Happy Days

First, Happy Birthday to Laurie!! 29 with experience, I hear.
We had lunch at Mitchells and a walk around the Galleria on Saturday to celebrate.
by the by... The Mister wasn't impressed with my Gymboree bag, but INBA loved the dogs.
I didn't get her anything off her birthday list, but I think she feels appreciated anyway.
We agreed that it wasn't safe for me to be going to the movies with her, seeing how last year after a birthday celebration that included "Mama Mia," The Mister took advantage of my "no one's going to call me when I am old blues" and gave me a daughter...
Who is 3 months old today!
super trooper....hmm mm hmmmhmm.

Mixing of Emotions

Here's a little ditty that a friend sent me the link to... they don't allow this one to be embeded, but it is worth a click. Of course, my friend thinks she is funny.

My emotions are jumbly because my friend Shizuko from Long Beach, CA is coming to visit for a couple of days on her way West. She and her family have been on a cross country road trip and are coming up Pittsburgh way to visit us.
Shizuko is one of those friends that you meet (at a park near our house, one random afternoon) and start talking because the boys are playing so well together. I didn't think that we would have anything to say or in common because we come from very different backgrounds. But then, we are instant friends. We laugh, we are quite alike with much to share from our different experiences, and it feels like we had been friends forever almost from the beginning. It is wonderful, because even if we don't speak for any amount of time, we take right back up as if it were yesterday. She is really a blessing to me. And she was one of a gajillion reasons that I didn't want to leave California.
So, I am jumbly because I know that I am going to be really sad when she leaves. I am sad just thinking about how happy I am that I will get to see her tomorrow.
Pretty messed up.

I'll blame it on postpartum hormones.

Old and New

I need to figure out how to blog from my new phone (the enV Touch. Which I love and may have just learned a couple things about by watching that link.)

I mean, I can still do the text message thing, but I want to figure out how to navigate to something other than facebook. But I am old (not 16 anymore.)

Check out the new legs (not 3 months, yet.)

The legwarmers were found by Laurie, right under my nose. I had misplaced them just before she was born until 2 weeks ago.They are a modification of the legwarmer pattern in The Expectant Knitter.

I don't have the book in front of me, I think she used sport or dk weight. I used Julia's sock yarn. I have a pair of socks from the rest of the hank.

Anyway, I just converted the row gauge of the pattern to inches to knit. That is she said knit 8 rows and that really meant knit an inch- I am making up the numbers but you see what I mean? Either way, we ended up with legwarmers.
How about a cheer for unseasonably cool summer days?

Don't you just love Laurie's Cardi? It is Noro, Silk Garden Lite? Best part, sparkly heart buttons. Priceless. The friend and the cardigan.

Happy 4th of July We enjoyed a the weekend. It warmed up enough for the boys to spend some time at MIL's pool.
When did they get so big? *sigh*
They celebrated independence day by playing with Diet Coke and Mentos. INBA told me today that it was the best 4th of July he ever had. *aww* The Mister walked the boys up to the corner (about 1/2 mile) to watch the township fireworks. Lil'one and I watched the fireworks in DC and then the recap of the ones downtown.

Plenty of activity around here to keep us cruising thru our days.
I am still struggling to find balance between all 3 and me.
I really got used to having a little down time to myself and I am afraid that stealing that anymore means aggravating the sleep deprivation. But, when you need a couple hours of quiet creative time, you need it.
I'll sleep when I'm dead.
Dead tired.
That may be tomorrow...

10 weeks-ish

At least, I think it has been about that long...

So, let's just get the baby pictures out of the way.

I took these last Thursday (maybe-who knows what day it is?)

My mother will appreciate the first one. (I think if you click it gets big) And then a giggle.

*sigh*

Up Hill All the Way.
I walked the boys to summer playground this morning at the Middle School that is near our house. OMG, it was all up hill. I knew my road was, but I didn't realize that the crossroad was, too! Thank goodness it was only 64 degrees this morning. I had Lil'one in the bjorn and was feeling every pound on my postpartum body.
I guess if you aren't from Pittsburgh (not that I am, either, let's be clear) you don't realize that the "up hill, both ways, in the snow," is talking about the 'burgh and the goat paths they paved to make roads in terrain that no one in their right mind would have thought would be a good place to build a city. I guess, to be fair, the triangle is pretty flat. But Mt. Washington is on other side of the river! Duh.
Anyway, I sweat.

