National Day Weekend......

...has finally come to an end (do NOT insert jumping up and down HERE).  After FIVE GREAT DAYS together, Phillip had to go back to work this morning leaving all of us a little bummed out.  Nonetheless, we couldn't help but smile at Eleanor's AMAZING INSTINCTS!  She must have known her Daddy had to teach today because she didn't make a PEEP from 12:30 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.!  WHAT A SLEEP!!!!!!  I woke up in a panic at 4 a.m. thinking, "IS SHE OKAY?!"  Indeed she was - dreaming away in her nursery. 

You can bet that every single person in this household will be savoring those 5.5 hours of rest.  I'm not sure we'll get LUCKY ENOUGH to experience this type of "sleep heaven" again........

How much do you LOVE this picture?  Her face is DEFINITELY saying, "all those midnight feedings are PAYBACK!" 

Oh darling, so sorry for the pictures.  But your Mama and Auntie Gem think you're too cute to stop!

HAPPY TWO WEEKS, NORY!!!

WOWEE KA-ZOWEE!!!  At this rate, Daddy is sure you'll be 18 by next week! 

Here's what's been going on week two.....

*  You're a night owl.  We think.  You LOVE sleeping all day and waking up around 1:30ish in the morning for some consecutive hours of "fun".  Thankfully you're not screaming at these hours (or any hours!), but we sure would like it if you enjoyed this "up time" in the daylight hours!

*  The other night was quite traumatizing for Daddy.  He woke up to find you with puke all over your sheets.  So, he stripped down the bed and put you on the change table.  Then you puked all over the change table.  So, he stripped down the change table and put you in a towel.  Then you puked all over the towel.  So, Daddy came into the bedroom and cried, "MOMMY!  WE NEED HELP!"  This resulted in a middle-of-the-night bath time for you!!!

*  You're a hand-talker!  Even when you are sleeping, you express yourself using your hands.  We wonder if you're destined to become a conductor.......

*  Add the sound of the spin cycle to your "favourites" list.  YOU LOVE IT!!!  I can always count on a few moments of calm when I hear the washing machine kick it up a notch ;)

*  Your finger nails have been trimmed!  They told us to wait a few more weeks to do this, but you HATED your mitties and we hated being a 24 hour scratch-surveillance team!  I think you're much happier with your hands free!

*  You had your second big photo shoot this afternoon.  Auntie Gem is starting up her own photography business and you happen to be her most favourite subject!  This turns out to be LUCKY for us because we can't get enough of sweet little you!

*  Turns out Mommy has an infection.  I felt like I had the flu the past few days, but it turns out it's something else!  Unfortunately, that SOMETHING ELSE affected the milk you drink and is the likely cause of your upset tummy the other night.  Hopefully my medicine makes me feel better SOON!

*  You met your cousin Joycie on FaceTime the other day.  She was thrilled to chat with you and even MORE thrilled that you waved at her.  (Told ya you were a hand talker!)

*  You have a particular sleeper that we call your "lucky sleeper".  It's a cozy yellow one with duckies all over it and we can always count on THIS ONE for extended wear.  You refuse to spit up all over it and your diapers trap ALL that's inside whenever you're wearing it.  You also sleep really well when it's on which is why it makes us so sad that you're starting to grow out of it.  Somebody please send us a new ducky sleeper STAT! 

Well my sweet girl, you've just awoken!  Time for more snuggles.  You won't be this little for much longer.

WE LOVE YOU!!!
XOXO

Her FIRST OFFICIAL Photo Shoot :)

Ten days old and already accustomed to the intense life of picture-taking that awaits her!  Thanks to EMILY ABBOTT PHOTOGRAPHY (yes, she has FINALLY decided to start her own company!), we have some newborn snaps to treasure forever. 

Thank you Auntie Emily for the WONDERFUL afternoon!  We appreciate all of your "working with a newborn" efforts - all of the getting up and getting down, the diaper changes and fussy periods, and waiting out a much-overdue nap so she could become more mold-able!  Your patience and creativity are what make YOU an extra special photographer.  The three of us see some SERIOUS SUCCESS in your future. 

Love,
Linds, Phil and NORY
XOXO

You're PREACHING to the CHOIR, SWEETIE!

And in this moment I wonder how mothers of multiples survive ;)

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR (DECAF) TEA.

Yes, I'm still drinking decaf!  But I don't mind if yours is caffeinated :)

*  The 5 day holiday is finally here!  I am thrilled that Phillip will be home with us for FIVE WHOLE DAYS IN A ROW!  We sure do miss him when he's at work all day.

