It's another BOY!!

we had the BIG u/s this morning! we've got another tall, stubborn, healthy boy! I'll scan some pics whenever I get to a scanner....

looks like I odn't need to repaint the Nemo room afterall! actually, they make Nemo toddler bedding.. I think I may get that and sew the bumper and buy a plain white dust ruffle.

Baby Fuzzi Bunz

long time no blog.. Sorry.. Bad blogger... I repent...

before I get to explaining the title of this post, I have to take a little commercial break.. I found THE BEST fish-n-chips place EVER! Farley's Fish & Chips on Lenox ave in Milford - near the Devon PO. SOOOO GOOOOD!!!!

on to the warm Fuzzis! All my tree-squeezing, granola-crunching, eco-friendly friends will be very happy with me now! ( you know who you are! Put down your tofu and read on..)

after seeing first hand what modern cloth diapers look like and talking about the ups and downs of using cloth. I think we are going the cloth route this time! And before you go ordering me some organic granola.... I'm in it b/c it's cheap! Sure you've got to throw down a pretty penny to start, BUT you can resell on eBay for a good return and even if you don't it still adds up to less than disposibles. I'm going to make my own cloth wipes ( I think I can handle serging a piece of flannel and a piece of terry together!) and I'm going to sew cloth liners for my diaper dekor+ so that everything will just go in 1 wash! I tried to upload a pic of the Fuzzi Bunz, but blogger seems to be having "issues". (Never mind! I finally got it working!) you can click on the title to check 'em out. And while you're there.. I am registered.... just sayin'.... but, you can search for it under my email herself at snet dot net...

I already ordered some pocket trainers for Ryan. so we can rid ourselves of pull ups and hopefully speed up PTing - stubborn bugger! Poor kid isn't even the middle child yet and he's the guinea pig!

Belly Bean Update!

Had a checkup last night.. baby is doing good! I gained a whopping 1.25# - which was probably b/c I'd just eaten dinner! OK by me tho! the HB sounded GREAT and the baby was moving a LOT. She said it's going to be another active one, but I hope that is just b/c of all that sugar in my YUMMY mint milkshake. mmmmmm..... I think I may NEED another one!!!

anyway.. we scheduled the BIG u/s for march 29th, so we'll find out hte bean's flavor then.. Or at least that's our plan.. well.. Todd's really, but I'l go for the ride!

Olympic wrap-up

16 days
5 skeins of Chenille T&Q
1.5 pairs size 11 needles
1 size N hook
6 blue buttons....

and we end up with
1 3-6m dragon hoodie for my baby
1 12m dragon hoodie (gift! Already wrapped too!)
1 pair crochet booties to match dragon hoodie for my baby
3 premie hats for "Hugs & Stitches"

AND
1 GOLD MEDAL!!!

I'm glad I didn't flake out or buckle under pressure like SO many US athletes did.. Is it just me, or were a lot of them just phoning it in expecting to win?

GOOOAAL!!!!!!!!!!!

I did it!!! Baby dragon is DONE! I CO baby dragon 2 for a gift. it was fun to knit, and a LOT easier than I thought! sweaters have really scared me.. dont' know why... maybe I'll have to actually make that sweater for myself. of course I won't be able to wear it until next fall/winter, so no hurry.... I'm going to try to get the second dragon done for the KO, but the ultimate deadline is 3/19.... must fix camera...

Note: I'm working on the pics Bear with me! I REALLY want to show this one off!

The Random Files

ok- very Random post today.... lots of things to catch up on...

First.. A little birdie told me I should be congratulating someone.... I swear it is NOT possible for me to be pregnant w/o someone I know getting knocked up too! at least it isn't a sister or SIL this time!

Second.. The stupid bridge!! does anyone else know what a PITA it is to have the drawbridge out of order on the weekends.. when I run my errands.. there are only 4 blocks adn a drawbridge between me, the grocery store and Joann's (the one that actually carries a good supply of yarn!) SO I've yet to buy food this week AND I ran out of yarn for my KO project! I went to the other joann's b/c they do have some yarn BUT not hte color I needed. not a total waste tho. I found buttons and orange slices (mmmm).

