Dress your family in Malabrigo

(apologies to David Sedaris, I will read "Dress your family in corduroy and denim"!)

In honor of on Ravelry I cast on and finished Tudora. "Emerald" Malabrigo, size 7 needles, and two days (though if I had put all my time / energy into it, it could have been a one night project, but I did mess up casting on, so whatever). So soft, so warm. Gotta share the love:

(Malabrigo cures eczema, don't you know!)

Bribery works (you can totally see my hand and the container of treats in the shadow):



Just right for me, though of course, New England is somehow in a March warm spell.


I also cast on the "Obi Scarf" but my mind is having trouble with the yarn overs, so that is kind of a pain. I cast on for Cookie's Mingus socks, but didn't look ahead in the pattern - if I had, I would be able to follow the chart left to right, but seeing how I did the cuff (following the directions), in order for the rib to match up, I need to read the chart backwards (right to left, normal for the rest of the knitting world). I am trying to decide if I should rip it out and start over or just go with it and work my brain. I was so ticked when I figured that out last night.

Still need to work on the Easter decorations, Glee is very slowly moving along, the brigid socks are at a standstill as well. Meh.

Startitis attacks

Why? Why did I just wind up the yarn for 4 projects? I've got that many projects on the needles already!! Because I am insane, apparently. Can I blame that on baby brain? Because it is also insane to think that I can actually get good knitting time in :) Not that I mind too much of course, Lorelai is so worth missing knitting, though I am making it work - ask Kelly - when we were out at Starbucks this week, Lorelai fell asleep on my lap and I knit to the side of her :) Make it work, to quote Tim Gunn.

Currently, I'm working on Brigid socks for me, the Amelie dress still needs seaming / decoration, I've decided to knit bunny cozies as place settings for Easter, I'm ready to cast on Mingus socks, and Nutkin socks, and for Malabrigo March I'm going to make Tudora (for me) and the Obi Scarf (for my mom I think...).

I did send in my resume for the job - it's at the new science museum. I've been talking about this for at least a year and didn't even know if a job like this existed. I am so glad that it does, and I want this job - even out of curiousity for the experience of it all. Many more details are needed - hours? pay? It's gotta be worth it to haul up to Hartford daily and leave the little one.

Speaking of leaving her, my MIL called the other day to tell me she wanted to be a part of the babysitters club and that she has lots of experience babysitting - guess she misses her granddaughter! She did raise two fine gentlemen, so I'm certain she knows a thing or two about kids... Anyway, we jumped on that opportunity and made a date night - Saturday we're going out for dinner. I finally will get to have my favorite drink - margarita!!! Yummy!

February 101 List Update

So many things "in progress"...Refreshing the memory...
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Original Blog Post here, Updates: January
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Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

Key
In progress
Complete

3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (1/101)
-yarn
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. **Complete: 2/27/08**
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (2/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (3/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (4/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
22. Knit two mitered squares a month. (4/66)
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (6/52)
26. Use "the baby" SLR and shoot one roll of film every month (2/33)
27. Floss twice a week (5/286)
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
35. Read 10 books. (3/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (1/2)
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (3/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (2/33)
45. Read "The Killer Angels". OMG, how I hate this one. I can't get into this book at all!!
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes.
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (2/20)
**1) Snowman Hat 2)Bunny Cozies
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (0/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero (love it!) in progress
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
**Does Gymboree count? Went to class on 1/9/08, plan to keep going**
**Found a local group - much better in terms of time and location!**
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book. **Complete when I got the iphone: 2/17/08
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
85. Go to one SnB meetup a month (3/33)
88. Reorganize cosmetics / lotions / soaps / etc in bathroom.
89. Improve cleaning efforts - once a week: kitchen floor, bathroom, dust. (1/143)
90. Answer questions that are asked (yes or no! not my own answer)
91. Attempt to lessen the carbon footprint of this household.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (1/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.

Hey! 3 Months!

Hey!
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Who can hardly believe that Lorelai is 3 months old already?! The time is flying and I just can't get over how different she is every day! Each day there's something new to either learn from her or observe that she has learned. Dan and I both melt when she gives us that silly happy gummy smile. Right now her "favorite" song is the alphabet song - she'll make noises when I sing to her and move her mouth too (imitating me? trying on her own to do it? either way, fascinating!) She swats at toys that hang down on her gym, sticks her tongue out frequently and has been scooting around her crib - several times in the morning I'll find her down in the corner! Love ya baby!