Back on the Ranch
I want to card some fleece.
Just to card some fleece, it isn't like I have time to do anything else with it.
So I cleaned the bathroom and swept the family room and tried to dust. The blue handle has gone missing for the swiffer duster. So, that was a little hard.
Now, my penance is done, and Lil'one took a big poo and wants to eat.
I shoulda played first.

Yea!

Lil'one was baptised. Officially Catholic, now. Two family pictures within one month!
Isn't it cute how the Mister holds onto his baby girl?
All the Mayhem men love that little girl to pieces.
I don't think princess is going to cover it.
Maybe empress?

A Glimpse

Baby feet. Laurie made the booties for her. Actually several pair. All sooooooo cute.

I just took the pictures off the camera

Lady K came to visit Memorial Day weekend.

She's my best friend since... forever.

I wish we lived closer.

And a family picture. (Thanks, K)

It is kinda weird to be a family of 5.

I guess I am still adjusting

Then the boys got their summer haircuts.

And the Eldest became even older.

I didn't make the cake this year. He saw this at the Giant Eagle and I was feeling lazy enough to order it for him.

It tasted as good as it looks.

More of Laurie's knitting. She gifted this outfit to the lil'one at last knit night.

This is the Mister's idea of taking a picture of her outfit so that Laurie can see how it fits... I need to train him better.

btw, it fits perfectly and is super cute.

Lil'one gets baptised on Father's Day.

Pictures, hopefully, in the near future. Her gown is so pretty...

Nothing to Show

Well, we made it thru the first 6 weeks- 7 1/2 by now - and I have nothing to show. No new pictures and nothing crafty, for sure.
Eldest turns 9 this week. Yes, I said 9 years old. He is having a party at the park this weekend and is quite excited.
School is out on Friday. With the few camps and activities that we have planned, summer feels like it is half gone. Lil'one can't stand the car, so it will be late summer, if at all, before we do any kind of car trip. Which is ok with me, I don't care to be in the car for more than 2 hours, anyway.
I cannot believe how the days have flown and I have nothing to share.
Must be the Momnesia.

Sneak It In

Lil'one is sleeping, waiting for her brothers to burst through the front door after a Monday of education. Hopefully, I will be able to finish this entry before she awakes.

If it goes to no-caps, I am one handed.How's this for smitten big brothers?

They prefer her when she is quiet. I cannot say I blame them! This girl has some lungs!

Aw, isn't she sweet?

She is really saying, "Hey! Look at my great hand-knit sweater!!"

Not, "I hate the car seat!!"

If only.

And then sometimes, she looks like this.

The best, is when they look like this.

It has been a long and short month. I can't believe it was four weeks ago that she arrived! We are all adjusting to each other. And I am wondering why I thought I didn't get anything done before? I can barely check my email once a week, now!

I am sure that I will be lamenting this when she goes off to Kindergarten... maybe.

So, you know, I have not knit a stitch. I have only looked longingly into my craft room. I have watched way too much morning tv.

And Lil'one just called me.

Erika Louise

9lbs 3oz 20in

That Worked

Like a charm!

Thanks, Laurie, for the pictures.

Here is a smattering of the goodies.Two cardigans from Laurie, the one below is the Tulip that I want to make matchy matchy for myself.
And Stacey's first baby cardigan...

The jumper from CQ.

And the amazing blanket in the making.

Hey, can you see how big my belly is? Not even, cuz you don't realize how big my b**bs have gotten. I am so done. But I might have mentioned that yesterday. :)

I have great friends.

Ignore the Silence

This clinches it. Say hello to my Mid-Life Crisis!


The new addition will be pushing back my self indulgence another 8 years or so, but I can be patient... mostly.





We are in the worst part of the whole ordeal. Ok, I am in the worst part of the whole ordeal. So uncomfortable. And my ankles are just gross. But enough about the last weeks of Pregnancy.
Baby Girl's all set up. The diapers and onesies are washed and the crib is made up and the coming home outfit is in the bag. I actually packed my hospital bag 2 days ago. I feel better being a little bit prepared, finally. hee-hee.

This little white lacy cardi will top her coming home outfit.

I made a hat to match, but forgot to photograph.

It certainly satisfied the need to knit a baptism outfit. I still think it would have been nice to do so, but only if I had thought of it much earlier. Maybe for a grandbaby, someday.

Knit Night ladies bestowed the lil'one with handknits last Friday. I haven't taken any pics of the goodies yet. I am hoping that CQ or Laurie will email me pictures (HUGE HINT) that they took of the event.