Third.. the KO progres report! Well, I didn't get off to a very good start. Todd called me on the way home and asked me to meet him at a friends house to get the boys. if I did that, we wouldn't get home unitl 6 or 6:30 and THEN I could start dinner. Not a huge deal for me, but if hte boys aren't fed by 6, they turn into Gremlins! SO, since my mom is only 10 minutes from the friend, we went over there for dinner. not much of an impediment to knitting EXCEPT that he called me AFTER he left the house where my knitting sat unloved and alone until 10! EIGHT hours after the KO began!!! I felt like I HAD to knit something.. so I pulled my "emergency sock" out of my purse and got a couple inches done on that, but that got me NO closer to the gold.. I did get a reprieve and some catch up time on Saturday tho. Todd's car went in for the 90k service, a new timing belt (it was due) and water pump (it was leaking.. so at least it was under warranty!). SO I was w/o car for several hours and had nothing better to do than knit. got the boys to bed early and knit. Sunday I shoveled and did some house work, but the boys went to bed early, so I sat in bed with the hoodie and ABC's Sunday line-up. About halfway through DH and the hood.. I RAN OUT OF YARN!!!! so I did the crochet spots in the CC and whip stitched them on. I sewed the buttons on, and wove in all of my ends. Now I need more yarn! all in all this is going a LOT faster than I anticipated... I may make another as a gift for my soon to be Godson. I won't promise getting it done BEFORE the torch goes out (he'll need a bigger size!.) .. but we'll see. double gold? I'll get MORE yarn tonight.. another problem is what to use to sew the side seams.. I'm thinking just a needle and thread....

Fourth.. It's a redneack blizzard! I decided that the storage container in my driveway with the old cabinets, panneling, dishwasher, and sink piled behind it weren't redneack enough, so I parked on my lawn YEE HAW!

tick tock kathump kathump

I added a new ticker today for the KO! it is officially begun and I'm still here at work and not knitting :(

my appt went well yesterday. HB was good, placenta is already going strong. I lost 3#. for the first time ever in my life I got lectured about losing weight! she told me I can't do it again this month. how am I going to be able to eat more???? my u/s will be in 7 weeks. we'll schedule it when I go back in 4 weeks.

OH baby!

I added a nifty little ticker to the top so everyone can see just how close we're getting! I really like this one b/c it actually shows the developing fetus.

I have my 12w appt tonight. we should be able to hear the HB for hte 1st time. I NEVER get tired of hearing that sound! I've got to dig out my copy of Mickey Hart's "Music to Be Born By" SOOOO relaxing! If you click the link, it'll take you to Amazon where not only can you order it, but you can listen to a little of it!

the other REALLY cool thing is that I felt a kick this morning! YAYAY!! it was so exciting! especially since it doesn't hurt...yet..

Ryan had his pre-k visit today. he'll start thursday, then they're off for a week. we could have waited until after the break, but why?

baby dragons

Some people have had a hard time finding the patterns I'm using for the KO. here is the basic sweater from LB:
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/kts-816AD.html
and Here is Marnie's Dragon Hoodie Pattern
http://marniemaclean.com/patterns/Dragon/index.html

my changes:

• LB has discontinued the Terryspun, so I am using CHenille T&Q - see PP for color swatches.
• The basic sweater has SG sleeves and hood. I'm going to do tehm in St st but I'll continue the GS edging like the body.
• Marnie's ears are knit seperately and tehn sewn on. I hate hand sewing. that is why I have 2 machines and a serger... I think I will pick up and knit the ears right to the hood. I think...
• the spine is crocheted seperately and sewn on. I don't think so! I'll pick up the knit stitches and sc into them. no futzing with the length of the chain that way either.
• spots are either intarsia or applique. real dilema for me here. I've never done colorwork, so this is an opportunity to try it out, BUT I'm on a schedule here. also the gauges are diferant for the 2 patters, so I can't use Marnie's chart. I could easily crochet round spots and whip stitch them on...
• zipper or button? the LB has 1 button, Marnie's has a zipper. what do you think? I'm not crazy about just 1 button.. I may do 2 or 3...

Hooked

I've joined "Team Hooker" for the KO. no button as of yet :( I am clueless when It comes to making them, so I guess I can't complain too much... Team Hooker is made up of Crocheters who knit. Many knitters can crochet enough to do an edge, but not may crocheters will take the plunge into knitting. Crochet is faster - mroe instant gratification, but some things are just nicer knit.. IMO anyway..

on the baby front... Daddy has decided that we'll find out the sex at the next u/s. I'm 11w today and the u/s will be at about 18w. so for the next 7 weeks STOP ASKING! I will post (with pics!) when we know. I took the boys with me "window shopping" at "Babies for Us" you know the sister store to "Toys for Me". (side note: Andy saw the TRU sign as we went by on 95 and said "Mommy, what toy store is that?" I think he can read. he can also read "Dunkin Donuts" - Uncle Tommy must have taught him that one.. "Target", and "McDonalds" oh and he can read "Andy" and "Ryan" too!) I can NOT believe how expensive car seats have gotten in the last few years! Now that I'm over the sticker shock, I need to hit Consumer Reports. I looked at the Co-sleeper as well. I think it will work nicely for us. it is the size of a cradle, but more convenient and practical for bfing and it has pockets to keep diapering stuff nearby too. just don't be TOO shocked to see some yarn and hooks or needles poking out... I stash my WIPs next to my bed as it is... and yes, I CAN knit and nurse... what do you think the sling is for???

