Hope you have a great holiday in whatever way you chose to celebrate it. At our place, its Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
What does Santa get at your place?
Santa doesn't want anymore milk by the time he gets to our place on the west coast. He's starting to wind down and is ready for something a bit stronger (not to mention the b vitamins)
Hope you have a great holiday in whatever way you chose to celebrate it. At our place, its Merry Christmas!
Hope you have a great holiday in whatever way you chose to celebrate it. At our place, its Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 24, 2010
A step forward for pre-eclampsia!
It was on our local news last night. There is now an accepted, available in North America (if not world wide) simple algorithm for testing the risk of continuing a pregnancy for a woman with preeclampsia.
For those who know, the previous and only method to determine the 'deliver now!' urgency was a high level of protein in the urine and high blood pressure. Not anymore. There is now the Piers method. This considers the two above features, but adds a series of results from a blood test for a much more accurate determination of when delivery is imminent. And for those who count the weeks/days/hours, we know that every minute can count for the survival of the baby.
Why am I so excited? Nope, not pregnant (wish I was) but I had pre-e. For those who've followed the blog for a while, you'll know that I went in for a regular NST and wasn't allowed to leave. I was given the steroid shot and told to expect delivery in the next 24-48 hours. The boys were under 32 weeks. They then started searching for a hospital with room in the nicu for early twins, first in the city, then the province, eventually expanding to just south of the border.
BUT my OBGyn came to the rescue. He had recently been to a talk on the then unpublished Piers method and felt I was a good candidate. So I got to relax, well not really. Each morning, they drew my blood quite early. I knew that if I got breakfast, I was safe for another day. The interns and doctors on rotation were all doom and gloom "you will deliver tomorrow", based on the high levels of protein in my urine. But my Dr kept telling them no. And he was right. I made it to my scheduled C-section date (35w1d because of placenta previa). He admitted he didn't think I'd make it that far, but the levels of whatever they tested in my blood didn't change at all during this time. The boys got to bake another 3 weeks inside me.
This was 19 months ago. I suspect I might be a case study in the published medical papers on the method. I'm certainly a poster child for using this method instead of just the protein and blood pressure check. I know my boys had a better shot at life because of it. Not everyone who has pre-e will get extra time because of this method though. My roomie who was in for a shortened cervix, with regular BP had a spike in hers, with sudden protein in urine. She had a blood test the next morning and the nurse came in to yank her breakfast just as it was being served. Her blood work showed that it was time. But since she was 35w2d, it wasn't as frightful as it could have been (and her twins were born on my birthday).
Hopefully this method will allow some babies to go from micro-premies to premies to maybe even full term that might otherwise not have been allowed to go that long. What a great piece of news this close to Christmas.
For those who know, the previous and only method to determine the 'deliver now!' urgency was a high level of protein in the urine and high blood pressure. Not anymore. There is now the Piers method. This considers the two above features, but adds a series of results from a blood test for a much more accurate determination of when delivery is imminent. And for those who count the weeks/days/hours, we know that every minute can count for the survival of the baby.
Why am I so excited? Nope, not pregnant (wish I was) but I had pre-e. For those who've followed the blog for a while, you'll know that I went in for a regular NST and wasn't allowed to leave. I was given the steroid shot and told to expect delivery in the next 24-48 hours. The boys were under 32 weeks. They then started searching for a hospital with room in the nicu for early twins, first in the city, then the province, eventually expanding to just south of the border.
BUT my OBGyn came to the rescue. He had recently been to a talk on the then unpublished Piers method and felt I was a good candidate. So I got to relax, well not really. Each morning, they drew my blood quite early. I knew that if I got breakfast, I was safe for another day. The interns and doctors on rotation were all doom and gloom "you will deliver tomorrow", based on the high levels of protein in my urine. But my Dr kept telling them no. And he was right. I made it to my scheduled C-section date (35w1d because of placenta previa). He admitted he didn't think I'd make it that far, but the levels of whatever they tested in my blood didn't change at all during this time. The boys got to bake another 3 weeks inside me.
