tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39447134462740619482024-03-14T02:54:37.760-04:00Dichotomy - everything to everyoneAn obsessed knitter and doting momma, trying to please everyone.Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-21702892128750225972013-06-10T10:32:00.001-04:002013-06-10T10:32:47.025-04:00And now it's June. I suck at this blogging thing, lately.<br />
Life is pretty crazy and hectic, and quite frankly blogging is one of the very last things on my mind these days.<br />
<br />
However, Sweet Pea had a dance recital just yesterday. Something this adorable HAS to be shared!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5VDar2Xzik/UbXiSD7exGI/AAAAAAAAARQ/w1-_xiqdnjo/s1600/IMG_5358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5VDar2Xzik/UbXiSD7exGI/AAAAAAAAARQ/w1-_xiqdnjo/s320/IMG_5358.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8PaBIr0b8U/UbXidZLqpmI/AAAAAAAAARg/L7PoMjY_4mY/s1600/IMG_5369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8PaBIr0b8U/UbXidZLqpmI/AAAAAAAAARg/L7PoMjY_4mY/s320/IMG_5369.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZK2ubCOysc/UbXiPVQEfpI/AAAAAAAAAQw/xKhEdAl3IcM/s1600/IMG_5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZK2ubCOysc/UbXiPVQEfpI/AAAAAAAAAQw/xKhEdAl3IcM/s320/IMG_5324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a rule against photography in the actual recital. Suffice it to say it was just as terrible and adorable as expected. I wish I could show you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZL2P_K4Sv8/UbXiP6beTBI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/eOE4PmFevKg/s1600/IMG_5326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZL2P_K4Sv8/UbXiP6beTBI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/eOE4PmFevKg/s320/IMG_5326.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-InfVg5Awobs/UbXiQm3xaEI/AAAAAAAAARE/EqK0t8KihR0/s1600/IMG_5351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-InfVg5Awobs/UbXiQm3xaEI/AAAAAAAAARE/EqK0t8KihR0/s320/IMG_5351.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4fHnNW88C8/UbXiRTa_N0I/AAAAAAAAARM/q97HDAbkUwY/s1600/IMG_5352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4fHnNW88C8/UbXiRTa_N0I/AAAAAAAAARM/q97HDAbkUwY/s320/IMG_5352.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
We are so proud of our big girl and her fearless performance! I can't believe she'll be 5 just next month. <br />
<br />Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-49657467304071512102013-01-28T12:53:00.000-05:002013-01-28T12:53:41.843-05:00Introspection.Last night at work, there was an 'incident'. At the time it was kind of terrifying . . . we were just sitting there taking calls, when the building was suddenly surrounded by police cars, vans, etc with their lights on. There were search lights, and the swat team running around the building with shotguns. It was unusual, and exciting, and caused a stir . . . but I wasn't feeling too alarmed. Then, there were people coming back from breaks visibly shaken - the police were in the lobbies, pulling guns on anyone coming in or out. This was disturbing. Then, the police were coming in and we weren't allowed to leave our floor or work areas, and then . . . then I started to freak out a little.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, we live in modern times. I was able to text message Mr. Wonderful, who pulled up an online police scanner. He gave me updates via text as he heard them, and I was able to breath a little easier. <br />
<br />
This morning, I read the police report. Someone called in stating that they had been threatened with a gun in the underground parking garage. When the police arrived (the main station is just across the street - it took no time at all) there was no sign of suspects or the person who had called.<br />
<br />
I work for a communications giant taking calls in their customer care centre. This company isn't particularly well-liked, and of course as soon as there's a rumour of a gunman in the building, everyone goes bananas. Someone is here to kill us all! OMG, we're all gonna die! <br />Usually I can shrug it off, but then usually there's no massive police response lending credibility to the flailing of my fellow employees.<br />
So, while I sat there (quietly) watching the police and their shotguns moving around my place of work, I found it impossible not to dwell on the end of my life. If I died unexpectedly - right now - what would I leave behind? And I realized that even if it happened, I think I'd leave good things behind. My children both have lots of things I've hand-made for them. I've had my moments of screaming and yelling, but we've also shared a lot of snuggles and made some really positive moments. My poor husband would have no idea what to do with all of my stuff, but it would be addressed in time, I'm sure. <br />Would my family know I love them? Yes. I don't think they'd doubt it for a minute. Sweet Pea might even remember me a little. My Boober boy wouldn't, and that makes me really sad . . . The only thing I think is lacking is photos. There are really not a lot of photos of me.<br />
I think, as far as regrets go, not leaving behind a lot of photos is a minor one. <br /><br />In the end, it's unimportant - the 'threat' was contained. I'm glad to know that the police take a call like this one so seriously. We were really in the safest place we could be -- behind locked doors, with armed police officers in every lobby and stairwell. It's unsettling to know that (apparently) someone made it into the building in the first place . . . but I'm not really surprised. The parking garage doors stay open for far too long after cars drive out. It wouldn't be hard to get in. Getting past the lobby should prove more difficult. No one made it to us or our floor -- although whether there was actually any threat from an armed individual remains to be seen. <br />It certainly created quite a stir -- and I was extra happy to have my knitting with me for distraction and productivity purposes. Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-1921756382663750202013-01-19T21:44:00.001-05:002013-01-19T21:44:23.234-05:00So, I'm back to work. Here in Canada, when you have a baby, you can take a year of parental leave. I found after having Sweet Pea that the year was great, but I just wasn't ready to be apart from her yet. I had a rough time acclimating to my work environment. But - it happened, and we all got used to it.<br />
And then along came Boober. Boober had a rough start. It was a long time between his birth, and the point where I felt like I could really sit back and enjoy him. It had always been our intention that I would try for an additional year of leave, but I found that when December 2011 came I was so unwilling and not at all ready to return to work that I just don't know what I would have done if they had called me back right away.<br />
But I was lucky. I got an additional year of unpaid leave. And so I didn't have to leave Boober until just a few days ago. At first when they called me back in, I pretty heart-broken. And then I felt unbelievably guilty about feeling heartbroken. I know there are parents all over the place who would give just about anything to have 2 repercussion-free years home with their little ones. But still, as hard I tried to just be grateful for the 25.5 months I spent home with my babies, I couldn't stop a few tears from springing to my eyes as I thought about their days with a babysitter. And then we made another decision -- that I would switch to part-time employment. I applied, my employer granted the application, and starting tomorrow I will be a part-time employee.<br />
This means I'll be working some truly horrible shifts -- 4pm - midnight. But it also means that I get to be home. With my children. Still involved in their daily lives. And not paying a fortune in daycare. Which is great, because for the shift I worked on Thursday after all costs I went to work for a few dollars. And that just stings.<br />
<br />
So yeah. I'm back to work. The return this time was just as anti-climactic as the last time. And now I need lots of crockpot dinner recipes for Mr. Wonderful . . . 3 nights a week he's on his own, and I want to make it easier on him!Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-25142058875172817502012-12-29T10:55:00.001-05:002012-12-29T10:55:52.128-05:00That awkward post . . . I haven't blogged here since September. A lot has happened since September. I have considered, many a time, what this post might look like. Will I try to catch up? Will I just ignore the lapse and move on? And every time I started to think about it, it was just too much and the post was going to be so huge, and so I would push it to the back of my mind again. That sums up October, November, and December.<br />
<br />
Here's what I think: let's hit the highlights, and just move on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBipIqiBuf0/UN8Gmf1FTsI/AAAAAAAAANk/ZvaUGndFqas/s1600/IMG_4068a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBipIqiBuf0/UN8Gmf1FTsI/AAAAAAAAANk/ZvaUGndFqas/s320/IMG_4068a.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