*  SWEAT.  Let me tell you, I have never done this much sweating in my whole life!  What's up with that?!  I have to change my shirt a few times every day just to feel dry and comfortable.  Perhaps my pregnancy pounds are coming out via my pores?!  INSHALLAH! 

*  Things we do often as of last week:  dishes, laundry, sterilizing, repeat.  Things we no longer do often as of last week:  sleep, shower, blog, watch tv.......

*  It seems like a never-ending Valentine's Day at this house.  Our flat has been filled with pretty flowers and tasty chocolates since we arrived home from the hospital!  In fact, it's almost as though our gift-givers are in communication because when one bouquet of flowers begins to die, the next bouquet arrives!  

*  American Idol.  TWO THOUGHTS.  One - Nicki Minaj is ANNOYING.  Two - if Phil and I keep practicing our singing non-stop, we are bound to be top contenders on the next season!  You'll be happy to hear that we've expanded our repertoire of go-to songs to include the itsy-bitsy spider, head and shoulders, and our own rendition of "Glory, Glory Hallelujah".  The latter is a true GEM.   

*  My doctor's appointment on Thursday went well.  After they removed the BA-ZILLION bandages from my incision site (which felt AWESOME), we found out that all is healing as it should be!  I'm restricted to light walking for the time being (which turns out to be all I can handle as I discovered on our big walk from the parking lot to the hospital entrance).  HA!  If you know us at all, you know that Phil and I are SUPER-SPEEDY walkers.  We walk faster than many people jog.  You can imagine how awkward it looks now with me trying to keep up and Phil trying to slow down.

*   Today is Oscar's birthday!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY OSCAR BOSCAR!!!!  Your present will arrive this summer - in the form of something really adorable and fantastic!

*  Emily is an INCREDIBLE PHOTOGRAPHER!  This afternoon we did a newborn photo shoot and I can't wait to post some of the photos on the blog.  She created some real keepsakes today.  WE LOVE YOU GEM!  THANK YOU FOR CAPTURING THE MANY FACES OF ELEANOR DOUGLAS! XOXO

HOORAY for blogging!  Right now Nory is cozy in Phil's/Grandma's arms (they are taking turns!) but you never know when the Nornado could appear!  (Just teasing my girl - you were such a team player during today's shoot.  WE LOVE YOU!) 

Sending lots of love your way, Canada!

XOXO

DAY-MAKERS!

Check out what some of my Grade 6 Sweeties sent me via "ALEX MAIL" this week!  I sure am lucky to teach such wonderful kids  :)

HAPPY ONE WEEK, ELEANOR!

Well Sweet Girl, we survived week one as a family of three.  PHEWFF.  It's been AMAZING and MEMORABLE but TOUGH and EMOTIONAL too.  Mommy is constantly worried about doing things the "right" way and the "best" way for you.  It's been stressing me out like you wouldn't believe.  Thankfully, a good chat with Grandpa, Phil, and Grandma has left me feeling much better.  Daddy says all we need is a house full of love.  THAT, my girl, I CAN GIVE YOU!  I love you SO MUCH!   

Here are some little tidbits about your first week:

*  You've developed quite the reputation around the house for two reasons.  Number one, you have the abilty to un-swaddle your body, de-mitten your hands, and make your footsies disappear in your sleeper!  Because of this, Daddy has been calling you "HOUDINI"!  Number two, your Daddy has come home from work a few times to report a "NORNADO" in the flat.  What he means is:  WHOA laundry, WHOA dirty diapers, WHOA CHAOS!  And come to think of it, we've also used the term "NORNADO" to describe your 'witching hour' which happened from noon to three today!  

*  I have lost count of how many times Mommy and Daddy have performed a duet of "twinkle, twinkle, little star".  We really need to learn some new tunes!!! I will ask Auntie Em to teach me some when she comes over to visit you tomorrow.  

*  You LOVE the sound of running water in the bathroom sink.  I'm not sure what the environmentalists have to say about this one, but my concern for the environment often disappears when you're crying inconsolably.  

*  One day you went through 7 outfits.  The next day you went through two.  I think you enjoy the occasional "fashion show" every now and again ;) 

*  Your first impression of having a bath was terrible.  The nursery staff didn't make taking a bath seem relaxing or fun for you.  When we tried it at home for the first time both you and Mommy cried.  But tonight we did it again with great success!  You loved your bath!  You also love when I brush your hair with your fancy purple brush!  

*  Thank goodness your umbilical cord stump came off today.  I was paranoid every time I changed your diaper - thinking I would nudge the clip and hurt your tummy!  

*  It must be true that you've been giggling in your dreams.  You get the hiccups quite often!   