This was 19 months ago. I suspect I might be a case study in the published medical papers on the method. I'm certainly a poster child for using this method instead of just the protein and blood pressure check. I know my boys had a better shot at life because of it. Not everyone who has pre-e will get extra time because of this method though. My roomie who was in for a shortened cervix, with regular BP had a spike in hers, with sudden protein in urine. She had a blood test the next morning and the nurse came in to yank her breakfast just as it was being served. Her blood work showed that it was time. But since she was 35w2d, it wasn't as frightful as it could have been (and her twins were born on my birthday).
Hopefully this method will allow some babies to go from micro-premies to premies to maybe even full term that might otherwise not have been allowed to go that long. What a great piece of news this close to Christmas.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Counting my Blessings
I am so lucky. I have two very healthy, wonderful boys whom I love very much. I would have loved them just as much though if they had been born with medical, physical or intellectual issues. I'm very lucky that I live in a Country where there is support if I had needed had things gone differently.
Not every mother or child is as lucky. I was reminded of this by a fellow blogger last week. When I was fighting down the fertility path, I took a serious look at adoption (actually, I continue to look in that direction as a way of expanding the family in the future, but that's a different story). During that time, while I coveted an infant adoption, I didn't rule out an older child or a special needs child. I subscribed to the Canadian Waiting kids list for those who can be adopted out of province because of hard to place issues. I read and reread the waiting children's list in my province. I looked at international adoptions, but there were such restrictions on single parents adopting that I was put off. I was waiting for the next adoption class to come around again when I started the IVF/DE process.
In my searches, I read many heart breaking stories of kids in needs. Of kids needing specific family types (aboriginal or other racial requirement, religious affiliation, a particular family makeup etc). The list of waiting kids I could have adopted locally was actually quite small. I also looked at the hard to place kids in the US. What I didn't know about was the special needs waiting kids overseas. I found Reece's Rainbow, started reading about each child and my heart broke over and over again.
Most of the children here have Down Syndrome, with some or none of the health complications associated with the disorder. What they have though is the misfortune of being born in a Country where there is no service, teaching or even information for them. Many, if not most are abandoned at birth. The birth family has no support in bringing one of these special kids home and do the only thing they feel they can. Reece's Rainbow is also working towards birth family support programs. Reece's Rainbow
From birth until about 5, these kids are in what are called baby houses, with other orphans their age. The degree of care in these facilities varies by region from amazing to deplorable. But even the worse baby facilities is better than where these kids will end up when they reach 6. At 6 they moved into an adult mental institution. You heard right, adult. In here, they will not get personalized care. Many will be left strapped to their bed all day. None will receive therapy or love. Lots will die. Once moved to these facilities, they are no longer available for adoption.
There is also a group of children with HIV looking for homes. Living in the USA or Canada, these kids will have access to medication that will improve their health and life expectancy. Last week they announced that they were able to reverse HIV using stem cells. This means that a cure is possible within the lifetime of these kids if they were able to find homes in North America. One set of kids there really caught my eye. They are boy/girl twins almost the age of my two. In a few years, they will be moved to the institutional setting. Whats worse for them is that the men and women's institutes are separate and they will never see each other again. As a twin parent it rips at me to think of twins split up. Even if I had the funds to adopt this pair, they are not eligible for single parent adoption. Max and Lena Hopefully they find a home before they are split up.
Reece's Rainbow is not a placement agency. They don't receive fees for matching parents to children. But they do work with the baby houses to get lists and medical information about children available for international placement. They also collect donations for each child to help the adopting family cover the fees. It costs the same to adopt a special needs child internationally as it does one with no extra issues. This is in the range of 24-35,000 depending on various factors. You can adopt multiple children at one time with very little extra cost.
Right now, there is a holiday program called Reece's Angels, where you can contribute to the fund for one or many children. You will get an ornament with the child's picture. They are trying to get $1000 per child this year. Angel Tree Page Some of the children have over 5,000 available in their funds to help find them homes, which hopefully means they will be home before next Christmas. Others have under $200.