Sweet Pea wanted to be 90's Xmen cartoon Storm for Halloween. I over-thought it, but she wound up with a pretty fab costume.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72vfQdit-7o/UN8GrJVchCI/AAAAAAAAANs/YpswlNFwyXk/s1600/IMG_4061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72vfQdit-7o/UN8GrJVchCI/AAAAAAAAANs/YpswlNFwyXk/s320/IMG_4061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Boober was a tiger. It was awesome!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bevr73ulD-4/UN8HH-V2czI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Oq974rx1e8U/s1600/IMG_4065a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bevr73ulD-4/UN8HH-V2czI/AAAAAAAAAN0/Oq974rx1e8U/s320/IMG_4065a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
This year, we opted to let the kids gorge on their candy. It worked. The candy was gone within 2 days.<br />
<br />
November: there was a whole bunch of rain and crap weather in November. A few days were mild enough for fun of the following variety:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHQYig6gh1o/UN8H0Uya8II/AAAAAAAAAN8/ZeX4qAvh-2E/s1600/IMG_3876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHQYig6gh1o/UN8H0Uya8II/AAAAAAAAAN8/ZeX4qAvh-2E/s320/IMG_3876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
October and November were so jam-packed with doll-making and shipping that there just isn't much in the way of photography. 35 dolls and toys were made and shipped. <br />
<br />
December: A certain little boy turned 2<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpjv11R30zc/UN8LMWs7eZI/AAAAAAAAAOU/02H_8sS41jQ/s1600/IMG_4337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpjv11R30zc/UN8LMWs7eZI/AAAAAAAAAOU/02H_8sS41jQ/s320/IMG_4337.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laFxm184rds/UN8IbyAwd6I/AAAAAAAAAOE/LrMQFIFgOMI/s1600/IMG_4330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This year, we chose to take the family to Great Wolf Lodge for Boober's birthday rather than deal with the hubbub of a big birthday party or two. (Even if we invite no one but family, we still have over 20 attendees for birthday bashes. It's just too much.) So instead we packed up and drove off with our little family. It was awesome! I would definitely do it again! Sadly, I have virtually no pictures becaue 1) being a first-timer, I was unaware of the photo opps at breakfast, tooling around in the lobby, etc, and 2) there is no way in HELL I am bringing my camera into a water park. <br />
<br />
And then it was Christmas. I have 346 images on my memory card from Christmas. Here is a selection of my faves, from our home, Christmas morning. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLufVRfqPDQ/UN8MP7Za-fI/AAAAAAAAAOg/kmZ3GYra6i0/s1600/IMG_4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tLufVRfqPDQ/UN8MP7Za-fI/AAAAAAAAAOg/kmZ3GYra6i0/s320/IMG_4448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrMYbB8Iqws/UN8MakVByQI/AAAAAAAAAOs/B_YYkSbqv2o/s1600/IMG_4468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrMYbB8Iqws/UN8MakVByQI/AAAAAAAAAOs/B_YYkSbqv2o/s320/IMG_4468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEkOWlDnqCY/UN8MkbsLS9I/AAAAAAAAAO0/zQfkyImZYMI/s1600/IMG_4424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BEkOWlDnqCY/UN8MkbsLS9I/AAAAAAAAAO0/zQfkyImZYMI/s320/IMG_4424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I assure you, Mr. Wonderful was also there, but the photo I took of him opening his gift is among the least flattering photos I've ever seen of him. Out of respect for my husband, I will definitely keep that under wraps.<br />
<br />
There was also some really great cousins time in there -- see?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1AwOt5A-DA/UN8M657wFlI/AAAAAAAAAPE/ZDg-oywmg2s/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1AwOt5A-DA/UN8M657wFlI/AAAAAAAAAPE/ZDg-oywmg2s/s320/IMG_4758.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxKdVWWbKqA/UN8Mw6LMFzI/AAAAAAAAAO8/RbPZriCfPeo/s1600/IMG_4488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxKdVWWbKqA/UN8Mw6LMFzI/AAAAAAAAAO8/RbPZriCfPeo/s320/IMG_4488.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My kids have some awesome cousins. The big boy you see here is 10, and far too old to play with toddlers - but he sat and played patiently with Boober for a good long stretch. The big girl in the above photo is 15. She played with the littles for hours. It's so wonderful when big kids make the time to show little kids that they're important and cool and fun to be with too. <br />
<br />
We also had the younger cousins over this week, but I didn't think to take any photos. They were adorable, all playing together.<br />
<br />
And finally - I found some retailers online that I really think are awesome, and fun, and deserve some attention and support.<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilblackcloud" target="_blank">Lil' Black Cloud</a> - hand-made silver jewellery. Adorable, nicely finished, and the packaging is fab.<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/odaleefibers" target="_blank">Odalee Fibers</a> - hand dyed and hand painted yarns. Not just in fingering weight, either! Great colours - I had such a hard time choosing just one that I wound up with two. <br />
<br />
<br />
And that is about how far I want to go with updates. Hopefully I can be better at blogging now that it's not stressing me out to catch up!Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-17364067176150841572012-09-10T12:10:00.000-04:002012-09-10T12:10:32.013-04:00Sweet Pea Goes to School.Sweet Pea is confident. Fearless. Ready for any challenge -- given proper prep time and steps. And school was no different.<br />
<br />
In the spring, she started asking when she would go to school. It seemed so far off. <br />And then the pages on the calendar turned and turned, and it got closer and closer. And then the calendar said "SEPTEMBER" and all the markers I had given Sweet Pea for when school would start had been met. Then, the badgering began in earnest.<br />
<br />
There were moments of abject terror where she insisted she would never go to school. There were moments of such incredibly poor behaviour that I just couldn't wait to send her off to school. There were moments of excitement, when she sat with me and shared all her hopes for school - new friends, a best friend named Kayla, colouring time, painting, water tables, her lunch bag, etc. And really, the excitement outweighed the trepidation. But when I found her last week, laying awake in her bed well after lights out, worrying her blankets, and she confided her fears . . . I knew she needed a little more prep. She was worried that after she got off the bus, she wouldn't know what to do.<br />
"Well, you'll go play on the playground."<br />
"With who?"<br />"I don't know. You'll have to make some new friends at school."<br />
"And then what will happen?"<br />
"You'll hear a bell, or a tone, and you'll line up with your class. Then your teacher will take you inside to your classroom."<br />
Her questions became pretty pointed. So last Friday, we took a trip to her bus stop, and then to the school to observe. Since last Friday, Sweet Pea has been a bundle of excitement. This morning, she got on the bus all by herself and went to school. She insisted that she do it alone. I offered to drive her for her first day, but she declined.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odVa7sgVs10/UE4NErpe-uI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/DUPDAXLSuG4/s1600/IMG_3615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odVa7sgVs10/UE4NErpe-uI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/DUPDAXLSuG4/s320/IMG_3615.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little pre-school playtime. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was only a moment's hesitation as she got ready for school.<br />
"Will I miss you, mom?"<br />
"Maybe. You'll have lots to do, though. You'll have fun."<br />
"Will you miss me?"<br />"Every minute of every hour that you are at school, I will miss you. But you will come home this afternoon, and we will snuggle and talk about all the wonderful things you did and the friends you met."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqxfIFcZN24/UE4NQjH79KI/AAAAAAAAAMc/XcXWbRVJ4aM/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aqxfIFcZN24/UE4NQjH79KI/AAAAAAAAAMc/XcXWbRVJ4aM/s320/IMG_3625.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And then we headed outside for the short walk to the bus stop. It didn't take long before my Sweet Pea was thoroughly annoyed with all the picture taking. I only got 4 shots of her at the house -- and one of them has a Boober running through it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdKLnt-xNIA/UE4NjhKNVAI/AAAAAAAAAMk/ikyTcO90kQY/s1600/IMG_3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdKLnt-xNIA/UE4NjhKNVAI/AAAAAAAAAMk/ikyTcO90kQY/s320/IMG_3626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q99_bLFCoJE/UE4NwLTJc5I/AAAAAAAAAMw/Vqip_EcIpLU/s1600/IMG_3629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
She still seems so little to me. Will I always be this nervous about letting go? I know she's capable, and there's no denying she's confident! But . . . that's my little girl, in this great big world full of danger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q99_bLFCoJE/UE4NwLTJc5I/AAAAAAAAAMw/Vqip_EcIpLU/s1600/IMG_3629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q99_bLFCoJE/UE4NwLTJc5I/AAAAAAAAAMw/Vqip_EcIpLU/s320/IMG_3629.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Heart-melting moment at the bus stop. Hugs and kisses. These two love each other so much. In fact, Boober was the first one to break down when we put our girl on the bus. He misses his sister.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0vu-lnr-HU/UE4N8kYi0XI/AAAAAAAAAM4/RNA2pnuYFCM/s1600/IMG_3640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0vu-lnr-HU/UE4N8kYi0XI/AAAAAAAAAM4/RNA2pnuYFCM/s320/IMG_3640.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
