or just take the babe in the bath with me!!!)

-baby bath towels (I don't have anything against them, I just never found them that useful!!LOL I always end up using a regular soft towel and forget about my infant towels!!LOL)

That's all I can really think of. I guess each Mama is different in what they prefer, but for me, I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase something extra fancy, unless your friend has specifically asked for it. you don't mention if this is her first or not. I hope my answers help you out!!! Best wishes and prayers to you and your family and congrats to your friend!!!
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Busy Busy!!

We've been busy getting the house all ready and cleaned for Thanksgiving Dinner!!!!
Hurray, I am soooooo excited I love cooking a turkey and all the fixin's!!!
Our Menu is:
Butter Basted Turkey
Homemade Stuffing
Brussles Sprouts
Mixed Veggies
Whipped potatoes
and of course, homemade pan gravy!!!
DESSERT
pumpkin pie
apple pie
choice of coolwhip or vanilla icecream (or both in my case!!!LOL)

We should have a full house, which will be nice, I'm just happy I don't have to go anywhere!!!LOL

I had to change my laundry routine, and had to add Saturday as an actual laundry day. I also posted the chart in big letters and hung it on the wall so everyone knows what is getting washed and when.
Heres an idea:








And last but not least, Alex took another pic of me with a face this time!!!! We decided that it had been a long time since we had done that (I think I was only 17 or 18 weeks last time?!?!) and hey, you can check out our new couch in the background!!!





So, have a blessed Thanksgiving my fellow Canadians!!! Enjoy family and friends and of course the blessing of good food!!!
I will be on next week posting pics of our dinner!!!
~Penny