All kids deserve not just a home, but the right home for them. My home isn't the right one right now, but even my small donation may make it possible for one of these kids to find the right home for them. If I could swing it, financially and family dynamic wise, right now, I'd find a way to bring Daria home. She looks like she'd be such a little joy and a great sister to the boys. Daria
And maybe even your home is the right one for one of these kids. If not, consider helping another family bring one of these kids home.
Not every mother or child is as lucky. I was reminded of this by a fellow blogger last week. When I was fighting down the fertility path, I took a serious look at adoption (actually, I continue to look in that direction as a way of expanding the family in the future, but that's a different story). During that time, while I coveted an infant adoption, I didn't rule out an older child or a special needs child. I subscribed to the Canadian Waiting kids list for those who can be adopted out of province because of hard to place issues. I read and reread the waiting children's list in my province. I looked at international adoptions, but there were such restrictions on single parents adopting that I was put off. I was waiting for the next adoption class to come around again when I started the IVF/DE process.
In my searches, I read many heart breaking stories of kids in needs. Of kids needing specific family types (aboriginal or other racial requirement, religious affiliation, a particular family makeup etc). The list of waiting kids I could have adopted locally was actually quite small. I also looked at the hard to place kids in the US. What I didn't know about was the special needs waiting kids overseas. I found Reece's Rainbow, started reading about each child and my heart broke over and over again.
Most of the children here have Down Syndrome, with some or none of the health complications associated with the disorder. What they have though is the misfortune of being born in a Country where there is no service, teaching or even information for them. Many, if not most are abandoned at birth. The birth family has no support in bringing one of these special kids home and do the only thing they feel they can. Reece's Rainbow is also working towards birth family support programs. Reece's Rainbow
From birth until about 5, these kids are in what are called baby houses, with other orphans their age. The degree of care in these facilities varies by region from amazing to deplorable. But even the worse baby facilities is better than where these kids will end up when they reach 6. At 6 they moved into an adult mental institution. You heard right, adult. In here, they will not get personalized care. Many will be left strapped to their bed all day. None will receive therapy or love. Lots will die. Once moved to these facilities, they are no longer available for adoption.
There is also a group of children with HIV looking for homes. Living in the USA or Canada, these kids will have access to medication that will improve their health and life expectancy. Last week they announced that they were able to reverse HIV using stem cells. This means that a cure is possible within the lifetime of these kids if they were able to find homes in North America. One set of kids there really caught my eye. They are boy/girl twins almost the age of my two. In a few years, they will be moved to the institutional setting. Whats worse for them is that the men and women's institutes are separate and they will never see each other again. As a twin parent it rips at me to think of twins split up. Even if I had the funds to adopt this pair, they are not eligible for single parent adoption. Max and Lena Hopefully they find a home before they are split up.
Reece's Rainbow is not a placement agency. They don't receive fees for matching parents to children. But they do work with the baby houses to get lists and medical information about children available for international placement. They also collect donations for each child to help the adopting family cover the fees. It costs the same to adopt a special needs child internationally as it does one with no extra issues. This is in the range of 24-35,000 depending on various factors. You can adopt multiple children at one time with very little extra cost.
Right now, there is a holiday program called Reece's Angels, where you can contribute to the fund for one or many children. You will get an ornament with the child's picture. They are trying to get $1000 per child this year. Angel Tree Page Some of the children have over 5,000 available in their funds to help find them homes, which hopefully means they will be home before next Christmas. Others have under $200.
All kids deserve not just a home, but the right home for them. My home isn't the right one right now, but even my small donation may make it possible for one of these kids to find the right home for them. If I could swing it, financially and family dynamic wise, right now, I'd find a way to bring Daria home. She looks like she'd be such a little joy and a great sister to the boys. Daria
And maybe even your home is the right one for one of these kids. If not, consider helping another family bring one of these kids home.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Fountains - sort of
I was putting the dishes away, heard giggles and splashes. I turned around and saw the baby gate on the floor. And well....