And this is my favourite shot. I think this will be her quintessential 'first day of school' photo. Bouncing with excitement as the bus approaches, happy face, clenched hands. She was so pumped to go that I didn't get a hug & kiss, or even a 'bye mom'. This is the curse of raising confident kids, right? It's hard to feel needed when . . . well, you're not. Not for everything, anyway. And I'm glad for it, I really am - I know she'll do great today and come home full of stories and excitement . . . and that parting was so much easier than the days when I would leave her crying in the foyer at daycare in the toddler years. But . . . 'bye, baby. Sob. Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-49048402502010280182012-08-21T08:45:00.003-04:002012-08-21T08:45:36.051-04:002 months, 1 postThis summer has been busy, fun-filled, and remarkably active. Not much time for blogging, I'm afraid.<br />
<br />
Boober fell off a bed and landed on his ear.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7407990600/" title="IMAG1078 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG1078" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/7407990600_389f5c7758.jpg" width="332" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I made Sweet Pea a tarantula dress with one yard of fabric and my brain! No pattern.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7468840010/" title="IMG_2683 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2683" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7468840010_301bef561c.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Boober took advantage of the Ravellenic games to practice his mad knitting skills!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7678437618/" title="IMG_3168 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3168" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7678437618_e893bdb5f8.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<br />
<br />
He also practiced being extra adorable!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7700048712/" title="IMG_3310 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3310" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7700048712_a640f37b7d.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<br />
<br />
There has, of course, been day-to-day business to conduct. Eating, playing, painting the fence.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7814818050/" title="IMAG1110-1 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG1110-1" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8300/7814818050_c1dba544b2.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I have about a zillion blog-worthy pics, but . . . overload.<br />
<br />
There was also some out-of-the-ordinary stuff. The Children's Museum, a birthday party, daycamp for Sweet Pea . . . someday I'll catch up.<br />
<br />
In the past 2 months, I have also made: 3 dragons, 3 sheep, 2 monkeys, 5 Waldorf dolls, 5 soft sculpture dolls, and 2 outfits without dolls.<br />
<br />
See? Busy. Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-63269651305044575592012-06-18T08:27:00.001-04:002012-06-18T08:48:35.746-04:00Boober's best day yet!This weekend was unbelievably busy chez nous. Saturday was Sweet Pea's first ever public performance - a 10 minute
KinderKids gymnastics demo. She did great! No nerves, no falls, one very
happy little girl. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Llrtq97xsUk/T98frTDyTlI/AAAAAAAAALQ/du-JPTRqkzE/s1600/IMG_2625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Llrtq97xsUk/T98frTDyTlI/AAAAAAAAALQ/du-JPTRqkzE/s320/IMG_2625.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Pea and her medal. I've never seen her so proud of something before.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ng9CuJNvfho/T98fceNJ5qI/AAAAAAAAALI/57Lv4lby-Eo/s1600/IMG_2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ng9CuJNvfho/T98fceNJ5qI/AAAAAAAAALI/57Lv4lby-Eo/s320/IMG_2611.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta Daaaaa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Immediately following her demo, Sweet Pea and her nana packed up and took off for an afternoon of good times. She went to the movies, checked out ducks in the park, and hung out with her cousins. <br />
Mr. Wonderful went to a friend's cottage for a big send-off.<br />
This left Boober and I to our own devices. He was pretty okay with that - because he had the best day EVER!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7383635510/" title="IMAG1058 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG1058" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7383635510_63278175f6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7383633422/" title="IMAG1051 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG1051" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7383633422_2e4f96bc01.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7383637394/" title="IMAG1064 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG1064" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7383637394_8ced67111f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7383638906/" title="IMAG1065 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG1065" height="332" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5320/7383638906_7626c2861d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7383640264/" title="IMAG1066 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG1066" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7383640264_57d44a4ebb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
He painted with water, chased a bunny, messed around in the yard, went for a LOOONG walk up and down the street, pausing to stuff storm drains with vegetation and poke bugs whenever he wanted, for as long as he wanted. He really enjoyed himself. <br />I really enjoyed him too. <br />
<br />Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-78444920270226114342012-06-14T08:55:00.002-04:002012-06-14T08:55:52.391-04:00TARANTULA!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Recently, in the course of a trip to the local bastion of all things crafty I found something so pefect for Sweet Pea that it stopped me dead in my tracks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lately our little girl has been all about wearing dresses and skirts -- but she has very few that fit her anymore. She is gigantic, and her dresses from last year barely cover her undies anymore. She's also been very interested in learning about new things, so we taught her a bit about BIG HAIRY SPIDERS recently, and let her watch a few informative videos, and since then she's been preoccupied with tarantulas. In fact, she would like one for a pet. (Hell no.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So when I saw a tarantula print fabric at the store, I bought a yard. I thought 'I'll make her a skirt with it. Easy, peasy. She'll be wearing it by tomorrow! And I'll have yardage left over to make doll clothes, too!' But then I showed her the fabric and asked her opinion on skirt patterns. And Mr. Wonderful suggested a dress, and Sweet Pea jumped on it . . . and now it's a week later, and I'm still working on it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWwswTa9FB8/T9ncBg7GnSI/AAAAAAAAAKk/ps_RfpBnPOs/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWwswTa9FB8/T9ncBg7GnSI/AAAAAAAAAKk/ps_RfpBnPOs/s320/IMG_2508.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fortunately, I have lots of fabrics on hand so I was able to find something to stretch that 1 yard of fabric and make a dress -- but I still have to finish the arm and neck hole, get some buttons and assemble the whole thing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She's very excited. I hope she loves it when it's done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also made this over the past week:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jB4mp9ZKk-0/T9nciPPCXOI/AAAAAAAAAK4/QZXyN75U6lg/s1600/IMG_2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jB4mp9ZKk-0/T9nciPPCXOI/AAAAAAAAAK4/QZXyN75U6lg/s320/IMG_2488.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
This dragon is from a pattern by DIYFluffies called Yoki the Fat Dragon. It's a pretty finicky pattern - but so cute! This one is going to Sweet Pea's gymnastics club to be part of their year-end raffle. Hope he fetches a lot of raffle tickets and thereby, a good price.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzxazZVYSmw/T9ncSdNkzNI/AAAAAAAAAKw/hGKcQPGM4xA/s1600/IMG_2453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzxazZVYSmw/T9ncSdNkzNI/AAAAAAAAAKw/hGKcQPGM4xA/s320/IMG_2453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-25019434150265836992012-06-04T16:57:00.001-04:002012-06-04T16:57:10.801-04:00When it all goes wrong. Painfully wrong.This morning was terrible. Terrible.<br />
It started out okay . . . but it went to shit in very short order.<br />
<br />