Big ventures

I made a podcast! Check it out:
Dog, Diapers & DPNS.
For now you should be able to get to the podcast through the website... waiting on submission to itunes.

Also, a lot sooner than I thought, there is a job opportunity on the horizon - have to submit my resume and stuff, but I really think this job could be great! It's still a big what if, but I have to apply anyway... I've been dreaming about this job for a year!

Watch out Project Runway

My baby is fierce! Doesn't her hair look like Christian's?


Anyway, she's ready to strut her stuff in her new pants! Dan was quite polite about my interest in making these - he questions "Why do babies need pants?" each time I dress her in a non-onesie-zip-up-sleep-and-play outfit. Baby Bell Bottoms by Alison. I gave up on the braided cord and just added a button, sewn to the elastic. Cute and simple! And they fit (for the moment - I made the 6 month size. We'll get a few wears out of them!)


Jackson didn't want to be left out, though I suspect he was quite happy to not have to model the finished object!


I also found a tomato hat that I forgot I had made back in the fall. It just fits her head! I'll have to make more for the spring - cotton would be ok then.

Swatches & Socks & "Sweats" oh my!

A few days later than I intended, but that's life.

I finished my "Lenore" socks! 10 days, baby! How wonderful is that? I'm so glad that I stuck with it past the fiddly purls and yarn-overs in the beginning part of the lace pattern. This was also my first time to knit with Blue Moon Rockin' Sock Club yarn, love it. I am a little concerned with the dye coming off on my hands and needles while I knit, hopefully not too much will come off when I wear them.


I swatched! I'm very excited for this project - full of glee for "Glee" from Zephyr Girls - the yarn is elspeth lavold silky wool is a dusty rose color. I haven't checked the gauge of the swatch yet, but the swatch is there. I didn't realize when I bought the yarn for "Glee" that the week before I had bought the same yarn, the exact same color for a project for L.! Mommy & Me project? Not quite, though I would love to have adult sized garments of many of her clothes!


I'm also working on a pair of "Baby Bell Bottoms" for L. I was inspired by another knitter on ravelry who used 2 skeins of Koigu and got the 3-6 month size. I have 2 skeins of Koigu in my stash... and so I cast on. One leg is done and the second leg is started. It's a great purpley-pink colorway. These will be cute little sweat pants.


That makes me happy on this gray, rainy day, surrounded by spit up. Dan was sick all night and called in to work today. He's down and out. Poor guy. And Lorelai is a spit up machine, but she seems to think it is funny.

This photo is from Friday - gotta clean up that mirror!

Survivor Job

One of the fans on Survivor is an "Ice Cream Scooper"...
Dude, if I'm ever on survivor I want my "title / job" to read KNITTER.

And Lost? Oh Hurley. Oh Sayid.
I love this messed up show.

Podcast Feelers

A certain someone has planted the seed in my brain that I should do a podcast. Well, the seed has sprouted and I'm seriously considering it. By my figuring, I could talk about being a new mom, the baby, the dog, and knitting of course, along with the random assorted other things I'm into: environmental stuff, movies, photography, the internet, cooking, etc. Is that interesting? I mean I listen to several podcasts that are certainly just that. I really think I want to give it a try. I'm lurking through the forums on ravelry related to podcasting... Thoughts on the idea? Anything in particular I should talk about, what are you looking for in a podcast? This is all still very much in the planning phases.

I know I want to talk about Hats, Socks, Stash, ravelry, blogs, my inspirations...

I think I could use music to break the podcast into segments, so people could skip over the baby talk if they weren't interested. I'm thinking that I would have a "project status" sort of segment, a baby segment, a dog segment, and "potpourri" segment(popculture, cooking, candy, memes)..

As for names I need help - I thought of "Knitting at Naptime", but today while knitting with the certain someone we both liked "Dog, Diapers and DPNs"... Trying to be clever and Gilmore Girlish with out being annoying. My head spins with the ideas...

I'm equally excited and nervous about the idea. Curious about the whole thing anyway.

Pucker up!

Pucker up!
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Happy Valentine's Day! We had a little photo shoot yesterday in this semi-valentines-y outfit. It might have been a longer shoot had it not been followed by a sideways diaper explosion. (How does she do that?). There is knitting to blog about - my love for Lenores, a swatch (hopefully), and new projects! More pictures and posts later.