*  You LOVE TO SNUGGLE!  Yesterday you slept for about 6 hours, just being held and loved by Grandma, Mommy and Daddy.  The comfort we can give you makes us feel SO GOOD! Tonight you've been sleeping in Daddy's arms for 3 hours (and counting)! 

*  Mommy is still trying to learn that YOUR CRYING is like OUR TALKING.  It's just hard when crying is so often related to having the blues.  Pretty soon I hope to be able to tell your cries apart so I can soothe you in the quickest way possible!

We are excited to see what week two brings!  So many hours are spent watching you with a smile, wondering what thoughts are going through your mind and thinking about the person you will grow up to be.

We love you our darling Eleanor!  You have made our family brighter than ever.

XOXO

SO MUCH EXCITEMENT ;)

While waking Phil up this morning.....

Lindsay:  (enters the bedroom super excitedly)  BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!

Phil:  (sleepily)  What's that?

Lindsay:  (bounces into bed) Three things!  First, today is Eleanor's one week birthday!  Second, her umbilical cord stump fell off!  And third, she is wearing a ballerina bib!!!!

Phil:  (laughs)  Oh how my morning news has changed!

How Does One "SLEEP WHILE THE BABY SLEEPS"???

This is the number one piece of advice I have been given yet I'm finding the task IMPOSSIBLE to do!  Especially when......

1)  I am a terrible napper to begin with.

2)  I constantly think I can hear Eleanor crying.

3)  I constantly think that Eleanor has stopped breathing.

4)  I constantly think that Eleanor has managed to un-swaddle herself and cover her face with the blanky.
 
5)  I can't stop thinking about everything else I need to do.

6)  I need to shower!

7)  I'm still feeling uncomfortable from my Caesarian delivery!

Please pass any and all words of wisdom my way :)

Thank goodness Mom P is here.  I'm not sure what I would do without her!!!

RULE #1:

When changing a baby, always have the clean diaper READY TO GO!!!!

I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.  It was HILARIOUS!  Alas, the giggle-fest did not bode well for my recovery.  Laughing HURTS!  And I simply COULD NOT STOP!!!!!  In fact, I am trying to think of something un-funny as I write this to minimize any more pain.

Our little girl is on outfit six today.  Bath time is coming up soon so it's a firm seven (at least!) for the day.  Thank goodness her Daddy LOVES LAUNDRY!  Talk about a match made in heaven ;) 

The Cutest Reason for Exhaustion.

During an early morning feeding....

Phillip:  You know what you've taught me Nory?  That I've never been tired before.  All those other times I was lying!

The Name.

I laugh now at the HOURS Emily, Phillip and I spent looking up, testing out, and ranking different baby names.  I'm talking HOURS on END.  Any free time I had, I was searching - the meaning, the popularity, the bully potential, and so on.  X Factor evenings turned into "name this bump" soirees.  It was some serious focus group, I tell ya (thanks GEM and PHILLIP)!  But now that our baby girl is here, it all seems so SILLY!  If there was a way we could have seen her sweet wee face before delivery, only ONE NAME would stand out - HERS!!!!  Eleanor Douglas Parkinson. 

Let's start with her middle name.  We wanted her middle name to have significance and it didn't take us long to select the right name for the job!  Douglas is my Daddy's name (yes, I STILL CALL HIM DADDY and yes, that IS an indication of how incredibly close we are).  I'm tearing up as I write this because I love him SO MUCH.  SO, SO MUCH.  He is someone who has always been there for me - not just while I was growing up, but while Nory was growing in my belly!  FOR REAL - my Daddy became a real pregnancy guru in the last 9 months - sending me interesting articles to read, listening to my worries, and writing or calling to get appointment updates.  But not just that.  He is a man with a BIG HEART.  Someone you can count on.  Someone who is caring and thoughtful, funny and smart.  And when I hear his name, "Douglas", I think of all these qualities.  Daddy - we wanted to honour you by giving Nory a middle name of someone EXTRA SPECIAL!  That person is YOU!  We love you so much!!!  (Less Sappy Side Note/Interesting Fact:  Douglas is one of the only names that began as a "girl's name" and transitioned into a "boy's name"!)

Alright - onto the first name!  Eleanor.  Oh, sweet and timeless Eleanor.  Her name means "bright, shining one" which is especially fitting as I was wheeled into and out of the operating room with rays of sunshine beaming through the window.  She was born on the sunniest of days, weather-wise and "this is the best day of our lives"-wise :)  The nickname "Nory" was chosen by her proud Daddy.  Good pick, DADDY!  You turned one of my favourite names into something even MORE cute and charming.

Oh NORY DOUGLAS - we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!  Your name is beautiful - just like YOU!