We had a play date booked with a friend that Sweet Pea asks to see all the time. Unfortunately, lately the mommy schedules have been incompatible. But finally the stars aligned, and today was the day! So I got the kids dressed, did the requisite diaper change, packed up snacks for the diaper bag, and stepped out the door exactly on time. It was then that I realized I did not have my car keys. They weren't on the hook by the door. They weren't in the diaper bag pocket where I always leave them. Where could they be? I stepped back inside to look for them. They're usually in one of a few places - on the stove, the kitchen table, the coffee table, or the bookshelf. They were in none of those places . . . but my lip gloss was on the couch. And then I realized Boober had been digging around in, and subsequently removing things from, the diaper bag pocket. My blood pressure rose a little higher.<br />
<br />"Boober, did you take mommy's keys?"<br />
Nods yes.<br />
"Where are they?"<br />
Points at the fridge.<br />
They were not in the fridge.<br />
<br />
After 30 minutes of fruitless searching I decided I should probably call and let the other party know we were going to be late, or not present at all. It was then that I discovered that my phone was missing too. So I did what I always do when I can't find my phone - went to the internet to first send myself an email (I can sometimes locate the phone by the email alert) or to send Mr. Wonderful a 'please call me' message.<br />
<br />
THE FUCKING INTERNET WAS DOWN!!<br />
<br />
I started sweating, I was so tense. No phone, no internet, no car.<br />
<br />
Okay . . . so . . . bikes? Can't bring Boober along. My bike is the only bike in existence that can't accomodate a baby seat, and we can't find a bike trailer that we like that is a reasonable price.<br />
Walk? I was going to, but the wagon was full of wet bits of tree and mud. And our play date was about 5km away, which is nothing by car or bike, but a serious hike with 2 littles in tow.<br />
<br />
By now we were closing in on an hour late. So I went to a neighbour, and then another neighbour, and eventually I found someone at home and used their phone to call our play date, and then Mr. Wonderful.<br />
And then we went back home.<br />
The cell phone finally turned up (thanks to the ringing sound) down the side of the rocking chair in the nursery.<br />
The internet problem was corrected. (I didn't know you had to turn on the modem and router in a certain order. Huh.)<br />
And the car keys? It's taken all day, but the car keys have been found. In Burlington. A 2 hour drive away.<br />
Sweet Zombie Jesus.Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-88204192248543597622012-05-16T14:42:00.000-04:002012-05-16T14:42:09.791-04:00Baby's first . . . .Monday was such a DAY! You know what I mean, right? <br />
Uneventful. Nothing super exciting. And then it became a day of infamy! A day that will live in memory, and be dredged up over and over again throughout the years.<br />
It was 2:45ish when Boober got a little whiny. Nap time! So I took him upstairs and started the process of attempting to get the little bugger to sleep. Boober hates sleeping, so after about a half hour of fighting him, I gave up and took him downstairs. Sweet Pea had fallen asleep on the floor of the livingroom. When Boober saw this, he went charging toward her, giggling and shreiking. He jumped on top of her and gave her a big snuggly hug . . . and then went on his way. Over the next 15 minutes or so, he returned to his sister over and over again to hug, prod, and poke at her. It was on one of these trips that he climbed on her back. He must have startled her, because Sweet Pea tossed him. He landed with a very loud WHACK! and spent approximately 75 seconds crying. There was no bump, no lump, no real mark except for some lines on his forehead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--A06lpCa9NI/T7P0fCqdj2I/AAAAAAAAAKY/g2uVXWr3TgI/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--A06lpCa9NI/T7P0fCqdj2I/AAAAAAAAAKY/g2uVXWr3TgI/s320/IMG_2343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honestly, is this the face of a child watching his favourite TV show? (20 minutes before the issue became known)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since he was so easy to console, I put it out of my mind. Clearly, he was just fine. I turned on some Yo Gabba Gabba and let the kids watch while I started tidying up the kitchen. Less than half an hour later, Boober was tugging at my pant legs and whining again. It was just about 4 - traditionally his witching hour. I picked him up and sat on the couch to console him. He gave a mighty heave and barfed all over me and the couch. I had just barely cleaned myself and the couch off while Boober dozed on my shoulder when he went for round 2. It was about then that I made the connection -- when he was tossed, Boober had landed <i>on his head. </i>And now he was vomiting, and passing out, and acting all wrong. He hadn't been dancing to the tunes on his show. He was refusing to eat or drink anything. This was all very, very wrong.<br />
Boober had a concussion.<br />
Of course, due to Murphy's law, my car keys were in Mr. Wonderful's car. In Guelph. 45 minutes away. In retrospect, I should have called an ambulance - but it didn't seem all that dire at first. He was drowsy, yes, but he was concious -- and then suddenly he wasn't anymore, and it was almost impossible to wake him, and even when I could, he couldn't stay awake for more than a few seconds at a time. And he just kept barfing and barfing - everytime I changed his shirt (and mine) he would go again. I was absolutely terrified. Was my baby dying? Mr. Wonderful was only minutes away from home by now -- should I call an ambulance anyway? <br />
So as soon as Wonderful came through the door (early and in a rush, since I had called him) I packed Boober into his car seat and drove like hell for the ER.<br />
We sat in the waiting room for 6 hours. At first, Boober would only lay on my shoulder. He barfed a few more times. Then little by little, he started returning to himself. He sat up on my lap and observed the others in the waiting room. He walked over to the vending machines and pushed the buttons. He did a little colouring. He asked for yogurt and ate the whole thing himself. He did some more colouring. He started being friendly with the other people in the waiting room. He ate another yogurt. He ran for the door over and over. Just when he started loudly demanding chocolate bars, we got an exam room. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7210803946/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMAG0997 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0997" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/7210803946_699e562b82.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Long story short, by the time they got to him, Boober was completely back to his old mischievous self again. He was diagnosed with a minor concussion and we were sent home.<br />
<br />
Why will today be dredged up over and over? Because Sweet Pea gave Boober his first concussion. And because Mr. Wonderful was the concussion king as a child. He got one every year . . . and now it looks like Boober may be trying to keep up. So while I'd just like to forget about it and move on, that's very unlikely. <br />
<br />Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-5268613157333226682012-05-08T12:50:00.000-04:002012-05-08T12:50:39.119-04:00She's crafty.The days are getting warmer, sunnier, and definitely rainier around here. We've been spending as much time as we can out in the yard. Letting the kids run like puppies and get as dirty as they want is advantageous when it rolls around to time to go in again.<br />
This year, the kids are both loving bikes, scooters, and the make-shift sandbox I put together for them. It's essentially a plastic tote the size of 2 shoe boxes side by side, with a few inches of sand in the bottom. It's good for them because they have a sandbox, and good for me because it can be put in the shed in case of rain, or cats full of pee/poop.<br />
<br />
There's still much going on in the crafty realms . . .<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7077090831/" title="IMAG0977 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0977" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7077090831_48133d6c8b.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7129100609/" title="IMG_2180 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2180" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/7129100609_5638bd690b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7135439643/" title="IMAG0988 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0988" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/7135439643_27f45112c2.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6990214826/" title="IMG_2164 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2164" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/6990214826_ca9838f702.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
<br />
And I finished my really colourful socks, but there was great disappointment there as the colour on the yarn was not fixed, and bled all over the place when they were washed. BOOOOOO! The dyer was contacted and offered replacement, which is great. I'll have to make something that will not be washed with it this time. Any suggestions? It's a light fingering weight.<br />
<br />