Did you sign up your baby to knit?

One of the programs offered at the local library is a "New Knitting Club". Here's the description: >>For mothers & daughters, anyone who enjoys knitting. Sit and knit, share yarn and ideas in a comfy corner of the children's room. For all ages.<<

So, I sign up and on the sign up sheet there is a space for your child's name / age. I put down Lorelai (Baby). Because, well, that's what she is!

I just got off the phone with the library. They called and immediately asked, "Did you sign up your baby to knit?" I told her yes, I am interested in coming by and knitting and was is supposed to be just for kids? Because the flier says "All ages."

So I can hear her ask someone else in the background "It's an adult who just wants to come and knit, can she? Oh okay." and then back to me, "Why sure, maybe you can help out."

Um, I don't mind helping out, but I signed up to knit and I will have my child in attendance. And isn't she jumping to conclusions that Lorelai doesn't knit? She's been to several knitting meetups. Photographic evidence:

It's in the interest of her own safety that I help guide those needle points! Sheesh.

I think I might only attend the first knitting club at the library... Maybe though this will show them that there are local adults interested in knitting groups!

And we're soon to be a family of knitters - I taught Dan the basics yesterday of cast-on and knitting. He's working on a coaster. He's working very hard, putting lots of concentration into it. He asks a lot of "WHY?" questions - I'll have to remind him that with knitting sometimes you just DO, just go with it and worry about the WHY later. I have photos of him knitting as well, but we'll give him his own post once the coaster is done!

5 Songs that...

In blog surfing this morning I came across Alex Year One and couldn't resist a "5 songs" list. So, a day late, here's my 5 songs that remind me of high school.

The Indigo Girls - Closer to Fine

Betsy introduced me to The Girls, we skipped out on a rehearsal to go to a concert and since then The Girls have kept returning to provide the soundtrack at key points in my life. OMG - now it is playing on the tv alternative station....can't escape Emily and Amy - they know...

Melissa Etheridge - Yes I Am

Power anthem....even now

Dave Matthew Band - Satellite

One of the first CD's I owned....

Barenaked Ladies - Old Apartment

Another group I learned about through Betsy, and it's been a love affair ever since. They are quirky snd catchy.

Pink Floyd - High Hopes

reminds me of my first boyfriend. haunting.

I still love all these songs....

Quickest Sock Ever?

On Monday night I finished up my Bartholmew Socks and immediately cast on for "Lenore" - this was from the 2007 Blue Moon Rockin Sock Club - a first peek at the Raven series to come. The pattern was designed by the Yarn Harlot. When I started I nearly gave up - the top part is a fiddly sort of lace and I wasn't really digging it. But I had the top / cuff done over two nights, the leg done in another day, turned the heel while out with mad-knitter, furiously knit during Survivor (what the hell is up with Johnny Fairplay? so bogus.) and Lost (where to begin), and last night while watching "The Invasion" I finished the toe! A sock done, Monday night to Friday night? New record for me.

I love this sock. First time knitting with Blue Moon yarn - it rocks. Love the yarn, even Dan commented on it! Must cast on the second one!

Mew, not MULE! And a bunny.

I'm so excited to have finished a pair of socks - it feels like forever! I started these socks back in September and kindof just lost steam with them. But they are done (and I immediately cast on for "Lenore"). For whatever reason I'm having trouble saying "Bartholomew's Socks" - in my head I keep hearing "Bartholomule's socks" Oh well. I'm still in love with Cat Bordhi's New Pathways book and will keep knitting socks from there, but I'm going to take a break from it. I want to get the book spiral bound to make it lay flat a bit easier.

They are quite comfy, the heel is snug, and I'm looking forward to wearing them.

Also finished is the "Bunny Tails" hat from "Itty Bitty Knits" - I didn't do the tail, and honestly didn't really like this hat until I added the bits of ribbon at the base of the ears. That little touch really made a world of difference.

The yarn is Lousia Harding Kashmir Aran DK - I didn't quite use up the whole skein to make the 0-6 months size, and I have one more ball. Nice to knit with.

Today while trying to clip Lorelai's nails I nicked her thumb - not fun! Can't really put a band-aid on it... the way she usually holds her hands is the thumb inside her fist, so there's pressure applied. We head to the Drs tonight for a check up and a full set of shots. That should be interesting - hopefully it will be smooth.