I rescued Nathan's monkey who was being repeatedly dunked and swirled, grabbed Corwyn's monkey before he suffered the same fate. Then looked at how wet they and the bathroom already were and grabbed the camera next. They will see pictures like this in the weeks leading up to Mother's Day when they are older.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas– NBC Community Episode
Okay, I admit it, I'm a Christmas special junkie. I love them all, new or old. And I think I found a new favorite to add to the list.
If you haven't had a chance to watch Community yet, this weeks episode is a great one to start with. I hooked up with One2One Network and was able to watch a special preview of the episode that will be airing tonight 8p EST/7p CST (which means it will be on at 8 PST).
This episode is a stop action animation version of what is normally a live action show (think California Raisins). They did a great job converting the characters and capturing their personalities. In this episode, Abed is on a mission to find the meaning of Christmas. Yeah, yeah you say, been there done that. And yes, it's been done before and so often takes on a Christmas Carol type of approach. Not so in Community. This is a totally new and unique approach which I wont share since its part of the fun of watching.
As with many great holiday episodes of shows, this one contains singing. And surprise, surprise, most of the cast have great voices. Along with the animation and music, there are laughs and some emotional heart string tugging. Its all done while still keeping true to the humor and sarcasm that Community is known for.
I was a casual watcher of Community before, but this episode makes me want to watch it more often. Please add it to your repertoire of Christmas viewing. You wont be disappointed.
OnetoOne is also hosting a live viewing party and chat on Twitter with @one2onenetwork tonight 12/9 while watching this episode of "Community" on NBC at 8p EST/7p CST. We'll be giving away prizing to participants during the 30 minutes on the show.
I am a member of OnetoOne networks. This post allows me to be in a draw for prizes. This did not affect the content of my review.
If you haven't had a chance to watch Community yet, this weeks episode is a great one to start with. I hooked up with One2One Network and was able to watch a special preview of the episode that will be airing tonight 8p EST/7p CST (which means it will be on at 8 PST).
This episode is a stop action animation version of what is normally a live action show (think California Raisins). They did a great job converting the characters and capturing their personalities. In this episode, Abed is on a mission to find the meaning of Christmas. Yeah, yeah you say, been there done that. And yes, it's been done before and so often takes on a Christmas Carol type of approach. Not so in Community. This is a totally new and unique approach which I wont share since its part of the fun of watching.
As with many great holiday episodes of shows, this one contains singing. And surprise, surprise, most of the cast have great voices. Along with the animation and music, there are laughs and some emotional heart string tugging. Its all done while still keeping true to the humor and sarcasm that Community is known for.
I was a casual watcher of Community before, but this episode makes me want to watch it more often. Please add it to your repertoire of Christmas viewing. You wont be disappointed.
OnetoOne is also hosting a live viewing party and chat on Twitter with @one2onenetwork tonight 12/9 while watching this episode of "Community" on NBC at 8p EST/7p CST. We'll be giving away prizing to participants during the 30 minutes on the show.
I am a member of OnetoOne networks. This post allows me to be in a draw for prizes. This did not affect the content of my review.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Happy Holidays
Cool Peppermint Dots Christmas 5x7 folded card
Shop Shutterfly for elegant custom Christmas photo cards.
View the entire collection of cards.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Stupid Apple Iphone Regs
Okay, so not as bad as peddling child abuse, but Apple has now approved an ANTI Gay application. This follows their practice of banning many/most gay positive applications. Bah. I'm glad I don't have an Iphone.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/11/25/Apple_Approves_Antigay_App/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+AdvocatecomDailyNews+Advocate.com+Daily+News
And since you checked by, here is a twin pic. Their first day in their snow suits.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/11/25/Apple_Approves_Antigay_App/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+AdvocatecomDailyNews+Advocate.com+Daily+News
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
More Hats!
They like these ones more....