My new-found skill: crochet. What is up with crochet patterns? If it's not amigurumi or a blanket square, it's just fugly. This is a gross generalization, of course, but . . . seriously! I'm having a hard time finding anything I want to make. Maybe this is why crochet hasn't come together for me in the past. I did find a <a href="http://petitepurls.com/Spring11/spring2011_c_littlesister.html" target="_blank">hat pattern </a>this morning, so I'll try my hand at that one, but after that?? I dunno. <br />
<br />
And then there's this: this morning I logged on to Facebook and saw the status update of a friend. Her friend's 2 year old is fighting with leukemia and having a very difficult go of it. The little girl is losing her hair, so my friend is looking for donations of hats for the wee one. The call was quickly answered by LOTS of others. I didn't offer to make a hat. But all morning long, the thought of this poor little kid just ate at me. 2 years old and fighting a difficult, uphill battle. And apparently not doing so well with it. So I did something. I offered to make the little one a doll. Not a Waldorf doll - those are too expensive (time and materials) for me to be giving away like it's nothing . . . just a cloth doll. Every kid should have a cuddly buddy to hold their hand while they face challenges and frightening events, right? <br />But I really wish I could send her a Waldorf doll. There is something about the weight and sturdiness of those dolls that just makes them extra comforting. <br />
<br />
I can't help everyone. But I wish I could. <br />
<br />Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-75244722175399622642012-04-20T13:27:00.001-04:002012-04-20T13:27:25.514-04:00Just what I needed. Another hobby.Did I just take up crochet??<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7071161935/" title="IMAG0973.jpg by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0973.jpg" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/7071161935_3b2e424df9.jpg" width="332" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Yeah, I kinda did.Or at least, in this case, it was the thing that made the most sense. I'm pretty impressed that I pulled it off - although I did try another pattern and failed pretty spectacularly to really 'get it'. I just can't figure out what the pattern wants me to do, and if I'm in the right place to do it.<br />
<br />
And then just last week I ordered 3 patterns from a great Etsy seller called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/weelittlestitches" target="_blank">WeeLittleStitches</a>, so now I'm neck-deep in cross stitch again, because . . . let's be honest - these patterns are too great to just have and not stitch up. <br />
<br />
So between those things, and doll-making (and doll clothes) I'm not getting any knitting done. And of course, the spread of materials around our already congested and cluttered home is getting really out of control, because I can't be expected to keep it all in one place, can I?? <br /><br />I think my husband's going to leave me. I'm not even sure my kids recognize me. It's bad. It's really, really bad.Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-56992562388150934082012-04-11T14:09:00.002-04:002012-04-11T14:09:34.470-04:00Boober's new ears2 weeks ago, Boober went to the hospital for his first surgery. He had myringotomy tubes inserted in his ears. In the days leading up to Boober's surgery I was going a little out of my mind with nervous energy. I started a million new projects. It will probably take me months to finish them all.
And then it was 24 hours to the surgery, and I felt like it was all out of my hands anyway. I did as much prep as I could - packed the diaper bag with lots of diapers, spare outfits for everyone, snacks. Laid out all the coffee thermoses, set the coffee maker to do it's thing automatically at something like 5:20am . . . and then we went to bed. <br />
<br />
My worry was that Boober (who was not supposed to eat or drink anything after midnight) would wake and demand to nurse at 2am. He didn't. In fact, we couldn't have planned it better if we had tried -- Boober woke at 5:30am, just in time to join us for our exit. With coffee, snacks, and a full diaper bag in tow, we made our way to the hospital, where we did a whole lot of waiting. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7068341843/" title="IMAG0955 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0955" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7068341843_b13cdeb0e7_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
<br />
We waited to check in (we were 30 minutes early)<br />
<br />
We waited for our call to the OR. <br />
<br />
We waited for anesthesia to come get our baby (this was probably the worst part for me). <br />
<br />
We waited while they did the surgery. <br />
<br />
I comforted Boober in recovery while he came out of the anesthesia - he was clearly not impressed. Until we got the go-ahead to nurse. Then he was quite happy again. <br />
<br />
We waited to go back to pediatrics. <br />
<br />
We waited for the release approval and paperwork. <br />
<br />
Then we went home.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6922260306/" title="IMAG0956 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0956" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/6922260306_f310a2f309_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>
<br />
<br />
There really wasn't much to it. Boober was only miserable when they were checking his stats, and when he was coming out of his anesthesia. Aside of those events, he was having a great time running around the halls of the hospital, playing with new toys, and exploring. <br />
<br />
His recovery was just as uneventful. He's done really well all around. And through this surgery, we've come to understand that Boober really did have limited hearing. He's responding to things in a way he just didn't before. He's even got some new sounds, and words. He sings songs, and does actions. Seriously -- Itsy Bitsy Spider, Skinamarink, ADORABLE. I've definitely seen a benefit. I can even finally share a cute Boober interaction story with you now:<br />
<br />
Boober is flipping through a book and sees a picture of a chicken. <br />
Me: Hey Boober, what does a chicken say?<br />
Boober: Duck, duck! <br />
Me: No, no, baby. Cluck, cluck. <br />
Boober: (gives me a look of 'what is WRONG with you??') Yeah, duck duck.<br />
<br />
later - Boober sees a picture of a dog. <br />
Me: What does a puppy dog say? <br />
Boober: Baa, baa!<br />
Me: No, honey. Puppies say bark, bark. <br />
Boober: (nodding, very solemn) baa! Baa!Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-58481070612092663762012-04-02T10:17:00.000-04:002012-04-02T10:17:02.903-04:00Stuff I madeThere was this thing:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6811730492/" title="IMG_1842 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1842" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6811730492_0537b2274c_c.jpg" width="533" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And there was this thing:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6983440079/" title="IMG_1942 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1942" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6983440079_4cdefd2b93_c.jpg" width="533" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And then I made this for a swap:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7017545495/" title="IMAG0945 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0945" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7017545495_4a2d21929b.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
<br />
And then I made this thing for testing purposes/fun/Boober:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/7017546983/" title="IMAG0948 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0948" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7017546983_72c7cd093c.jpg" width="332" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
And finally, I'm currently making these colourful things:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6851672778/" title="IMAG0932 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/6851672778_b8555a9ff2.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="IMAG0932"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Also, I'm working on another doll . . . nearly done!Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-81409577102540582122012-03-05T09:45:00.001-05:002012-03-05T09:45:08.698-05:00In which Gramps becomes modeledI had to let him play with my phone to get photos, but I did it! And he wore the sweater all day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6955800731/" title="IMG_1818 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1818" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6955800731_db0692845d.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6795529944/" title="IMG_1824 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1824" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6795529944_2d1bb1fea8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
This one kills me. If you're going to take my picture, I'm going to take yours!!Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-20247359204300410002012-02-28T12:26:00.002-05:002012-02-28T12:28:40.806-05:00The hell you say? I finished something else?Why yes, I did. Something that's been languishing for close to a year. And it took me something like 3 days to complete it -- which makes me mad I didn't address it much, much sooner.<br />
