Finish the sentence meme

Saw this twice today, and thought it was neat. Take if you like and share!

1. My uncle once worked at the zoo

2. Never in my life will I give less than my best.

3. When I was five my parents sent my dog "to the farm" and they still won't tell me what happened to him. I also went to Disneyworld. Being 5 had it's ups and downs :)

4. High school was where I met my best friends and my husband.

5. I will never forget the day Lorelai was born.

6. Once I met Anthony Rapp. Twice actually.

7. There’s this boy I know who is new to the world and I would really like to meet him. (Hi Will!)

8. Once, at a bar,a guy took my hat - it was St. Patrick's Day in Worcester, MA. I think I got the hat back. Don't remember that part.

9. By noon, Lorelai and I are usually out and about.

10. Last night I got to spend too short a time with one of my brothers.

11. If only I had a dog that didn't bark so much.... (I swear, dachshunds are GREAT watchdogs. A dust bunny scurries and they bark. Chipmunks fart and they bark. Don't get me wrong, I love love love love my dog. When he barks there is no changing his mind!)

12. “Next time I go to church” is not a phrase I say often, but probably should.

13. What worries me most the health of grandparents, aging parents, my brothers decisions and Lorelai's happiness.

14. When I turn my head left I see a door.

15. When I turn my head right I see twilight and trees.

16. You know I’m lying when..... Why would I answer that?

17. What I miss most about the Eighties is the music. And how my dad and I would rate hair do's with how many cans of hairspray were needed for the do.

18. If I were a character in Shakespeare I'd be (oh god, Betsy? VIK? help?) Who was the shrew, maybe her? Maybe a queen from Midsummer? I am not up on my Shakespeare.

19. By this time next year I might be working outside of the home?

20. A better name for me would be - Rachel? That's what some people think my name is, but it's not. I was so close to being a Molly or Sorcha, but Dad squashed those. I currently also go by "mommy" even though my daughter can't get past "mmmm".

21. I have a hard time understanding people who lack common sense. Or common courtesy. Or a sense of humor.

22. If I ever go back to school, I’d take an art class. Photography maybe. Drawing perhaps.

23. You know I like you if I respond in sentences and converse, not just "mmm-hmm."

24. If I ever won an award, the first person I would thank would be my parents probably. They've instilled all that is award worthy in me I think.

25. Take my advice, never forget to say Thank You.

26. My ideal breakfast is blueberry pancakes.

27. A song I love but do not have is that song from a LimeNViolet podcast that referenced Shakespeare and The Princess Bride.

28. If you visit my hometown, I suggest that you visit the trails.

29. Why won’t people use common sense? Think about others? Think about the planet? Think someone else might be right?

30. If you spend a night at my house you will be barked at by Jackson if you use the guest bathroom and you will either a)share a wall with the baby or b)share a room with yarn.

31. I’d stop my wedding for nothing short of the groom not showing (which he did. no worries.)

32. The world could do without drug advertisements all over the tv.

33. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than sing in public.

34. My favorite blondie is a type of brownie?

35. Paper clips are more useful than staples.

36. If I do anything well it’s word puzzles. take photographs. make Lorelai smile. science.

37. I can’t help but shop a sale.

38. I usually cry when I think I've let someone close to me down.

39. My advice to my nephew/niece is will be Conduct and Effort are what count for everything. And someday you'll appreciate how cool your parents are.

40. And by the way, Have a Nice weekend!

More on Crochet

Photo proof of the crochet-in-progress on the turtle-in-progress:


I'm so excited with myself that I immediately cast on for a crochet-dishcloth (baby drool cloth) because I can.

I think it's working! The edges seem a little bit wonky to me, but I'm not going to worry about it, since there is also a border of some sort in the pattern. I have been now holding the hook in my left hand and that works a little better. I'm sortof making it like knitting in that while I've got the hook and yarn in my left hand, my right hand is holding the work / manipulating the loops as needed. I've got the book "Cozy Crochet" and my plan is to do the dishcloth (in progress) and then coasters. Then amigurumi, watch out! I'm just giddy with this. (Cross one more thing of the 101 / 1001 list!)


Not to leave out the knits, here's one of my latest FOs.

9 months today!