Monday, November 15, 2010
Hats
Hats are one of "those" things. Sometimes, they will wear them, sometimes they wont. I got them these ones on sale and love them. They are mixed in their opinions (but they love their Sesame Street sweatshirts).
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A Serious Post on Child Sexual Abuse
Have you heard? Amazon is selling (and of course making money) by selling a book promoting child sexual abuse. Please read this article for more information.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/11/10/entertainment/main7041349.shtml
If you think Amazon should not sell this book, please let them know. Call them. Email them. Cancel your amazon account and let them know why. Blog about this and let your followers know what is going on. Mommy bloggers have power. Let's use it.
Too many children are abused. Personally I'm appalled that a mainstream company like Amazon will be making money promoting it. They are also 'sharing' the profits with the author (whom I hope the police are investigating).
This is at Amazon.com. Its not available via amazon.ca but I suspect that is more Canadian laws than Amazon policy. I have several amazon (ca) gift cards but I wont be using any of them unless Amazon pulls this title from its sales.
Update - you can no longer find this by searching, but Amazon has not made a comment if its pulled permanantly or if its just lying low until the fury dies down. You can still make your opinion know so that this doesn't end back up in the lists.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/11/10/entertainment/main7041349.shtml
If you think Amazon should not sell this book, please let them know. Call them. Email them. Cancel your amazon account and let them know why. Blog about this and let your followers know what is going on. Mommy bloggers have power. Let's use it.
Too many children are abused. Personally I'm appalled that a mainstream company like Amazon will be making money promoting it. They are also 'sharing' the profits with the author (whom I hope the police are investigating).
This is at Amazon.com. Its not available via amazon.ca but I suspect that is more Canadian laws than Amazon policy. I have several amazon (ca) gift cards but I wont be using any of them unless Amazon pulls this title from its sales.
Update - you can no longer find this by searching, but Amazon has not made a comment if its pulled permanantly or if its just lying low until the fury dies down. You can still make your opinion know so that this doesn't end back up in the lists.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Eyes Have It
I still don't know what eye color the boys will end up with. I think both will be officially Hazel though. I'm leaning towards blue/green for Corwyn and green/brown for Nathan. Corwyn's might be just blue, but its different everytime I look. What do you think?
Friday, November 5, 2010
Shutterfly Holiday Cards Review
When I was given a chance to do a review of Shutterfly Cards I jumped at it. I’m the proud owner of 3 different photobooks and a few hundred printed pictures from Shutterfly. I very quickly learnt to order multiple copies of the photobooks for gifts after the first one arrived.
Right now, I’m torn between With Love Chartreuse and Ho Ho Ho. I love the first because it’s traditional. I love tradition. It also has the year, making it much easier in the future to think back to ‘when’. Okay, that it has 5 pictures spots is just a huge bonus (I love showing off the boys). Ho Ho Ho is more whimsical and I guess child oriented. And Christmas is for the kids, actually, my life is for my kids. Grrr. How to choose? As I mentioned before, I might get some of each and give them out depending on the age and relationship to the receiver.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards
Shutterfly Christmas cards are wonderful and I can’t wait to order mine. They provide the option of having pictures, anywhere from one to six, depending on the design. There is even a pictureless option, but with so many amazing pictures of my kids this one isn’t even on my “maybe” list.
There are also an amazing number of color combinations to choose from. They have the traditional red and green associated with Christmas. There is also the classy ice blue and white options available. And if those don’t suit you, there are other colors to choose from.
Each card comes with an envelope. You can order as many or as few as you want. The price of course goes down, the more you chose.
Which is your favorite?
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/address-labels
The Shutterfly address labels are great, not just for Christmas, but for year round. Some of the labels are very holiday themed, others are a bit more timeless. There are some options with pictures, but remember that address labels are fairly small so keep that in mind if you pick one of these options. There are even labels to coordinate with some of the Christmas card option for those of you who like themes.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations
Are you planning a holiday get together? Why not pick one of the invitation cards from Shutterfly. There are many to choose from, including 4 that can be customized with a picture. Some of the options allow you to select as few as one invitation, others have a minimum requirement. Very busy this holiday season? Well, Shutterfly can even address and mail your invitations for you!!! How simple is that.