<br />
Finally, it is my great pleasure to present -- GRAMPS!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6792529644/" title="IMG_1809 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1809" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6792529644_dd22a67765.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Made with Debbie Bliss Stella - which has since been discontinued. It's a cotton/silk blend, and was total hell on my hands. Redeeming qualities? Well, #1 just LOOK at it! It's gorgeous and beautifully textured. #2 it's soft, soft, soft. #3 (and this one kills me!) <b><i>machine washable</i></b>, bitches!<br />
<br />
The pattern is a little vague once it comes time to address the yoke, and I let that intimidate me for many, many months. Turns out my distress was completely unfounded. I am a competent knitter, and I let myself forget that when it came to this sweater. As long as you can read your knitting, and follow the flow of the cabling, you'll be fine with the yoke. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6938647859/" title="IMG_1807 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1807" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6938647859_945555cdf3.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The most frustrating thing for me was the lack of images of the back of the sweater on Ravelry. Should I be maintaining the purl stitch, or ditching it in favour of a knit? The answer is let the purl stitch go - you're eating the rib with the raglan decreases. Maintaining the purl looks off.<br />
If you look closely at the armpit area in this photo (especially on the right side of the image) you'll see what I mean. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6938658127/" title="IMG_1804 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1804" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6938658127_2af10cf8ca.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<br />
<br />
The sweater looks totally adorable on Boober, but he was pretty unimpressed when I slapped it on him to check it out. Maybe I should have taken off his vest first . . . . modeled photos were not obtained. <br />
<br />
AND, I finished something else too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6938638639/" title="IMG_1813 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1813" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6938638639_8457aa60cb.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Fastener practice for a busy bag swap!<br />
On this side, a button and a (super stiff, not at all easy) snap.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6938634371/" title="IMG_1815 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1815" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6938634371_4b6a4633f8.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And on this side, a zipper to nowhere, and 2 velcro tabs. Thus far, Boober has really enjoyed the velcro tabs and fully ignored everything else. These will go into the post today or tomorrow and will hopefully be enjoyed by other 1 year olds.Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-42905722117704471382012-02-23T22:16:00.001-05:002012-02-23T22:16:25.678-05:002 FOs in 2 daysMy fingers have been busy.<br />
<br />
Endpaper mitts. This is the second time I've made this pattern up. I still think it's far too snug for words, but my niece requested these . . . so there it is.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6778113188/" title="IMG_1772 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1772" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6778113188_bb4f8f0740.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I hope she gets a lot of use out of these!<br />
<br />
And then the very next day (yesterday, in fact) I finished these up:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6924217353/" title="IMG_1779 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1779" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6924217353_b31bf2756b.jpg" width="333" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm wearing them now!<br />
The pattern is called Fishtails. I made it with String Theory's Caper -- which has some cashmere content. That's right. I have cashmere socks. <br />
I rather like this pattern - and I added some of my own touches. I added stitches, I used a flap heel construction. My only issue with it is that the toes are weird. I followed the pattern and I'm not wild about it. Too pointy. <br />
<br />
So that's 2 FOs in 2 days. It's like the pre-kid days again!! Well, sort of. It took me a month to do the socks, and 3 weeks or so to the the fingerless mitts. I just happened to finish them both up within 24 hours of one another.Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-43419492868747016932012-02-18T10:19:00.001-05:002012-02-18T10:19:28.285-05:00Still knitting?Yup, I still do that too.<br />
<br />
In fact, it seems like I've been doing a lot of knitting lately. It's the right time of year - cold, miserable. Just right for a lapful of knitting.<br />
<br />
Let's see. I've done a few more socks. There's <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-nice-ribbed-sock">this basic ribbed sock</a>. I love it - I think it's my new favourite pattern. I didn't make the leg long enough, but there's always next time.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6589294139/" title="IMAG0873 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0873" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6589294139_778b6522be.jpg" width="332" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And I'm working on the second sock in <a href="http://rooknittting.blogspot.com/2007/07/finished-sockpalooza-socks.html">this pair</a> right now --<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6862471613/" title="IMAG0891 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0891" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6862471613_48df1fe68a.jpg" width="332" /></a>
<br />
<br />
It's been kind of a pain in the ass and I had to rip the first one out twice . . . but it's pretty cool looking. I did make some modifications to the pattern - I cast on 64 stitches, did a heel flap rather than short row heels (I need to work on my short rows before I can use them for heels). And I'm not running the tail motif all the way down the sock. On the inside of the sock I'm stopping the motif at the heel flap.<br />
<br />
I also finally finished Sk8r for Shall We Knit?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6883482489/" title="IMAG0893 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0893" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6883482489_f6942c3457.jpg" width="332" /></a>
<br />
<br />
And I'm working on some Endpaper mitts for my niece.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6823755111/" title="IMAG0889.jpg by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0889.jpg" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6823755111_e2794e5ef7.jpg" width="332" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Of course, I still have a little boy cardigan on the needles, and a Dahlia cardi for me . . . and I have to knit something small for a swap. And Sweet Pea wants another sock monster to keep her buddy Joaquin (Keeny) company. And I want to make Boober a Texture Bite teddy bear.<br />
I don't think I'll be giving up knitting anytime soon.Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-59695264215090373112012-01-19T15:31:00.001-05:002012-01-19T16:45:27.009-05:00Still making dolls?Someone asked me this question recently -- and yes, I am!<br />
<br />
I'm up to Waldorf doll #35 (I think) now, and I'm also making some other styles.<br />
Here's a collage of a few of the dolls I made last year.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6727277523/" title="mosaic727a165d0b06d193523fdc0326772cf1a2517e71 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="mosaic727a165d0b06d193523fdc0326772cf1a2517e71" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6727277523_1909f137c2.jpg" width="375" /></a>Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-20285968009027658662012-01-04T16:05:00.000-05:002012-01-04T16:05:51.054-05:00Some days are diamonds . . .I'm having one of those days. You know the type -- where you just want to sit down and scream?<br />
It started out well enough. Boober slept until 7:something - a feat which has been beyond him for quite some time. There were no night wakings between 11:30 and 7:30. And in a complete break with tradition, I didn't have to spend 2 hours convincing him to go back to sleep around 4 am. So I got a decent night's sleep for a change. And he even stayed relatively still throughout his diaper change, which is very much out of character for him.<br />
I decided since he was in a good mood I would get him dressed. He HATES getting undressed. He HATES getting dressed again. Whatever state of nudity he's in, that's where he'd like to stay, no matter the temperature. As expected, getting him dressed was a bit of a challenge. Whatever. It's not like he never fights the onsie. Nevertheless, my veneer of 'well enough' was already wearing out.<br />
