Rhiann-Knits

Check this out.

2009-02-06T07:14:00.001-08:00

A while ago, some other blog directed me to this great blog.

And today, I found this post on his blog. For the knitters.

Really great stuff that I enjoy all the time.

Dropped!!

2009-02-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

Lowan is having a little sleep in, he has not woke up yet and it is 6:40. He's usually up about 6am. But now that I've begun typing, he will wake up right away and I won't get to say what I've come to say, which is...

I dropped a stitch. Then I went on merrily knitting on koolhaas and finished it up. I even noticed I was a stitch short, but as I have been doing many decrease rows, I just assumed I accidentally decreased too much at some point. I didn't even investigate. Then I wore the hat. Several times in fact. It had been transplanted into my car for early morning cold head fighting.

Then yesterday, for some reason on my car ride home, I decided to turn it inside out. First thing I noticed was I had not woven in my ends yet. That was funny. I have been wearing it with the ends shoved up inside. No idea this was going on. (Having a baby has made my memory crap) Then I saw this funny loose area and began investigating. I had dropped a stitch and it had run down about 5 or 6 rows. It stopped because it met a cable crossover. And it could have continued to run, but this slowed things down. So at every stop light, I worked the yarn back up the row. I'm pretty good at needle-less knitting I guess. Then I used one of those silly loose ends dangling inside the hat to tie the stitch off until I could get it inside and finish it off permanently.

So, this is a first for me. In all my knit projects. In all my knitting years (not that many - I guess about 5 now). I've never dropped a stitch and continued on my merry way. I have dropped stitches and been instantly aware and fixed them promptly. But this my knitting friends was a first for me. It could have been koolhaas with a steek had I not found the little buger.

On the house front, we are looking good.

Sewer inspection... "Cherry." Yes, that is what the inspector said. And we have a DVD to prove it. It's every girls dream, a DVD of their pooper pipe (you can get a personal version after a colonoscopy, right. Ha-Ha).

Roof inspection... good. Minor stuff, like the vents and flashing need to be replaced. But total cost is less than $300.

Home inspection... pretty good. There are a few things. The biggest of which is the fence, but we knew that . And there is some shower issues. But hopefully the shower issues can be attributed to termite repairs because the bank is fixing up to $1500 worth of termite repairs. We have not received that inspection because the bank is doing it.

So we may be moving in about a month. And if anyone doesn't know - there is currently a first time home buyers tax credit (that is really kind of a loan) for anyone who buys a house by 7/1/09 for $7500. But there is new legislature that may be passed for a $15,000 credit (not a loan) for anyone who buys a house this year. So hopefully it will pass. And if not, hopefully the loan will be changed to just a credit - which is also on the docket of stuff.

So the baby is still asleep. I guess I'll go get dressed now.

Night Out

2009-01-31T19:46:00.000-08:00

It feels like it takes too much to go out nowadays. The arrival of a baby has changed so much. It has changed my bedtime to the very early 9ish. It has made the leaving of the house always require lots of stuff - diapers, food, change of clothes, toys, whatnot. And it has created the requirement of a babysitter.

So tonight Kyle has a show at a local brewpub. This is my favorite location for a show. Not a club or bar that is all dark and getting hit on, but good food and stuff to do other than JUST watch the music. I'm not a huge music fan, I like it for the background, but don't want to stare at a band play for three hours and do nothing else. I know I am not a very supportive musicians wife, but I try.

My mom will be coming over to watch Lowan who is already in bed. But things have felt hard to make work tonight and I just want to be in my pajamas already. I bet I'm home and asleep by 10:30. But I won't try to make that happen, we'll just have to wait and see.

I still need to take pictures.

Head Full

2009-01-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

I've finished another hat, Koolhaas. Fabulous!!

I have very nearly finished the long awaited Cabled Riding Jacket. Amazing!

I've been inspired by GaysKnits to whip up some mitts. Exciting!

And I'm going to try to finish Kyle's sweater, from so long ago. It was already finished once, but not quite long enough for him.

It's been another busy, too short weekend and then back to work. But I don't miss school. I don't miss homework. I enjoy my time at home being just that. There are things to do, housework, taking care of Lowan, normal daily whatnot. But there is not homework or reading (unless for pleasure). Work is going well, things are starting to pick up as tax season gets under way. I have finished a few tax returns and feel really excited about all that I will have to do over the next couple of months.