Needless to say, I run with a fabulously talented crowd. She has several cardigans, ranging from Stacey's first baby cardigan to Laurie's Tulip (oh, how I want a matching one for me!! I may just have to accidentally stop in at Bloomin' Yarns tomorrow!!) to an ensemble from CQ of bonnet, jumper and cardi of spring green and purple pansies (Dale of Norway pattern, I bet, so gorgeous.) Not to mention a blanket with coordinating bonnet from Janice and the sweetest ruffled-bum romper from Stephanie. And we certainly cannot wrap up a recap without mentioning the amazing blanket that everyone made. Laurie took my sock leftovers from me one day a while ago. She and many other lovely knitters took those little balls to make octagons which were then sewn together and DPUtiger Amy is now attaching to a backing to create, quite probably, the best baby gift ever. Talk about taking a village!

I am truely humbled by the outpouring of friendship, generosity and good wishes that I have received in the last few months as we all anticipate the arrival of the newest Mayhem.

How does that go?

Home is where you make it.

Bloom where you are planted.

However you want to say, it is a beautiful thing.

Gone Missing?

Nah, just trying to get some to-dos off the list.

Biggest fun, several of my friends put together a baby shower for me... yeah, that little ticker over on the side is running out of room. Baby Girl was thoroughly spoiled. I would show you pictures, but it is a little (lot) embarassing. I have great and generous and loving friends.

The Mister painted her room while I was off having fun with my friends. It is called peach cloud. Not very orangey, not too pink, just right. Once I get it all put together, I will show you her beautiful nursery.

Otherwise, I am trying not to think about how close/far my due date is. Lots to do, and most of it doesn't involve baby. I can't believe that Lent is half over!

Busy Days

Like a Cat in a roomful of rocking chairs, a Knitter is not safe in a roomful of numismatists.

The Mister has inherited some coins. The boys spread out on the living room floor and the numbers and dates were flying. Great for keeping track of my own decreases!! heh.

They have some pretty cool coins. Silver dollars from the 1800's, silver dimes, indian head pennies, even steel pennies from 1943- one of which is worth over $2. Not bad for a penny.

Of course, for INBA the highlight of the collection are the Train and Trolley tokens that were mixed in. I cannot tell you how many trains have gone to Johnstown since then. Even funnier, though, they have never been to Johnstown. Maybe we should correct that this summer.
Eldest was quite intent on trying to fill up the penny book that the Mister purchased. It holds coins from 1900 to 1959, I think. We had fun talking about where those pennies, especially the 1909 and 1933, may have been, what was happening, how much it could have bought, who might have held on to that penny longer than someone else.
Yeah, I wonder why my kids are weird.

Probably because mommy is weird and obsessed with trivialities, not the least of which is her knitting.

I finished my first personal sock club. Groovy Socks (by sockpixie) with Vesper Sock Yarn in Lovely Lollipop Sky. Love, love, love, Julia's sock yarn.

As soon as I finished, I ran up stairs- well, as much as you can call a pregnant lady running- because the boys were already in bed, and grabbed another bag.

Yes, I can be patient.

Ok, no, not really.

And this is what I found. Sweet Socks in Purpurly by Sweet Sheep along with the Vinnland sock pattern by the AntiCraft.

lucky me, lucky me.

I do have to be honest, though. I have a strong desire to knit a plain sock.

I may have to make a pair for INBA while I am working on this, too.

We'll see how I feel once I get started.

And in Weather news

Uh, cold doesn't begin to describe it.

Eldest has been enjoying the Wallaby, to be sure. Honestly, I would have preferred to be disappointed he was only able to wear it a couple times! Brr. Highs barely making it to 20 degrees. We didn't even get any of that snow that coated the east coast to make it, at least, pretty to look at. *sigh*

Oh well, I have a new pair of socks to keep me warm.

You Are Welcome!

Yes, it was 51 degrees yesterday and 53 today. You're welcome. Not to worry though, Ol'Man Winter cannot seem to help himself, it is supposed to be 32 by Monday. And snow.

Spring! Spring! Where Are You?!

I finished the Wallaby during the Oscars (which I thought was the best broadcast in many years, if a bit longer than I would have liked.) Eldest tried it on this morning and put it back on as soon as he got home from school. He would have worn it to school, but it isn't dress code. Very safe to say that he likes it. I warned him that it won't fit next winter and he can't be mad because INBA will wear it. He said that, indeed, he could, and probably would be mad. Um, we need to work on that one.

Yoo-Hoo!