Then Sweet Pea requested that she get dressed as well. Abnormal. Usually I have to coax her out of her PJs too. So I jumped on it. But she wanted to dress <i>herself</i>. As anyone with a three year old knows, that takes some serious time. So here we were at 8:10 and my patience was already wearing thin - because there is nothing quite like having your child look up at you with tears in her eyes and beg for help in doing up her pants, and then watching her totally lose it because she wanted to do it herself.<br />
There is no correct response in a situation like this, btw. If you undo the pants you have to listen to the kid lose her shit over that, and THEN fight to do them back up, and THEN ask for help, and THEN the meltdown 2.0. If you leave them done up you will listen to the accompanying whining and moaning and possibly sobbing that she wanted to do it 'her own self'.<br />
It was at this point that I realized I had neglected to make coffee.This was problematic because Mr. Wonderful was already running late for work. The coffee maker takes 10 minutes from start to finish, and he was already 10 minutes behind. Okay, no coffee today. I hate to be the one that let down the team. Now my patience was wearing very thin, and I felt like the weak link for letting the coffee slide. I think I was more upset about it than he was, but I still felt like a 10 year old who had been caught doing something terribly wrong -- like adding that extra pen stroke to turn an F into an A, or what have you.<br />
After Mr. Wonderful's departure for work, the kids settled in for breakfast. Sweet Pea and Boober ate Reese Puffs. And every time I tried to put the box away, Sweet Pea lit into me. She was <i>reading </i>that! She wanted it back! I took another step toward the edge. And then I looked at the clock. 8:37. Time to go.<br />
Boober is registered in a program which takes place at 9:30. In order to make it there on time, it is advisable that we leave our house at 8:30. 8:45 at the latest. It's a bit of a drive.<br />
Sweet Pea was sent upstairs to use the bathroom. Debacle. She was sent downstairs to put on her coat, boots, hat and mittens. Debacle. Boober was packed screaming and sobbing into his boots, hat, mittens and coat. I juggled the kids out the door and into the car with many tears on Boober's part. That boy hates his car seat. Sweet Pea stood at her car door poking it ineffectually with her mitten and telling me it wouldn't open because "I CAN'T!!" There is little that sets me off more effectively than I CAN'T - especially when it's something that's been done before.<br />
Finally, everyone is settled in the car. I get in the driver's seat, turn the engine over with a little effort, and turn on the heater full blast. For the past few weeks, I don't get hot air out of the heater. I get sort of warm air from it, and thus far, that's been enough. This morning, the windows of the car were fully frosted - inside and out. So I got out the scraper and dealt with the outer frost. Then I got in the car and scraped what I could of the inner frost away. <br />
So there I was, running late, driving up the road peering through the holes and lines left by the scraper when I decided Fuck It. I'm already having a hell of a morning, I'm stopping for coffee, dammit!<br />
I was at the drive thru speaker, ready to place my order when I learned my windows were frozen shut. Oh good. Entire transaction? Done with the door open. Maybe that's why I wound up with a lap full of coffee, dumped from . Who knows? Whatever the reason, my much-anticipated coffee was not as well enjoyed as I had hoped. The fact that the smell of the coffee is still with me and my pants . . . it sometimes seems pleasant.<br />
And then for a while things went relatively well. The windows cleared. We made the program with 5 minutes to spare somehow. It was our first time in the older group, and I'm not entirely sure Boober is ready for it, but Sweet Pea really enjoyed it. I let the kids play for about a half hour. It all seemed to be turning around.<br />
In fact, Sweet Pea was resting up for a giant douchebag manouever that would take her a lot of energy and possibly planning.<br />
Time to go. No complaints. Until we got to the door and she realized it was really happening. Sweet Pea pitched a fit. Not your usual run of the mill fit, either. A fit so epic and massive that the staff at the centre actually came out of their offices to see what was going on. Please keep in mind that this is a children's centre. They see dozens of tantrums every week. There I was with Boober on my hip, a dipaer bag slung over my shoulder, fully expecting that we were about to put on our outerwear with no drama -- and my 65 pound 3.5 year old daughter throws herself on the floor and starts howling. I did all the right things. I talked to her. I empathised with her. I did not smack the crap out of her or threaten her with violence or any of the 'not right' things. She did not respond. I told her that Boober and I were headed to the coat room to get ready and that I hoped she would join us. She did not. It was at this point that one of the staff members came and took the baby off my hands so I could deal with my situation. I mean, I'm grateful for the assistance, I really am . . . but that means that Sweet Pea was so disruptive that they felt I needed someone to take pity on my soul. Shelby (the staff-member) stayed with me right until the kids were strapped into the car - but it took a very long time to get there. There was a lot of cajoling, threats of loss of privelege, angry words, sweet words, etc between myself and Sweet Pea. She won't be watching TV for a few days.<br />
Then there was a swift trip to Shall We Knit? It was mostly alright - just a little bit of acting out. Apparently home is a great place to finish up with your Alpha behaviour, though because those two kids put me through the wringer when we got here. It's exceedingly difficult to make the lunch your baby is requesting at
the top of his lungs when he won't accept being set down. Boober cried. And cried. And howled. Until I gave him a fistful of crackers. Sweet Pea did her part as well. She whined, moaned and begged for mac & cheese - because we were not having mac & cheese. Then she stole Boober's crackers. Even though she had her own. ROAR!!!<br />Finally lunch was ready. Each child recieved a plateful. Boober ate a bit of his and then dumped his plate on the floor. He cried when I wouldn't give it back. I made him a peanut butter sandwich that he refused to eat. Sweet Pea ate all the chicken out of hers, and then requested a peanut butter sandwich. Finally, something worked to my advantage. I gave Boober Sweet Pea's plate, and Sweet Pea Boober's sandwich. It was 12:30 when they finished lunch. Boober went down for a nap without fighting at all. He woke at 1:30, and snuggled up with me until 2:30. Sweet Pea went down for a nap at 1:30. It's now 4:04 and I just heard her wake up. So we've all three had naps now. Hopefully this afternoon will be better??Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-61176074920846408742011-12-16T15:00:00.002-05:002011-12-16T15:05:01.945-05:00Boober's first visit with SantaA picture is worth a thousand words, right? <br />
Well, Boober is a big fan of things that make noise. Like the bell on Santa's hat. Yes, my kid is totally the one that ripped the hat and glasses right off of Santa's head.<br />
This Santa is the cream of the crop though, and simply thanked Boober for giving his head a minute to breathe. "It was getting pretty hot in there!"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://santaphotos.lifepics.com/net/Albums/ListImages.aspx?a=58F8231EC94DAA0EDC3A7CDD06A4BE1524A86799EE283CE10A22609E31C3FD04"><img alt="Buy Digital Prints" src="http://santaphotos.lifepics.com/net/ImageShare.aspx?size=large&filespec=53E23D8E56F42B86241E61431E11BBE1422D47D1ADBB3D72DA8E2D45F148DAC69F0C4ECF2597CD0AACE5F5803A56752036EA821F515994AF9FB15860DAAAD7A26C59EE9A180963C74D4BFB4F4035652DDA4F72E66C6557F03710735DFC5A9F6751C2C06685CAD2101F8B67B75BFD7A87&a=3C3B3AF5E01A0223236AD6F5DAA190DDF1FE4C7D7B80CFA58D83B60A9B7F8F42" /></a><br />
<br />
However, it would seem the damage was done. Boober decided this Santa business was just too alarming for words. He wouldn't sit on Santa's knee anymore. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://santaphotos.lifepics.com/net/Albums/ListImages.aspx?a=DBBFED1CA717C14948DC6F01DD05620F82C0EDBDC2499C6F05924CE4B9C4FD3B"><img alt="Buy Digital Prints" src="http://santaphotos.lifepics.com/net/ImageShare.aspx?size=large&filespec=A41D273831282DADDCEF2DE77902653C07B3C462E948C83B7A597D39A412771AD4221FFFD87C000DDD096CE540A23402242478683276DF1FAA28126B6C24528D95C232A02E1886792220A59AC459F7A4DA18BBBEB970C12B96E50405B1BE3C9C&a=22A47C5A4F2E732961590FA09354BC6515047F032DB0BBF1A7950D045EB8E581" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Sweet Pea on the other hand -- she has always known that Santa is a cool guy. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://santaphotos.lifepics.com/net/Albums/ListImages.aspx?a=6B71E26575657D826B2B2E764E6BAA4C61B1DA0D42672FCD80BFADA228D60127"><img alt="Buy Digital Prints" src="http://santaphotos.lifepics.com/net/ImageShare.aspx?size=large&filespec=0A530586E61F5034C88F18259C020E862C956E3D68B8D1BB7C85B6F7BEBB2B1072CC1BE1BDA55F120C815E7F770399DBB8A97DFEED0BE75D2B60EE47067C4AD8D3D2FB3BA1D581C670456C72CFD92BE9E194BE61F0CB0BC3D79CE7F36718D551668B27418AA14D2FF2E1B0DEC31B8C42&a=FDB785CE37A27A286CAA9D71B50B7C280B38FDB70FC0AEBD1B37512217DA32EB" /></a>Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-3539287608253683272011-12-08T15:35:00.001-05:002011-12-08T15:56:30.948-05:00Stocking for Boober!Boober was born on December 10 last year. Yes, he arrived before Christmas -- but we completely ignored his arrival for his first Christmas. There were a lot of valid reasons. <br />