9 months today!
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

I can't believe how fast time has flown. Everyone said it would. And I politely listened, and I have no regrets, but I will say that I miss how you would fall asleep on me or Daddy. You are so much fun - you laugh so often (it's a great laugh, by the way) and you babble about everything - even in the middle of nursing you, you'll pause and look at me and scrunch your nose up and make a "mmmmmmmm" sound.

Daddy and I are so impressed by your ability to scale the stairs and the step in front of the fireplace. Today I watched you several times balance on your own two feet, not holding on to anything! Amazing. You are enjoying feeding yourself - stuffing as many cheerios or puffs or mandarin oranges into your chipmunk cheeks!

And, for the record, here, now, we know you're bright. You made the "mmmm" sound when I asked you about the cow in a book we read. You put your head down, with your fingers in your mouth when I asked "Show me tired" and then put both hands up in the air when I asked you "Show me So Big". You did it several times. Soon we'll teach you "Show me sand the floor. Show me wax on wax off." You'll love it!

I've also noticed you like animals - we visited with your friend Addison and she has a Husky. You looked like you would burst with excitement - what a big dog! You liked her cat too! Super :)

Love you tons little bug - here's to the next month of fun!!

I'm Crocheting!

You know that scence in the movie What about Bob?, where Bill Murray's character is tied to the mast and he's screaming "I'm sailing!". Yeah, that's how I feel about crochet right now. I'm working on a sheldon for Lorelai and attempted the crochet edging on the shell attachment. OMG, I *think* I get it now. I can't see getting really fast at it (I've got the hook in my right hand, I'm a lefty) but there's hope for the amigurumi of my dreams!!!

Peek!

IMG_5600
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

We tried going for a hike this weekend - Lorelai in the baby bjorn on Dan's back. The weather was perfect but one of us was teething (L.)and one of us had taken allergy medicine and was feeling very sleepy (me). It was a good weekend otherwise and I can't believe it's Monday already.

In thinking back over my ravelympics experience, I'm glad I did it. I completed a WIP that was started over two years ago - I am going to undo the bind off and lengthen it - I tried it on again over a long tank and I just am not the sort of person to pull it off. I'm thinking I'll enter it in the local country fair, so I am in no rush to lengthen it. I'm also going to keep on knitting Hemlock Ring. I've got plenty of yarn for it, so I might as well.

At the same time, I'm so glad that the olympics are over. I focused on just those projects plus one for Schaerfer yarn (which was finished yesterday, blocked and all - I should have made that a ravelympic project!). I want to work on something else! I've been looking through my project bags (all over the house) - I'm now going to focus on knitting stuff for a local craft fair I'm apply to (with peacefulknitter!). But it's more relaxed because those are smaller, easier projects and I can continue to work on things as needed (for test / sample knitting) or as I want!

Photos

There's some knitting progress - I'm still plugging away on the Hemlock Ring. I've slowed down a bit because I'm almost out of written instructions and the charts are consfusing to me. But I'm going to have to work with the charts in another 8 rows or so... My Schaefer project has 10 more rows or so and then blocking. I started a new proejct for Lorelai - a little cape / wrap / shrug sort of thing. It's cute. Until the knitting is more interesting, here's what we've been up to:

"C'mon Jackson, let's go!" (taken on the iphone)


"Buddies" (also on the iphone - it's a good quick camera, but hard to take a non-blurry shot of constantly in motion subjects!)


"New 'Do"


"Seriously?"

Obviously, Mommy needs to practice on hair-dos - she has enough trouble with her own! It's cute and stays a little better than barrettes, so this may be a new do for a while.

"Shoes!"

One of my aunts gave Lorelai a bag of shoes at Christmas - her feet are still really tiny, but yesterday was cool, so to help keep the socks on we put on these cabbage patch style shoes!

How I spend my days

Here I go
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Lorelai has discovered her Everest. The stairs.

I think this is my new favorite photo, but it's so sad at the same time - she's growing up so fast and soon she'll be doing who knows how many things and headed away from me!

The stairs don't end where she's headed - that's the landing - there's another set of stairs before you reach the second floor. She's so determined - she'll crawl out of our family room, up the step into the kitchen, through the kitchen to the hallway and start up the stairs. I know it's a path we walk daily while holding her, it just seems funny to see her do it on her own. She loves climbing, pulling herself up. We're not cruising yet, but it's coming. Now that she's this mobile it makes knitting while she plays more difficult - I can't be ready to catch her with pointy sticks in my hands!