My Chair - Dogs On Thursday

A few summers ago I bought two big round chairs at Target (Papason?). They are comfortable to curl up and read in, have room to knit, but we used to joke that wouldn't it be nice if Jackson would sit in there? Last year (2006) around Christmas, he would go sit in the chair - it was diagonally across the room from our dining table, so I think he liked it because he could see us. Over the summer he would go to the chair when it was too hot to sit on us. He is getting better about going to his chair during the day or night when either we don't sit and give him a lap, or when he's tired. Yesterday I put Lorelai in the chair and lured him with treats. He didn't seem to mind... too much!

Do you have the treats?


I don't want to smile!


This photo shoot is about me, right?

101 Update - January

My 101 List Update, Revisions, Additions & Subtractions.

I've completed 4 things (#46 56, 76, 79). I've got lots "in progress".
16. Cook one new recipe a month (2/33) - The two I tried so far were not so wonderful. I don't mind trying new things so I will continue. I am fairly certain I will get to 33 well before the end of the 1001 days.

17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day. - Between the Nalgene bottle and a big poland spring bottle that I always keep in the fridge, I'm doing pretty well with this one. It's harder now that I'm not pregnant (and therefore, not thirsty) but I'm making it work.

20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (1/30) - Bartholmew Sock #1

22. Knit two mitered squares a month. (1/66) - The second one for this month I'll do tonight.

24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (3/52)

27. Floss twice a week (4/286) - I'm slipping on this one. Even at once a week though, I'm flossing WAY more than I used to do. Keep it up, me!

31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week. - After Steve Ross kicked my ass, I've been sluggish. I did a 20-minute yoga last week, and haven't done anything else since. Shame on me.

32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow) - Meh. New England in the winter.

33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list. - I've got my $4 stashed away.

35. Read 10 books. (2/10) - Two down and they were both great! Onto #3, The Tender Bar.

36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson. - It's all in my head, but I've got ideas.

38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (1/2) - One down.

39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers! - I'm writing the recipes down as I use them. Good way to sort through things I've previously torn out.

40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (2/33) - January, done.

41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (1/33)

48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time. - This is taking a lot longer than I thought it would!

50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)

55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)

58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (1/20) – Snowman Hat

59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)

73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own. Snowman Hat.

74. Join a local mom+baby group.

77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (1/143) – I bought “The Weepies” cd from iTunes. I’ve been listening to the music channels on tv to hear new music, and pandora, but haven’t invested in anything else yet. Must step this up.

78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive. – Waiting to hear back from them.

85. Go to one SnB meetup a month (1/33) – I went to one, took Lorelai to another, and it seems like there is an informal one in town forming. Yay!

88. Reorganize cosmetics / lotions / soaps / etc in bathroom. – Ugh. Too much stuff.

89. Improve cleaning efforts - once a week: kitchen floor, bathroom, dust. (1/143) – Well, it’s neater around here. I’m lurking about the FLYlady.

90. Answer questions that are asked (yes or no! not my own answer)

91. Attempt to lessen the carbon footprint of this household.

94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping.

97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2/143) – I really like the Sunday Styles, Book Review, Magazine

101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.

Revisions / Subtractions
11. Join Stroller Strides and attend class once a week. (0/143) - I emailed the group and never heard back from them, so this one is going out the window. #11 will now be changed to "Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT."

21. Knit an afghan for J&J wedding. Deadline: June,2008. – I’ve decided that J would probably not appreciate an afghan. I’ll buy them something off a registry. Instead, I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.

37. After using the Christmas Gift Certificates, no yarn buying until my birthday. Exception: Yarn for J&J Wedding afghan - I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house. I bought yarn when I went to SnB two weeks ago, so I brought 3 bags (a mix of stuff) to SnB last week and came home with very little of it! Score! As I bought sock yarn from the Loopy Ewe and Eat.Sleep.Knit and will not feel bad about it.

Two Months Old!

Happy Two Months, Lorelai!

Someone, I forget who, decorated this onesie at my baby shower. It reads, "If you think I'm cute you should meet Jackson" - and boy, do we ever think she is cute! How can she get cuter every day? And she still has all that hair! Makes her look older, which is funny because at each of the baby groups we have attended, she's the youngest! She's full of smiles and is making more "talkative" noises, no longer solely crying.

We've even started reading!