XOXO

Eleanor "Nory" Douglas Parkinson

Born February 12th, 2013

11:52 a.m. (Kuwait Time), 3:52 a.m. (Ontario Time)

3.4 kg (7 pounds, 8 ounces)

52 cm (20 inches) long

35 cm head circumference

We are so in love.

Thank you for all of your warm wishes!

Love,
The Parkinson's
XOXO

TOUR MY BRAIN!

I don't want to get TOO scientific with you at this hour. Alas, I've discovered the cause of "the night before you have a c-section" insomnia!  It's a big breakthrough and I'm in just the right mood to share it!

First, there are things like THIS:

And then, there are more "legitimate" other concerns like this (picture them listed in circular form, with each one replaying non-stop in my mind):

What if none of the names we picked out suit her?  

They better be EXTRA careful with that scalpel. She's POSTERIOR, PEOPLE!  Can you warn her to close her eyes when you make your move?

Oh please let our sweet baby girl be healthy.

Someone is going to stick a needle in my spine today.  Will I ever feel my legs again?

It's 4 a.m. and I'm already starving.  Fasting is not my forte.  

Did I mention I want her to be HEALTHY?  Also, I want them to wrap her up quickly so she doesn't get too cold.  Being cold is the worst. 

Charles Darwin was born today.  This likely means science will be her favourite subject.

Should I pack the Snuggie?

I wish my Daddy was here.  

I could go on.....but the jitters are starting to take over my typing abilities :)

Signing off for the FINAL TIME as a Mom-To-Be.  Next time I write, I'll be OFFICIAL!
XOXO

Happy DUE DATE Baby P!

Well.....she must be on Egyptian time because this little one didn't make her move today (yet....haha).  We had a doctor's appointment this evening and it seems as though her twirl space is too tiny and a c-section is necessary to welcome her into the world safely. 

Our daughter's ETA has been established much more clearly now (could this get any better for Phil?!), as the surgery is scheduled to begin Tuesday morning at 11:30!  Yes, that means in LESS THAN 48 HOURS, the Parkinson's will be an official Family of THREE.  OH MY GOODNESS.  We get to meet our daughter on February 12th. 

The pre-op bloodwork was completed tonight, as was the suite-booking and cautionary paperwork.  It was a four hour ordeal at the hospital, but we finally got home and into some comfies.

And then I cried.

Sobbed.

Like a baby.

For a good 20 minutes in bed. 

Why?  I HAVEN'T A CLUE!!!  All I know is that before this evening, I assumed any baby anxieties were related to the unanswered "when" and "how".  Now these two things have answers and I'm still left with worries.  I panic about her health, the c-section, the future......ah, my mind races and the anxieties generate non-stop.  Thankfully, the tears seemed somewhat therapeutic and I'm slowly getting more excited and less frightened. Inshallah the trend continues. 

Until Tuesday, I will try to enjoy as much rest and relaxation as possible.  I'm not sure I'll have any luck in the sleep department but I will do my darnedest to catch a few hours of shuteye.  I will make sure Phillip does the same!

Ahhhh - WE ARE HAVING A BABY!  On Tuesday!!!!  That is, unless Baby P throws us a curve ball and comes before then!!! Haha. 

TOURIST ATTRACTION #1: THE MALL.

A good alternative to the title of this post would be "The ONLY Tourist Attraction".  Haha.  We're living the dream, people!

But for real, the mall has opened another section.  It's a Disneyland of sorts - an especially happy place for those of you who enjoy swiping some plastic (or paying straight cash, HOMEY!) in exchange for some swanky designer goods.

We didn't purchase anything today (or did we?!!!!  Mwaaa haaa haaa!!!!), but we sure did enjoy a jaw-dropping retail experience.  And guess what?!  ARMANI liked us SO MUCH that our careers might soon be taking another direction ;)

Ah - shopping.  The mall.  The dream.  The life! 

My "BABY SHOWER in a SUITCASE"!

Mom P is here SAFE and SOUND.  She arrived Wednesday night with a suitcase full of PINK - complete with a custom-made tutu.  Yep, you read that right.  A CUSTOM MADE TUTU!

Baby P was spoiled with gifts from Thunder Bay, Wheatley, Leamington, Midhurst, and London.  She received gifts from Aunties and Uncles and Cousins and Grandparents and Great Grandparents and Friends of All the Aforementioned.  It was unexpected and unbelievable - a surprise, imported, late-night baby shower!!!  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We feel so overwhelmed with LOVE from our family and friends in Canada. 

This February, more than any February before, LOVE is ALL AROUND US!  Baby P is one lucky gal.  And we are two extra lucky people.