Speaking of the pointy sticks, last week at SnB (which had to be the biggest one yet - 20 people?) I thought I was golden with the knitting rounds on the Hemlock Ring. Well, I got through those then started the next pattern row and I didn't have enough stitches! GRR. I let the project sit all weekend and I picked it up on Monday - I undid 2 knit rows, and threw in some increases to get the # of stitches right. Knock wood, we seem to be smooth sailing now. I'm up to row 72. So, if I go until row 121 (I think I've seen most projects go that far) then I'm more than halfway done! Yay.

L and I took Jackson to the vet today for a Lyme update / physical. He's 13.5 pounds - a pound heavier than last year. I know he needs more exercise and probably a few less treats. I have no shame in bribing my dog around the house to stop barking or to reinforce good behavior, especially around the baby. Poor scaredy-cat though, while we were waiting to pay he threw up all over the place! Nerves I guess.

Hemlock Ring - WIP

Hemlock Ring - WIP
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Here's my second Ravelympic "event" - the Afghan Marathon. I'm working on the Hemlock Ring afghan, using Berroco Pleasure yarn (same yarn I used for my tilted duster, only in blue). I'm 42 rows in. So far it's ok. I'm on the center doily-lacy part and am having some difficulty keeping track of my stitches. Yes, that's a cookie sheet - I've got the magnetic pattern tamers (which are awesome, and they match my Vera bag nicely).

I want this project to be gifted in the end, so I'm being very particular about getting it right. Last night I spent 45 minutes looking for 2 missing stitches! Then after I finished row 41 (and went on to knit row 42) I notice that I think I have 1 extra stitch? But where? My brain boggles at it. So it's resting. I tried watching the olympics while I knit last night, but as I was paying attention to my stitches, I mostly listened to the synchro divers "Ready, Up, 1, 2, 3,...... splash!"

I will be starting some baby hats just because they are EASY and not to fussy! My other current project is for Schaefer and that is driving me a little bonkers with the stitch count as well. Too many yarn overs.

I also may have done a little retail therapy at theloopyewe - they have TEAL sock yarn! I want to do the Hibiscus for Hope - an honor Nana sock (Nana's name was Hope, and teal is the color for ovarian cancer awareness). I'm probably overboard in my attachment to "Hope" but there it is.

WIP Wrestling - Event Completed!

First off, thanks for the comments re: Dan's interview - he was happy to do it, he fully acknowledges that he doesn't read my blog and he was interested to know if he was right about my favorite yarn and the swatch :)

I'm a "Ravthlete" - I competed in WIP Wrestling for Team New Haven

And I finished!

I pulled my Green Gable out of hibernation. I had started this top at least 2 years ago and was knitting along just fine, and loving it! I used Knit Picks Shine Sport, Hyacinth. I stopped because I was concerned I would run out of the yarn. I was able to score more through peoples stashes on ravelry, so yay on that. I actually didn't have that much left to go, so that made it an easy "event" for me.


The arm is a little snug, but I can live with that.


I made the medium size, which probably would have fit a little bit better pre-baby-boobs. It's snug and form fitting, but I am mostly ok with that.


It's the length I can't live with. Dan thinks it looks great (he's so sweet. and a guy. for me to show any skin is a big deal - it took me years to be comfortable in a tank top!) All the ends are woven in, so it is truly a finished object. I am letting it rest from "competition" and I'm trying to decide to either a) go back and lengthen the body - I do have yarn for that. or b) gift it to one of my tiny aunts / cousins.

That's two "big girl" knits that haven't come out quite right. Could be the post-baby body, could be my knitting, could be the pattern, could be some sort of combination of all. I'm hoping my Central Park Hoodie doesn't give me the same grief when that's done! It's hibernating for the moment, as I have another Event for the ravelympics - Afghan Marathon! And a project for Schaefer that does require my attention.

Interview with my husband

I saw this on another blog this morning. I figured I would send the questions to Dan and give him something to do if there was any down time at work. What a guy, he had the answers done and back to me within the hour! :) Interesting - I'm going to challenge those of you who read my blog to interview someone you're close with (sibling, spouse, partner, parent, kids, pets, whomever!) about your knitting habits!