Big Bad Baby Blanket

I finished this blanket last week or just before. I bought the yarn back in May when Betsy and I went to Webs. I started it, but stopped because I got superstitious... I picked it up and put it down many times, more so towards the end of my pregnancy, but didn't finish it before Lorelai arrived! I love it - I used blue sky organic cotton. Didn't bother to block it. Great for tv knitting, I would make this again or even make it larger for an adult.



No more photos mom, really!


Here's a cuter picture of her:

See the little thing in her hair? It's a little flower clip from etsy shop PrettyinPaper (she's changing her shop name to PrettyInPosies) - The clips stay in her hair pretty well and they are very cute!

Photos!

Photo-heavy post. We can start with knitting - when Lorelai is wrapped up in the moby wrap, I have my hands free to type, blog, knit, etc - see?

She doesn't look very comfortable, but it worked for our walk and she's been snoozing in it / on me for the last 30 minutes or so. Here are the photos pre / post walk:


It is one of those nice New England in winter days - nice in the sun, not windy - just right for a walk if you bundle up properly. So, she was wrapped and tucked into the moby wrap, with a hat (direct from Peru thanks to Uncle Dan and Aunt Virginia), and I wore / zipped up Dan's fleece that fit over both of us. Worked well, and we all (Jackson included) got some fresh air. I may have to do this for SnB!

Before we got up and walking, I was plaing around with my camera. I think this is one I'll enter in the local fairs this summer:


And in playing around with my camera, I rediscovered the "continuous" setting - Evolution of a Smile:

I think it would be cool to put that on a notecard or something....

Surprised.

I couldn't believe when I heard the news on the radio about Heath Ledger!
I loved him in "10 Things I Hate About You", "A Knight's Tale", "The Patriot", "Brokeback Mountain" and "Monster's Ball"...looking forward to the "Dark Knight"... So much talent, so sad.



I've got to take photos, but I've finished Lorelai's baby blanket, and one of the Bartholomew's tantalizing socks. The Amelie dress is just about seamed and needs buttons.

I did buy yarn at the SnB this week, I shouldn't have (according to my 1001 list), but I've decided to modify that - I'll work to not buy yarn, but if I do, some other yarn must go - next SnB I'll be bringing a bag of yarn in need of a good home, equal quantities to what I bought. That should work.

Modern Letter Project

I came across the link to this on another blog: The Modern Letter Project - how cool is that? I'm signing up, as I am a snail mail junkie and miss having pen pals. I used to have a bunch - I can remember my mom telling me I had to pay for the postage because it was getting expensive - back when the postage was 25 cents!

I got a box of stash yarn loaded onto ravelry today. Go me.

Hanging out at the Gym (Dogs on Thursday)

Lorelai's toys (not that there are many) are in the same room as Jackson's toys. It's where we all hang out, so there's bound to be overlap. And many baby toys are just like the dog toys - bright colors, squeaky, rattles, crinkly. So it's only natural (to us) that we put them both down on the mat to enjoy. Actually, Jackson's been really good so far with that gym. We thought for sure he would try to nip at the handing toys - he's only gone after the pillow a few times and then it was to get our attention. He tried to hump it once as well, but it's soft and so it collapsed as he put his paws on the arches - that was the end of that.

Stars Hollow-ish

Small towns in New England have the best police reports sometimes. Like this one, from my town's "Police Incident Report" (which used to be way more fun when they would print people's names and ages!):
A resident trapped in an elevatore was reported at the monastery on SomeSuch Road, 10:53am. Fire department personnel responded to reset the elevator and free the nun.


Free the nun!

That just makes me giggle.

Pixie Hat or Suction Cup?

I've been putting off finishing the larger knit items - Lorelai's blanket, the Amelie dress, my Bartholomew socks... I thought the Pixie Hat would be really cute. I had made Lorelai Christmas themed hats, and the snowman didn't quite work out, and it's been so cold she needs something on her head when we go out. Something girl-ish, as her coat is blue, and with her mop of hair no one notices the pink blanket, so they assume she's a he. I've got the hat from Dan and Virginia's Peru trip, and it's adorable on her! Anyway, I dug around in one of the stash boxes and found this purple-ish yarn, pretty sure it's wool, and thought it would be perfect. I knit it up, and put it on and...

It's way too small. Dan coined it as being rather suction cup like.

Unintentionally then, I've knit the first charity baby hat (out of 30 that are on my 1001 list). It's really cute, and I might add the ties to it as I still have some yarn left. Quick knit, a good break / distraction from the seaming, ball winding and gauge checking that awaits me with the other projects.