Boy, the time flies! Either that, or we have had a lot of stuff going on around here.

Probably both.

I was in Indy last week while my lil' Sis had her gall bladder was sucked out of her belly button. I came home to Valentine Parties with the boys, Pops with the Mister and furniture shopping for babygirl. Then it was a no school day for President's day and a crazy too many things to do Tuesday.

Let's sum up, I have spent the last 2 days sleeping. I wish I could say that I am caught up... but I am thinking at nearly 31 weeks, I will be caught up in about 2 1/2 years.

Today is lunch duty, ptg volunteer hounding and... Yea! Knit night!!

Some other goings on...

Cub Scouts had their Pinewood Derby/Grand Prix.
The boys didn't win any awards this year. They were disappointed, but have plenty of ideas for next year.

Wow, that is a lot of pink.

A friend of a friend passed on a 0-3 month assortment.

Another friend tried jinxing me and said that my baby wouldn't need such small clothes.

I am still having earnest discussion with babygirl about the merits of being a bouncing 7 1/2 lb babe. Cross your fingers for me, thanks.

Estimation of Spring Arrival

I am ready to start the hood of Eldest's Wallaby. I am not entirely sure how long it will take me to knit it, but I am fairly certain that Spring will arrive about 10- minutes after I am done.

Eldest tried it on this morning and was quite taken with it. I did knit a size 10, but I don't think that it will fit him next winter. Have you found the Wallaby to run small? Or do you think my crazy life affected my gauge? I should double check.

Either way, it is a lovely sweater. Someone will wear it.

Whatever it takes to see Spring. *grin*

Who Knew a Utensil Had so Much Personality?

You Are a Spork

You have a playful, eccentric sense of humor. You are creative. You see the world in bold colors. You are a dabbler. You love to experiment. You aren't an expert in anything, but you know a little about everything.

What Utensil Are You?

If you cannot read the heading (it is really light on my screen) it says that I am a spork.

What are you?

Shadowy

Well, in case you haven't heard, he saw his shadow.

Which only means that Eldest might be able to wear his wallaby yet this winter.
I discovered yesterday that I was using the wrong size needles to knit his sleeve.
While debating what to do (trying to rationalize laziness) the Mister asked how long it took me to knit what I had done. Maybe 3 or 4 hours -not all of which would need to be frogged. Then he gave me this, this, this sound akin to a shrug. So I frogged, and reknit during the Super Bowl.

And about that Super Bowl. Was that not the best game actually played at the Super Bowl in a long time? Both teams played like they wanted to win, and for a while there, I wondered who would win! The commercials weren't so great this year, but you can't have everything.

Bobbles Suck and Craig Ferguson Makes Me Cry

I have nearly completed Miss Dashwood. I just have to sew the earflaps and ties on. I used the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran that the pattern calls for and that Laurie had given me 2 balls of at Wuletide. I love this yarn. I want more of this yarn. I want an entire yummy something-just-for-me of this yarn. The only thing is, that this yarn is not very stretchy. So, making bobbles -who thought k4togtbl was a good idea, anyway? - is really tough on the hands. Still, it is soft and delicious and I love it.

Craig Ferguson is another issue. He is on way too late at night. And geesh, if I accidentally stay up late compulsively knitting hand-hurting bobbles, well, I just have to watch him. Oh my, oh my. I laugh so hard that my pregnancy-compressed lungs hurt and tears stream from my eyes. I very much enjoy it when he makes me laugh until I cry, and it is nearly every time I watch him that this happens. Just so you know. 'Cuz I know you care.

I Have a Friend

Seriously, I do.

And she thinks that babies are just as cute while they are still inside as when they are on the outside. (she has never been pregnant herself- just sayin')

So, this one is for you. Me, 27+ weeks.Isn't it so cute how she makes my left hip hurt so bad?

Awwww, sweet. ;)

Another thing that makes me happy...

I just figured out that Ravelry will now let me upload pictures directly into my project descriptions. No more messing with Flickr. Very happy, much more likely to update my projects.

We survived

And the boys went back to school after 2 snow days. The first day wasn't so bad, the second, well, more challenging. Eldest read the 3 whimpy kid books that I bought him at the book fair on the first day. INBA cuddled up in the recliner and took a nap with me. There was a little webkins time for each of them, too. The second day, wrestling, teasing, antagonizing, you get the picture.

Today, after a 2 hour delay, they happily ran off to school.

whew.

oh, and they just returned... let the mayhem resume!