1)What is your favorite thing about my knitting?
-The knitted gifts that I have received over the years

2)What is your least favorite thing about my knitting?
-The way it has completely consumed your life, not mention an entire bedroom, the dining room table, the kitchen table, numerous bookshelves, your desk…etc.
-A close second, the fact that the knitted gifts you make cannot be passed off as though I helped in their making in any way. When you give a knitted gift it is clearly just from you, rather than being a gift from both of us.

3)What is something I have knitted, that you recall is good?
-So many from which to choose……you are the Queen of socks, the caution tape scarf, gloves for the brothers, the batman baby hat, fruit hats, and my all time favorite baby alpaca scarf.

4)Do you think knitters have an expensive hobby?
Yes, in both time and money

5)Do you have a stash of any kind?
no

6)HAve I ever embarrased you, knitting in public?
never

7) Do you know my favorite kind of yarn?
Cashmere, baby Alpaca, or Lobster pot

8) Can you name another blog?
no

9)Do you mind my wanting to stop at knit shops wherever we go?
No

10) Do you understand the importance of a swatch?
I used to know this…isn’t that when you test a piece of the fabric by knitting a little piece?

11) Do you read nutmegknitter? (my blog)
no

12) If I didn't knit, what would be different?
Without a doubt you would channel this energy into something more annoying and less constructive like beading.

13) Anything you would like to add?
I can’t imagine your life without knitting!

yarn crawling

Betsy is back up north and we took full advantage to embark on a Yarn Crawl. These are fun - if you've never gone on one, what it is is you got to several yarn stores in one day. We try to hit a new place each time, but will also usually hit a favorite store as well.

Our first stop of the day was at Madison Wool. Love this yarn shop! Michelle is so friendly and it is just a cozy place to go! We poked around a bit, chatted for a bit, drooled a bit (Lorelai too! Gotta start 'em young!) and purchased. Betsy went for the Cascade 220 and stocked up. I bought some "Soft Cotton" yarn intending to knit Baby Merry Janes (Ravelry link). Red mary janes with white socks, should be cute. Though, the yarn is an aran weight and the pattern calls for DK... I might need some math help there.


Our second stop of the day was a short drive up to Old Wethersfield for Sit'nKnit. Ok, if you like bargain shopping there is also a GREAT Marshalls that you pass on the way there (and a TJMaxx across the street) so if you need more of a reason than just yarn to head up there... It's a cute street, similar to what you would find in Essex - very quaint New England. Sit'n Knit, too is above a garden place. It was a little tricky to get the stroller up the stairs, but we did it. Inside there was plenty of room for the stroller so yay on that. What a great shop - a fantastic selection of all kinds of yarn (from acrylics to the fancy stuff). There is also a great room they call "The Bridge" - fantastic sales! Betsy again did fabulous - she got Lobster Pot Yarn for 50% off! I didn't do so well with sales, but I did find a little kit to knit Bramble the owl from knitwhits. So cute! They had the penguin too - tough choice! I also fell in love with this pattern: a neckwarmer - their sample was knit with Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk (which, BTW, they had on the bridge, on sale! Betsy scored again, but I passed as the colors didn't grab me. I'm thinking that Schaefer Esperanze in Pomegranate that I have coming will work...)


Our journey continued on to Branford's newest offering, The Yarn Basket. I picked up a skein of Berroco Sox to make aCelestine Sox toy for Lorelai. I've been keeping my eye out for a ball for her, but they all seem to be too big / made in china / dog toys, etc. So I'll knit one eventually. I also couldn't resist a very new Noro (it's only in 4 stashes on ravelry? What is up with that? People, it is GORGEOUS! and mostly solid!!) - info here. I think it may be a hat - wonder if it would work for the hat in the new IK? Only bought one skein, so I'm limited, but it is gorgeous!


Highly successful day. The funny thing is, we both went out with a list and were very project specific. That kept my spending in check and the items I bought that weren't on the list were small (the yarn for the ball and merry-janes were on the list, the owl / noro and pattern were all impulse).

I finished one front of my CPH at SnB last night, so I feel I'm in a good position for taking up my ravelympic projects today. I'm in the Afghan Marathon and WIP Wrestling. I've worked on both already and will get back to them after I post. Yay teams!