<br />
In all honesty, I think of this year as Boober's first Christmas. We've picked up some fun stuff for him. I think he'll have a great day. And now I've made him a perfectly lovely stocking - and I hope he'll like it!<br />
<br />
First, I took Mr. Wonderful's stocking - which is the perfect shape and size - and used it as a template.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6478463819/" title="IMG_0898 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0898" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6478463819_c8f85910a8.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once I had the pattern, I cut out: 2 of the patterned fabric, 2 'warm and natural' cotton batting and 2 plain inside pieces. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I immediately messed everything up by doing this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6478478791/" title="IMG_0905 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0905" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6478478791_622be4e64e.jpg" width="500" /> </a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yeah . . . don't do that. If you do that, you get this:</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6478457913/" title="IMG_0897 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0897" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6478457913_044666be34.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Instead, put the patterned pieces right sides together, INSIDE the batting. Then when you turn it right side out, you'll get this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6478485861/" title="IMG_0906 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0906" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6478485861_1077b54231.jpg" width="333" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sew together the plain lining pieces. Don't turn the piece after you've sewn it, just shove it in there and smooth everything out. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I took a length of ribbon, and some furry trim I had on hand, and I eyeballed out the trim. Inside the stocking, I layered the ribbon and the trim, then sewed around. It looked like this:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6478504303/" title="IMG_0909 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0909" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6478504303_2f83336019.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I just flipped everything to the outside, et voila!<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6478498075/" title="IMG_0908 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0908" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6478498075_431d996a77.jpg" width="333" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was definitely inspired by a tutorial I saw online - but I couldn't be bothered to look it up to follow the directions. Maybe this is mostly the same, maybe it isn't. I don't even know - because I never got past reading the materials section of that tutorial. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So . . . enjoy! I have a bunch more of these to whip up. </div>Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-5986480766483727302011-12-06T20:15:00.001-05:002011-12-06T20:18:29.669-05:00I haven't blogged HALLOWEEN yet??Holy shit! I've been gone for a long while, eh?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6302502714/" title="IMG_0604 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0604" height="333" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6212/6302502714_5924b9b3d6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Boober-bot and his big sister Froggy.<br />
It was a cold night, the candy was flowing freely, and we walked and walked. Sweet Pea was in her glory! Boober was not so impressed, but he only cried twice.<br />
She's still working on her bowl of trick or treats.Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-61566429808960420722011-10-30T00:00:00.000-04:002011-10-30T00:00:03.792-04:00Rainy days and new toysIt's been raining . . . for . . . like . . . 3 weeks. Blech.<br />
We've done so many couch forts, they've lost their shine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6290309104/" title="IMG_0357 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0357" height="333" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6290309104_cbeb46a897.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In fact, they're so dull now that the kids have to find stuff to poke and bother on the bookshelves instead. Poor children!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6290312572/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0352 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0352" height="400" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6290312572_fa1e6d174a.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But we DO have a new way to pass the time. Mr. Wonderful did a sweet, sweet thing, and bought me an amazing new camera. I used to shoot an SLR back in the day. I haven't shot an SLR in about 7 years. I'm amazed at just how much I've forgotten about aperture, exposure, ISO . . . it's just . . . buh. But the kids are giving me lots of practice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6289784253/" title="IMG_0484 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0484" height="333" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6289784253_46f249e63a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6289787073/" title="IMG_0379 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0379" height="333" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6289787073_54b2310998.jpg" width="500" /> </a><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6289775957/" title="IMG_0532 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0532" height="333" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6289775957_cb106e8011.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We've been doing an awful lot of baking around here lately. This is Boober and his pilfered cookie face. Isn't he a happy boy?? Yup, that chocolate chip cookie jumped the cooling rack and he was on it faster than I expected. By the time I finished with the cookie sheet, he had eaten half the cookie. Little stinker!<br />
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6289781369/" title="IMG_0510 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0510" height="333" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6289781369_bac57df027.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sibling love! Sweet Pea is still so in love with her baby brother. Every time I try to loan him out to someone else she throws down and insists that we HAVE to keep him!! Big Cuddly HUG!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6290297758/" title="IMG_0514 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0514" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6290297758_c160a79c69.jpg" width="333" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This one cracks me up -- look how effective child locks can be when you neglect to do them up. And the little bugger is just so pleased with himself! Look mom! I found a new toy cupboard!</div>Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944713446274061948.post-44789282204101102392011-10-28T20:45:00.001-04:002011-10-28T20:45:09.261-04:00Converted?See, it's the same old problem . . . I loved knitting these socks. Absolutely I did . . . but they feel gnarly on my feet. :: Sad Face::<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6272593053/" title="IMAG0837.jpg by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0837.jpg" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6272593053_3c9eb74a1a.jpg" width="332" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just . . . too loose. Maybe a smaller needle? I had to use a 2.75mm on these. Sadly, my LYS is just out of 2.5mm needles, with a delay on their expected shipment. I thought a 2.75mm was the way to go, but . . . no. Maybe it's the lace? I don't know. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6289027236/" title="IMAG0839 by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0839" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6289027236_49844f8fdd.jpg" width="332" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They look amazing. I'll likely still end up wearing them . . but . . meh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14655826@N06/6289025992/" title="IMAG0841.jpg by nonstopknitter, on Flickr"><img alt="IMAG0841.jpg" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6289025992_f5efd6de73.jpg" width="332" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I still plan on knitting another pair of socks - ribbed ones this time. I have some really beautiful locally produced yarn queued up. Looking forward to getting that all worked up. For now, I need to work on Making Friends and pulling together holiday orders. </div>Stickyfingershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10769656254965986375noreply@blogger.com3