Yoga, interrupted

I love tivo. It dawned on me the other day that I could set a wishlist for "yoga" and get some new routines available to me without buying a dvd. I found Inhale with Steve Ross on Oxygen - I used to watch / do this when I was in grad school. It's yoga with fun upbeat music, the guy cracks jokes the whole time and it's hard. I forgot how hard, as this was not the best routine to do after being pregnant / having a baby /not doing much of anything since, oh, I don't know - october? I maybe got through half of it (and thanks to tivo, skipped over the really hard middle section). Towards the end, I hear this rattle noise. I can't see Jackson anywhere, so I figure that he's playing with one of his toys, but I can't recall which one. I got up and walked around the room and found him.

Look under the table - he's in the baby's seat - (baby is upstairs in her crib) - he was burying the bone I gave him to ocupy him earlier.




Silly dachshund.

"Itty Bitty" Snowman

My first FO for 2008! It's the Snowman hat from "Itty Bitty Hats" - I used stash yarns (black - red heart, white - caron simply soft, red - debbie bliss merino dk, orange - kitchen cotton).

You might not notice it as modeled by Elvis the dcuk, but it's really tall. I either mismeasured or misread something. Oh well, it's still kinda cute / funny! Lorelai is still undecided.

Thank you for the comments about my grandfather - they mean a lot. It's been a crazy week with all that business, and Lorelai is a happy distraction. She brought a smile to everyone's face and it didn't hurt that she was very well behaved!

I wanted to knit, but since Monday (??? maybe. I can't remember) I haven't physically knit a stitch, they've all been in my head. Hopefully today I can finish the nose for the snowman hat and get that sewn up.

I've been reading - at night before we go to bed since there's been nothing on tv. I finished The Good Good Pig - it was a quick, light-hearted read. Very enjoyable. I've started The Memory Keeper's Daughter and I can't put it down. I've even taken to nursing Lorelai in my bedroom so I can sit on the bed propped up with pillows and read while she eats. Striking.

At a belated-holiday-let's-get-together-anyway-party last night Lorelai finally met the rest of her great-aunts / uncles and cousins. I think she's met the family now. And we found out about another baby on the way. Between family, family friends and friends, there are babies that I want to knit something for due in May, June, July, and August! I'm going to be making baby hats all spring :)

I've found that it's best (and easiest for now) to photograph the wee one in the morning when I wake her up - the light is good and she's in a good mood. These are some of my recent favorites:

Spit-Up

(I started this post earlier in the week and almost forgot about it..)
Spit-up happens. Lorelai's not big on the spit up - it happens from time to time, but overall it's not a common thing. A little drip or drool here / there, no big deal. Imagine my surprise when she spit up what seemed like a lot and it got all over my sweater. No big deal. We go upstairs to change, I took off the sweater and after I wrapped her up held her to me. She spit up again, this time managing to get the spit up to go down the inside of my tank top. That takes talent.

Woah.

I finished watching this documentary. In short, this is what I have to say: woah. scary. wow.
How do make the emoticon for a jaw on the floor?

Sad start to the week

My mom's dad passed away early this morning. He had been quite sick for some time - diabetes, on dialysis, respiratory failure... He was hospitalized after Christmas for pneumonia and then they discovered lung cancer. After all he went through, at least he was able to be made comfortable and not have all this drag out any longer. I'm very happy he got to meet Lorelai before Christmas and see her on Christmas Eve.

Marketing Sucker

I love a good advertising campaign (WhopperFreakOut, the Sun in the Jimmy Dean commercials) and product packaging (hello, method products) and clever things. Through the MommiesWithStyle blog I found out about LobotoME - great notepads / listpads and love the graphics and brainisms. Cute cute cute.

Dogs on Thursday - Bath Time

Jackson is a pretty low maintenance sort of dog. We try to brush him regularly - he's a short hair and doesn't shed too much to begin with, but he does shed. He needs to get his nails clipped and we bring him to the groomer for that. Otherwise, we are able to just give him a bath in the sink - once a month maybe. We're also lucky in that when he's outside he's not the type of dog to roll around too much in anything icky. We gave him a bath this past weekend and as I was walking toward the kitchen his little face looking out from the sink was so cute - the camera just didn't capture how cute it was!