Local Yarn Shopping

So Lorelai and I ventured out to our new yarn shop -
The Yarn Basket, 288 East Main St. Branford, CT 203-208-3288 (no website yet)

I was given quite a warm welcome and shown around - it's a great space, bright and open. Yarns are arranged by weight. They carry Sirdar, Berocco, Brown Sheep, Noro, Debbie Bliss, Plymouth, Encore, ella rae. I did support the local business and bought some berocco inca gold and noro silk garden (projects to be determined). They do have a "yarn club" card - spend $200 and get $20 off your next purchase. Very friendly. They also have needles and patterns. They were stocking the shelves still and more is on the way!

We also went to Madison Wool - love that shop! She had cascade 220 on sale for $5 - thought about picking up more for a sweater or vest, but it was too hot for wool. So I picked up some Cascade cotton - a hat or vest for Lorelai maybe....

How did it get to be August already??

Sharing the love

If you've ever thought about knitting the "Central Park Hoodie" I would like to push and nudge you to do so. This pattern (so far) rocks. I love the pattern, love the yarn (Cascade 220 Heathers), and could keep on gushing about it! I finished the back at SnB last night and have started the front (left front directions, but will end up being my right front). No new photos of that though.

I made an etsy purchase yesterday because I fell in love with a design in a pattern booklet - LeahSutton's baby Gifts - look at the stork!! That is the one that won me over! There are only a few more babies arriving this year, so I don't know if I'll knit from this for them (but maybe the toothfairy pillows?) but I will be using these patterns for the next round of babies / kids. So sweet! And Leah has been wonderful to work with - not that it was a difficult transaction or anything, but she was quick to make contact with me that she would send the booklet later on in the evening and it's just nice to know that!

There's a new yarn store in the next town over - "The Yarn Basket" - Lorelai and I will go check it out today and report back on it. Wonder if there's any hiring possibility? That's in Branford. Madison is having sidewalk sales so we're also headed over there, and that includes a stop at Madison Wool, a LYS that I adore!

Central Park in progress

I've given in to my whims of being obsessed with out of season items - I'm going to do the afghan marathon for the ravelympics and I have started my central park hoodie. So far, I love everything about this project. I love the pattern, I love that it's on US9!!! I love that I've been working on / off for a week on it and I'm just about done with the back - I've made armhole decreases, and have to work for another 5 or 6 inches. Love the yarn - cascade 220 heathers - it's a green, but there's teal-ish / turquoise-ish / lime-ish in there. Hard to photograph. Anyway:

One thing I realized after I started and made my way through the first cable, was that I should have switched the charts - they are meant to be knit A-B-C. I'm a lefty so for it to be all matchy-matchy with the pattern I should have worked C-B-A. Don't care, makes it all the more unique for me.
Cable close up

I think that will be a future moo card or something.
Posting quickly, have to get the baby.

8 months!

Didn't we just do June? My silly girl, time is flying!


8 months old and you already can do so much! You've become rather attached (to me) which I am ok with, but don't you know that everyone wants a piece of you? You make so many people smile when we go out and about - everyone also thinks you look about a year older than you are. We tell them it is the hair - oh, the hair! It's so light now - with highlights of gold and red, just like Mommy's! We took you to get your bangs trimmed at the salon and you did great! Your latest trick is sticking your tongue out at everything, and even while you babble.


You are still on the move - getting faster every day! Not quite full on crawling on your hands and knees, but you combat crawl your way over to Jackson or across the room. Standing up is now fun again - you've gotten so strong to pull yourself up! We were very surprised to go get you from a nap and find a stuffed animal in your bed. We watched on the monitor and saw you pull yourself up and then were standing, ready and waiting the next time we came in to get you. Just last night you managed to pull the plastic bag that holds your hair clips off from the bookshelf - and into your crib! You must have had to work at that for a while - but good, puzzle it out and use those little grey cells!


You are still eating like a champ - even if you don't love it (not every meal can be bananas and mango!) or wearing your bib! I'm still having fun making food for you and we have been branching out giving you things to try: pasta, avocado, clam cake, ice cream, couscous. Keep on keeping us busy!!