Last night we had a great dinner: lumpia (which is like a Phillipino egg roll), cabbage salad, and then cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust for dessert. I don't make my lumpia with ground beef like the recipe calls for, we use tofu and lots of veggies. They were really tasty, especially since Kyle did the deep frying, which I hate. And the cheesecake turned out delish!! I used my new, fancy silicone spring form pan. It worked great!

These new faces Lowan makes are so funny!

We are still having house issues. We pulled out of escrow on the last house and have a new offer pending. But the bank is kind of jerking us around which is frustrating. Hopefully we find out tomorrow if we are moving forward. Then we will get the inspections done this week. Fingers crossed.

Okay... I'm off, I want to snuggle up in bed with some tea and cheesecake and watch some tv while it is quite before Kyle gets home from band practice.

I promise, I'll have some pictures soon (of the knitting), but for right now, how about a cute one of Lowan. I can't help but share pictures of him!! I couldn't add just one. So here are a few of the most recent cuties.

At the park and some knitting

2009-01-13T07:05:00.001-08:00

Knitting First:

Here is the reworked brioche hat. I was never happy with it. So much so that when Kyle would wear it in public, I would take it off his head and put it in my pocket or purse. So I tore it out and whipped up this, Turn a Square. I really like it. A LOT! So does he.

Then I've started Koolhaas Hat for me. Kyle is just my model. It is slow going, but looking really nice. I look forward to completion. But it probably won't come before the end of winter.

I also envision some matching mittens or fingerless gloves.

We went to the park because it was so nice on Sunday. Lowan's first swing and slide ride.

We had a really good time, the sun was out, it was warm. Lowan enjoyed the swing. He was a little iffy about the slide. But the best part was sitting in the grass plucking pieces up and handing them to Kyle.

Lowan is standing really well now. He still doesn't really crawl, just belly scooting. But he can move fast, really fast. He sees stuff across the room and hauls butt over, then shoves it in his mouth. We are always fishing little pieces of stuff out of his mouth. Leaves, a foil ball, food left over from a meal. I don't know where he finds some of the stuff. And he gets into a lot more areas then he used to, so where he spent most of his time, there wasn't much to find. But now that Lowan is heading to un-explored parts of the house, there is all kinds of new stuff.

It was a really nice weekend, Lowan and I hung out some on the couch after he had a nap. He was being sweet and laying on me so I told kyle to get the camera and take some pictures. But as soon as the camera came out, Lowan began acting silly.

I love this picture of Lowan, making that funny face. He was just sitting on the couch hanging out with Kyle. It looks a little like Kyle just woke up, not sure what that is all about.

Things have been hectic and busy with our lives. We didn't get the house we put an offer on, we pulled out because they wouldn't meet our demands. It was disappointing, but we will find something that doesn't need as many repairs and doesn't have a pool. That pool was plaguing me because of the cost and work it was going to take to fill it in.

The hunt continues. I've got to go, it's been a long day with lots of time on the computer. I just don't have the computer desire in me when I get home these days. I think I'll read or knit.

So Busy.

2009-01-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

Above: Christmas Afternoon, My family.

We have been busy around these parts. And lots of baby changes. I can't believe how fast and often they keep happening. I've also had some knitting going on.

Above: Kyle's mom Gee-Dee and Lowan Christmas Morning

Above: Christmas Morning, Kyle's Dad's side of the family

Above: Christmas Eve, Kyle's Mom's side of the family

Above: Kyle's Christmas present. At least he is willing to share with Lowan.

Above: We stood Lowan up, but he can do it on his own now (about a week after this picture was taken.) This makes nap time very difficult. Lowan keeps sitting up and pulling up and generally having a great time. Sleep takes up to an hour to come.

And finally here is the whole family (not the bearded dragon), Trout the cat and Kokanee the dog have joined us on the couch for this photo. And there wasn't a single picture where we all looked at the camera at the same time.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T15:46:00.000-08:00

And I am DONE!

2008-12-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

The end came and passed so quickly. I took this whole week off from work to study for the last four finals. I studied some but mostly enjoyed a week home with Lowan and Kyle.

I checked a book out from the library on Saturday (a novel and a couple of knitting books - but the novel is the book I'm referring to) and really shouldn't have because I couldn't put it down. I got into it and then I just wanted to read it. It got so bad when I was right near the end that I picked up my textbook and opened it to the middle somewhere, then I opened the novel and lay it inside the textbook, so Kyle would think I was studying. I mean, what am I, in high school? But he would have yelled at me for not focusing on school. Tara will probably also have something to say about this.