Mish Mosh

A moment for myself while I eat breakfast, enjoy a cup of coffee, and avoid my daily "to-do" list. Gathering my thoughts...

Knitting - I'm so close to finishing Lorelai's baby blanket! I'm on the seed stitch border right now, just a few more rows. It's made with Blue Sky Organic Cotton in a great green color, I'm thinking about putting some hearts or a small "L" on it using duplicate stitch in pink. I don't mind the idea of hand washing (or gentle cycle washing) it, I just hope it holds up to baby drool and spit up. I started the front of her "Amelie" dress, the back is finished. I am thinking about not doing flowers all over it, instead maybe just a heart - I saw one on ravelry that was really cute. It looks so long! Which brings us to...

Lorelai - She had a doctor's appointment yesterday for her one month check up - she's 23.25 inches long now (off the chart!) and weighs 10pounds, 7 ounces! She's got quite the case of baby acne right now - while she's still adorable, photos are a little tricky, hopefully it will clear up sooner rather than later. Sometimes I wonder, what are people thinking when they talk about babies. Especially people who have had babies of their own! L was a little fussy the other afternoon (hunger was the most likely cause) but not overly so - and someone said to me, "Could she be teething?" - Um, she's just A MONTH OLD!! - according to this, the earliest is 3 months. Oy. And I've also been told to "Lighten Up". Grrr. I take my kid seriously and while I may laugh at the faces she makes while crying, I am deeply invested in what's going on with her. After spending all day with her and getting up in the night with her, I don't automatically think to joke when I question something she does.

101 things #46 - I placed an order with Peapod (part of Stop & Shop) - it arrived on time, every thing was there and I feel I got a good deal. I have been trying to avoid using plastic bags while shopping (I usually bring my own canvas bags) - so that's a down side - everything comes in plastic! Ugh. Maybe I'll write them a letter - I would rather pay an extra fee to have my stuff delivered in reuasable bags (or a big box or something).

Movies - Saw Waitress the other day - really cute, very sweet movie. Two thumbs up! I think Keri Russell is becoming one of my new favorite actresses.

#11, 36, 46, 74 - in progress

Already starting on my list.
11. Join Stroller Strides and attend class once a week. - I sent an email to register for a free class and class info, so that's in progress.

36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson. - She could be a witch and he a broomstick (get a hula skirt, starch it so it sticks straight out), She could be Bo Peep and he a sheep, She could be Little Miss Muffett and he a spider.

46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service. - I've already got a shopping list started with peapod. Just making sure that I'm stocking up to make the delivery worthwhile. Regardless, with a baby I think this will be much easier at least until she can sit in the cart while I shop.

74. Join a local mom+baby group - found a local group through meet-up.com, their kids seem to be older, but it might be good for mom's nights out or the occasional get together.

101 things in 1001 days

I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...

Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010

Key
Not yet started
In progress
Complete

1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (1/101)
-yarn, -clothes
4. Learn to use the drop spindle. Completed: 3/11/08
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet.
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
8. Open a savings account for Lorelai and save $250 (250/250) Complete: 5/17/08
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (0/10)
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. Completed: 2/28/08
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (1/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (4/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (7/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love.
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (4/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
20. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Knit two mitered squares a month. (4/66)
23. Seam up mitered squares to make an afghan.
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (1/4)
26. Use "the baby" SLR and shoot one roll of film every month (2.5/33)
27. Floss twice a week (4/286) Needs to be changed.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist.
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (0/6)
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (8/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson.
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (1/2)
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (4/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (2/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (0/9)
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (0/3)
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes.
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork.
54. Replace the lights along the front walk.
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (0/20)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (2/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
62. See a Broadway show.Complete: 5/3/08 Macbeth
63. Visit New York City.Complete: 5/3/08
64. Snorkel in the British Virgin Islands.Complete: 4/22/08
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president.
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
**Does Gymboree count? Went to class on 1/9/08, plan to keep going**
**Found a local group - much better in terms of time and location!**
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book.
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Go to one SnB meetup a month (3/33)
86. Reorganize dresser drawers.
87. Reorganize closet.
88. Reorganize cosmetics / lotions / soaps / etc in bathroom.
89. Improve cleaning efforts - once a week: kitchen floor, bathroom, dust. (1/143)
90. Answer questions that are asked (yes or no! not my own answer)
91. Attempt to lessen the carbon footprint of this household.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping.
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (0/5)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (4/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.