My kitchen is comming along slowly but surely! I'll have to track down a camera and post some pics. this blog is having some SERIOUS picture withdrawals!

Dawn Breaks over the Zoo!

So, I was watching the boys play last night (all 4: 2 furry, 2 not so furry) and I noticed a couple things. The cats are just like the kids! Seriously! Smokey is the cat incarnation of Ryan, and Z - the more timid crybaby CONSTANTLY asking for his brother is the cat-Andy. Then I remerked to Todd that Z's makrkings are just like smokey's but more of a contrast. "Z looks more like a zebra.", I said. and it clicked! That is what Robbie was trying to say when he named the cat Zeebinz. so translated from 3yo to english, the cats name would be Zebra! but he doesn't answer to that (or Batman or Spiderman...) so Zeebinz it is...

Mom picked this up for me this weekend! THANKS MOM!! I really like this book so far. it has a few patterns, but the focus is on technique and LOTS of stitch patterns! We've already covered the topic of me and patterns... so this is SO sweet!

speaking of sweet.. we've adopted Smokey's brother, Zeebinz (I just made up the spelling. it is a made-up name from the mind of a 3yo...). they look a LOT alike and are having a lot of fun playing together. if he ever crawls out from under Ryan's bed, I'll have to take a picture...

WIP Wednesday - revisited

Still no camera.. BUT I'll fill you all in on my current WIPs anyway...

1) DH's Damn sock are done! You've probably heard the cheers of joy. Not just from me either, but Todd was drooling over my shoulder the ENTIRE time I was knitting them....

2) Ryan has a sock! I'm waiting for a "yarn angel" to come through for me and send me some leftovers from the stash!

3) Swap #52 squares: 1 done+mailed, 6 done & needing envelopes, 1 OTN. YUP I'm knitting another one. Yes, I crochet faster, yes everyone else is crocheting, BUT I do need to practice my knitting, so I'm doing one in GS with a slipped stitch row every 4th row. I'm thinking about (GASP!) a cable on one!

4) Fuzzy Feet for Mom- these were her Christmas gift, but I was realistic (and VERY stressed!) and I gave her the pattern and told her I'd do it when I could. I finished the heels on Sunday and I'm working my way down the foot (7" to go...)

5) Super Secret Pattern for REALLY Cool book! I just got my contract, my "test" run is done and I need to type up the pattern in her template and find a freakin photo of me that I don't hate... Yeah.. That'll be easy! My yarn for the sample was sent from London a couple of days ago, so it may be a couple weeks before it arrives. It is a quick and fun crochet, so I should be able to turn it around quickly! The book is scheduled to be released in September, and I'll post more info as I get it. I can't wait for my copy! Yes, I get $, a copy of the book and I keep the sample once the promotion is done!!!

My baby is officially a Pre-Schooler!

SNIFF.. He's all grown up ... sniff..

after all the arguing and fighting with the bitch from Pupil personnel, we finally got Ryan screened this morning! He is a "typical" child and he'll be placed in an integrated classroom. Like Andy's but with other 3yo's. So he'll go in the morning, I think 2 days a week. We've got a stack of papers to fill out tonight.. then he can start!

comment on comments

Since Diana was kind enough to show some love by posting a comment, I better anwer her question...

Diana said... "I love the baby sweater.Where did you find the pattern?"

I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but it is a freebie from the Lion Brand website. I just did a search for knit baby sweaters in the pattern finder. there is also a link to the yarn substitutions on the pattern page. I used that to choose another yarn. I should swatch the chenille on the 11s before the olympics (I'm DYEING to get going on this as it is!) I'm just worried that it may be too dense, but maybe not....

speaking of swatches.. this is the green I'm using.


How about we consider this a return of FREE PATTERN FRIDAY, just a day early???

You may have noticed...

If you actually read this blog regularly, you've probably noticed a couple of things.

1) I have a problem with directions. It isnt that I can't or won't follow them. I just don't b/c it is better my way. I can't help it. I'm an engineer. that is what I do. I design things to make them work better. so, going back to the Olympics... I am going to make that sweater I posted yesterday. sort of. First, the terryspun, which I'm not in love with anyway, is discontinued. I am substituting with the Chenille T&Q in Grass green. the embelishments will be in the lovely varrigated color shown yesterday. BUT since I changed yarns, I also decided to go smaller on the needles. I think it will give a nicer fabric in the end. Instead of screwing with the gage swatches, I'll just knit the next size up. thsi is for a baby remember.... Second, WHY are the sleves and hood in GS? the body is in St St with a GS edging. so my hood will have a GS edge and the sleves will have GS cuffs. I think I can handle purling a few rows! this is supposed to be a challenge... and Third, I'm also adding the embeleshments from Marnie's Dragon sweater. The spine of the dragon is crochet, so I hope I wont' get disqualified.