July 101 Update

Can't believe it's already July 30!!
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Original post here. Updates: January, February, March

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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 (15/101)
-yarn, -clothes -books
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 (3/10)
**1)Sex & The City
**2)Hancock
**3)The Dark Knight
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 (4/15)
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 (8/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (8/33)
**"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!
**Chrispy Chicken Romaine Salad - back of the bread crumb box - ok
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. Glee!
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**
21. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Sign Up for the 100 Push Up Challenge
23. Complete the 100 push-up challenge: initial test, Week 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (1/4)
26. Make updated moo cards.
27. Make my own granola.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist. Scheduled for August
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (0/6)Scheduled for August
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. (10/10)
**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
**9) Smotherhood
**10) Redstripe
**11) In Defense of Food
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 (2/2) Complete: 6/29/08
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 (5/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (5/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (3/9)
**1) Broccoli
**2) Peas
**3) Corn
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. Adorable.
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. Donated or put away
54. Replace the lights along the front walk. Complete: 6/8/08
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 (3/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies **3)Batman Hat
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. Set up an etsy shop. Complete: 6/27/08
86. Sell 25 items from etsy shop. (1/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair.
88. Knit Dan & Virginia's wedding afghan. Deadline: June 2009.
89. Knit afghan for me!
90. Re-read 10 books that I read when I was in grades 6 - 8. (0/10)
91. Purchase a TerraPass / CO2 offset for my car / home / acrylic knitting.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping. This is a full time habit now
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 (5/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
**Miso, New Haven, CT
**Tuscany Grill, Middletown, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.

Ocean State

Lorelai and I went in to Rhode Island with my mom to visit my grandmother and spend the night. We had a really great time and it was good my grandmother got to have one-on-one time with the baby - we're seeing her again at Labor Day, but everyone will be there, so this is special for gram. She loved it - especially when she went to give Lorelai some ice cream and told her "You have to sit up" and Lorelai sat up! No joke. Made Gram's day! We had gone to Champlins for dinner - chowder and clam cakes, YUM! After, we walked over to the beach - first time for Lorelai - didn't go down near the water, maybe next time.

What's this?


Sand? Hrm.


My girl is a thinker.


I brought knitting, but didn't take it out of the bag at all. I'm halfway up the back on my Central Park Hoodie and I'm loving it!!

Kids at play

Kids at play
Originally uploaded by nutmegknitter

Lorelai and I bought a new toy for Jackson on Friday - it's a long dog, with a rope middle. Friday night he spent 2 hours working on destuffing the tail end (successful!). This morning, he got the rest of the stuffing out of the head. Makes me think of that petsmart commercial with the dachshund and his bobo. That's clever (toy was basically the same shape / size as the dog) but not really true - dachshunds like to destuff and then they are done. Lorelai is entertained by the fluff every where. Luckily she hasn't tried to mimic Jackson (yet).

Knitting while you wait

Friends of ours are expecting a baby boy any day now. Actually the little one is a week late and it was thought mom would be induced on Friday and we could go visit today. Well, there weren't any beds available, so now the induction is put on hold until Monday! Hoping it would help things along, I made Logan a new hat, hoping that would be the magic touch for him to hurry on up! I'll be making him a pumpkin hat later on, and have burp cloths ready for him, but this hat is special.

Batman!! I felt a little strange knitting a black hat for a baby, but his Dad is a huge fan of Batman, so I am confident it will be appreciated. I followed the Lil' Devil Baby hat pattern and used Rowan handknit dk cotton (plurkers this is why I asked if 92 yards would be enough) - I have a bit left over. Started and finished in one day, super!
Size-wise, Lorelai can wear it -

So there's room to grow.
Even though we're not going to meet Logan this weekend, we are going out to dinner. Yay - new restaurant for us, somewhere in Middletown. Good times.

Not right either.

I've got this idea in my head to make a witch hat. For babies. I started with one pattern and got something way too big. A bit of re-thinking and I decided to start again and this time make the newborn size (less knitting to see if it works!) Well. It doesn't match what's in my head. I'm not sure what to do next. I think I've got the brim down, it's just a matter of shaping the body. Something with the decreasing...

The body seems too tall or something.
It is a newborn size so there's no way it will fit Lorelai, but even so - I think we might be done with hats... (I may have to tie her hats to her head this winter!)



Jackson is off barking at a chipmunk fart or something, so here's Lorelai for Dogs on Thursday reading one of her favorite books "That's not my puppy"


And Lorelai's newest trick? The tongue is out, all the time!

neener neener neener