Sending lots of love to all of you back home.  We can't wait to announce her arrival, whenever that may be!

XOXO

Makes Me Giggle.

Phil just left to pick his mom up from the airport and I am sitting here laughing about a moment we had in the car this morning.

You see, the new vehicle has a USB port for your iPod - which neither of us have ever experienced in a vehicle before.  Obvs, the prospect of some pre-selected tunes playing away while we cruise through the streets of Hawally was quite exciting!  I spent a reasonable an embarrassing a reasonable amount of time throughout the week making a playlist for Phil, a playlist for me, and a playlist for Baby P.  I charged and updated the iPod and placed it by my purse so we wouldn't forget to bring it with us for the next ride.  A ride that was sure to be SUPER AWESOME because we'd be busting out to OUR MUSIC and not those silly ole radio tunes.

Fast forward to the next ride - THIS MORNING.  We get into the car.  I plug the iPod in while Phil reverses out of the parking lot.  We start singing along to "Pumped Up Kicks" - smiling and thinking about how COOL it is to have this fancy technology.  And how COOL our lip syncing and dance moves are. 

And then.....

...about 3/4's through the song.....

....we pull into the school parking lot.......and Phil turns off the engine.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!  I couldn't stop laughing.  We live NOT EVEN ONE SONG AWAY from work.  It all seemed so anti-climatic at 6 a.m.  So much for all that prepping!!!

I'm hoping Phil can enjoy some of his favourite tunes on the way to the airport tonight.  Otherwise, we may just be WISHING for a traffic jam, haha.

Hmmm.....now to get some sleep.  The problem is:  I AM TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP!!!!  Hurry up Phil and Mom P.  Hurry home for hugs and laughter and IN-PERSON BABY-BUMP VIEWING!!!

P.S.  Tomorrow is my final day of work.  Send me all your tough vibes.  (Although I will pack Kleenex just in case). 

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR (DECAF) TEA.

*  Speaking of decaf tea, I think I have about 6 bags left TOTAL.  Thank goodness we have an import leaving Pearson airport in a few hours!!!! 

*  Mom P gets in at 9:30ish tomorrow evening!  We can't wait to see her!!!!  It really does add to the baby excitement when a grandparent is en route!!!

*  Yesterday we stayed home from school due to some serious pelvic pains.  Turns out dehydration and stress can intensify my already painful Braxton Hicks contractions!  Doctor says there is no dilation yet and that our little one may just be the ballerina Mom P is hoping for.  She has turned to an unfavourable position for a vaginal delivery and has another week (maybe???) to twirl back into place.  Otherwise, a C-section may be imminent!

*  The other day I commented on the DELICIOUS smell coming from the Hussain's kitchen.  Then I was told it was camel in the crock pot. 

*  Tonight I watched episode one of Beverly Hills Nannies.  Judge as you like, but this is going to be the PERFECT show to half-watch when I'm on maternity leave!

*  Two more days of work and then I am off for 70 days!  I hope I don't sob embarrassingly when I say goodbye to my kids.  But I have two things working against me on this:  my natural self and my pregnant self.  Both are pretty into the whole tear thing.

*  Phil's cousin David is officially a FATHER!  His wife Tanis gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Piper Navaia on January 30th.  We are so happy for them!!!!  And we can't wait to meet little Piper this summer (inshallah!). 

*  (All you environmentalists should skip this section).  I have this thing about packing crackers in Phil's lunch.  I use tupperware for absolutely EVERYTHING else, but for some bizarre reason, I just can't put his Triscuits into a tupperware.  I have to ziplock the suckers because I really think they are more fun to eat and taste THAT much better when packaged as such.  Sorry, SWEET EARTH!

*  Finding GREAT friends is rare.  We are lucky to have some.  XOXO.

THE NURSERY.

Before.  (Eww......)

More like a storage room.......

After!  TA-DA!!!!!  Doesn't the quilt look SPECTACULAR?!  Thank you Cathy!!!!

Sarge even made it!  We chose the pyramid picture, as it is where our story began :) 

Sorry for the poor lighting.  I didn't have the chance to re-snap this shot during a good time today.  See the clock?! 

Baby P's first Dr. Seuss book - a gift from Auntie Em!

There really is something to be said about doing it yourself.  This room was a labour of LOVE.  We're proud to say "WE DID IT!" and we can't wait to have our little one enjoy it too :)

THE GUEST ROOM.

Before.........

After!!!!!!

After - from a different perspective :)

This is traditionally known as "Emily's Room", but Emily is 'allowing' (haha) Mom P to call it home for the month that she is here!!!!