2) Have you been reading closely? I've eluded to something in the last couple of posts, but I haven't flat out said it... should I tell you now, or let you guess???? ok- I 'll tell you since noone loves me enough to post a comment :( We are expecting another baby in August!!! THAT is who the sweater is for! Now, we have told some people already and I've noticed a lot of common comments and questions. I know you all mean well, but I'm tired and I'm hormonal, so I'll just cover it all here:
a) No, we dont know the sex yet - I'm only 8w2d (but who's counting!) I don't know if we are going to find out or not, I put Todd in charge of that decision. Go ask him. but I don't think he's decided yet.
b) Yes, I know I will be hot and miserable this summer. Thanks for reminding me...
c) NO, this was not an accident! a suprise, but no accident!
d) A lot of people have said "at least you don't need to buy anything" Not exactly true. Car seats are good for 5 years before the plastic starts to break down and the seats are no longer considered safe(FYI- plastic may not be BIO degradable, but it is PHOTOdegradable). ANdy will be 5 in May. do the math.. Kim will let us borrow her infant seat, but we'll still need new convertables. Since I will be returning to work, I'll need to pump. I had a great pump, but it was in my room during the fire. the ceiling fell in on it shortly after several thousands of gallons of water poured through, so now I need a new one AND my stupid insurance company says they'll only pay for it if the baby is in the NICU. but I'm working on that one... I don't think they get the fact that if I don't pump I WILL get mastitis, fast and frequently. I'm also checking the consignment shops for a mini cosleeper so we can have the baby in our room for the first few months w/o having him/her in our bed. oh yeah.. we're already stocking up on diapers... cna't reuse those. well, I know we could if we used cloth, but Todd is the one that changes and does the wash, and I don't think he could deal with cloth... and I almost forgot.. my car...my beloved purple mustang only has 2 seatbelts in the back.. sniff.. and We don't have the $ for a new car until we sell this one. anyone want to trade????

Forgive me my hormonal reamblings. I'm tired and it took me 20 minutes to find pants that would button AND zip this morning.... don't get me wrong we ARE getting excited!

Olympic Sweater

After careful deliberation, I've chosen this sweater.
However, this oh-so fuzzy yarn has been discontinued SO I think I'll go with this.
or whatever colorway they have in Jo-anns that strikes my fancy. yes this is LB Chenille T&Q. and all of you yarn snobs can just stop! this is for a BABY!!! they are messy little critters and I am NOT dry cleaning baby clothes! besides. how cuddly will this kid be in the chenille??? or I could do it in a brown with little ears on the hood.... I was actually toying with the idea of Marnie's dragon hoodie.. maybe I'll combine that concept w/ this pattern....

Knit Olympics

For thsoe of you who are not familiar with the Yarn Harlot, you're missing out! she is heading up the 2006 winter knit olympics! participants are going to cast on a project as soon as the torch is lit and try to complete it before the flame is extinguished. that is 16 days to complete a challenging project! I've joined the team and I'm going to knit a baby sweater. pattern TBD, but I'd like something in a top-down, one piece sort of thing. this will be a challenge ofr me b/c not only am I'm a new knitter but I've never knit a sweater! wish me luck!

Completion...

What do you do on a VERY cold and snowy Sunday? You light a fire in the fireplace, make some hot chocolate and do something with all those UFOs!

First I FINALLY finished Todd's socks!!! I think I need to work on some socks for the boys and baby before I even attempt his again! (I'm ready to CO my Opal "Fish" socks tho!) then I moved on to the design I'm developing. DONE! It's crochet... Always quicker! Then I thought I'd start on mom's felted slippers, but when I found the needles, they had Ryan's hat on them, so I finished that too! He wore it to bed....

I will CO mom's slippers tonight, and I need to divide the skein for my socks as I am working 2 at a time from one skein. Normally, I'd work from both ends, but it is self patterning and I don't think I could handle the pattern in opposite directions.... And not to be without a crochet project... I began my second purple swap square! Only 33 more!

I'll post pics when I do something about that camera!

Oreo

We will miss her dearly. She passed suddenly at around 4am. Todd got up for a drink amd she was eating her food and purring at Todd as he was talking to her. A few minutes later we heard a cry that we thought was one of the boys. Todd found her laying in the middle of the kitchen. Smokey didn't want to leave her side. She is being cremated and we're thinking of sprinkling her remains in the garden where she loved to play when she snuck out.