Disclaimer: I was given the chance for 50 free holiday cards for the review. This did not influence my review in anyway.
Right now, I’m torn between With Love Chartreuse and Ho Ho Ho. I love the first because it’s traditional. I love tradition. It also has the year, making it much easier in the future to think back to ‘when’. Okay, that it has 5 pictures spots is just a huge bonus (I love showing off the boys). Ho Ho Ho is more whimsical and I guess child oriented. And Christmas is for the kids, actually, my life is for my kids. Grrr. How to choose? As I mentioned before, I might get some of each and give them out depending on the age and relationship to the receiver.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards
Shutterfly Christmas cards are wonderful and I can’t wait to order mine. They provide the option of having pictures, anywhere from one to six, depending on the design. There is even a pictureless option, but with so many amazing pictures of my kids this one isn’t even on my “maybe” list.
There are also an amazing number of color combinations to choose from. They have the traditional red and green associated with Christmas. There is also the classy ice blue and white options available. And if those don’t suit you, there are other colors to choose from.
Each card comes with an envelope. You can order as many or as few as you want. The price of course goes down, the more you chose.
Which is your favorite?
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/address-labels
The Shutterfly address labels are great, not just for Christmas, but for year round. Some of the labels are very holiday themed, others are a bit more timeless. There are some options with pictures, but remember that address labels are fairly small so keep that in mind if you pick one of these options. There are even labels to coordinate with some of the Christmas card option for those of you who like themes.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations
Are you planning a holiday get together? Why not pick one of the invitation cards from Shutterfly. There are many to choose from, including 4 that can be customized with a picture. Some of the options allow you to select as few as one invitation, others have a minimum requirement. Very busy this holiday season? Well, Shutterfly can even address and mail your invitations for you!!! How simple is that.
Disclaimer: I was given the chance for 50 free holiday cards for the review. This did not influence my review in anyway.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wagon Suggestions and Recommendations Wanted
Everything is going on sale before the holidays and we're almost at a point where I'd like to use a wagon instead of a stroller around the neighborhood (almost).
If you use or have used one, which one? What did you like about it? What would you change? How long has it lasted?
I still want some semblance of control, so I'm looking for one with a 'seatbelt' (child restraint), but other than that, am open to ideas.
Thanks!
If you use or have used one, which one? What did you like about it? What would you change? How long has it lasted?
I still want some semblance of control, so I'm looking for one with a 'seatbelt' (child restraint), but other than that, am open to ideas.
Thanks!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Japanese Monkey Pants - a Random Review
I am going to review these. Not because anyone asked me to, but because I have them and love them. I think if you find something worth sharing, then you should.
I first saw these at booth by Tokyo Baby http://tokyobaby.ca/ at a baby fair when the boys were about 6 months old. They were adorable, but even with the show discount of 20% off, I couldn’t afford them while on leave. And I’ll admit that I soon forgot about them (imagine that, teething twins and I forgot something).
There are lots of different patterns and options available. I picked one I thought would be cute for the boys that was available in different colors. The pants themselves are wonderful. I was concerned about the size. They are made in Japan and imported and in general, Japanese people are a bit smaller, and my boys are tall. I ordered the 18-24 month size. They are perfect. I even have to roll the bottom up, so they will fit for at least another 6 months or more. And they stretch nicely, so would be good over a disposable or a cloth diaper (and if a miracle happens and they toilet train, would look find over undies too). I think they will also be perfect under snow/rain pants without adding a ton of bulk. 
I checked the list of attendees and Tokyo Baby http://tokyobaby.ca/ will be at the next Vancouver Baby & Family Fair http://www.baby-fair.com/index.php. If I like what they have in stock, I’ll pick up a couple of pairs for the boys for Christmas gifts. If not, I’ll order another two pair online. They do carry other wonderful Japanese import items. Hmmmm, I think I’ll need to bring extra money with me.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