I really lost a lot of my oomph this semester. I mean, it was my last one, I had a baby, I have the job, my grades have been good. So... I was focused on passing and that was all. I didn't feel like I needed lots of A's or to bust my butt, especially for the classes I didn't really like (one management one and one terrible accounting class, that I didn't even want to take - but that is all another (long) story!) and I did fine. A's and B's all around. I hope at least, the class I was most concerned with I have a 79.75% in, so if he doesn't give me a B I'll be surprised, I mean, who doesn't round up. But there are those teachers who don't. But I don't really care, the C is fine, because I feel like I did C work when it came to the tests, I worked harder on the projects and paper.

So, some knitting news. I have frogged the brioche hat. It had too many mistakes and whenever Kyle wore it, they stuck out at me yelling at me for my poor knitting. It was too big - around his head and too long. It was knit somewhat loosely, and the yarn was snagging. So I am re-knitting it into a new hat. A more basic, quick, done in a weekend kind of number. I think Kyle will like it equally. All I know is, that brioche sweater I love so much - I don't think so. I just don't think I can fix my mistakes when I make them, and I can't stand to have mistakes. Especially big glaring ones that won't leave me alone.

I should go, Lowan is all over the place and needs some breakfast. He is moving like crazy - not really crawling yet, but scooting quite well. Who needs to crawl, when this works just fine. And like many kids, he sees the only thing he shouldn't have and then he's right for it like a bullet. What will I do when he gets REALLY fast?

The End is Near

2008-12-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

That's right, the end of a very long school career. I've gone off and on (but mostly on) for 24 years (all the way back to kindergarten). And I have one week left. Classes ended on Wednesday night and I have a final next Wed. and then three more on Thursday. I took all of next week off to study and prepare and relish in the end of my part time working lifetime. Because come the 22nd, I start working full time as an accountant.

I am still in partial disbelief that I am done and have a "real" job like a grown up. Even having a baby didn't really make me feel grown up. I always say to Kyle how it really feels like I'm still just a kid. I guess those days are gone... life and responsibility and child and husband and such mean I am not even close to being a kid anymore.

I'm not sad or disappointed, just doesn't quite feel real to me.

But I'm excited about the job, I've been working at this accounting firm for about 5 months and really like it. I wasn't sure if I was going to like being a tax accountant. It wasn't really the avenue I was interested in. I really liked management accounting and planned on working in manufacturing or some such job. But this firm offered me a position and I didn't really like the work I was doing at the time. And then Kyle lost his job and I needed more hours/money/stability and was worried about the stability most of all at my last job. So I moved on to the tax accounting firm. And so far I really like the work. I like doing tax returns, at least the handful that I've done. It fits my brain well. I like order and things going in neat consistent places and that is what a tax return is all about. It took me a long time to decide on a degree and making this choice was hard, I was resistant for a long time about going into business. But it is a decision I am glad I made.

Anyways, on top of school ending and working kicking into full gear, Kyle and I decided to buy a house. It kind of happened really fast and unexpectedly. I have been obsessed with looking at houses for sale online for a long time... we were planning to buy later next year. What with prices coming down and my income going up, it only made sense. So I emailed our realtor and asked what kind of timeline we should follow. She said go ahead and get prequalified for a loan, we have plenty of time to look.

Then I found a house online for $85,000. I had to have it, I mean who couldn't afford a $500 a month house payment. So I called her (this was like the next day) and said I wanted to see it. So we went and she said that she wanted to show us a few other houses. She said this house was in really bad shape and we could do a lot better. Especially because we could afford to spend more. So we went to another house that we liked, but the location was no good. Then we went to a house that was already in escrow, but she wanted us to see what kind of quality was out there. Then, the house that was meant for us was the last on the agenda. I don't think she thought it was going to be the house for us, she was just showing us what was around. But we fell in love. It is a three bedroom one bath house with a room in the back yard off the garage with a second bathroom. We really like the separate room, it will be Kyle's music room. We would have preferred two bathrooms in the house, but there are two available for when we need them. It has a nice sized yard with a really big covered patio that I love.

There is a problem, and it is kind of a big one. The house has a pool. We don't want a pool. Not even a little bit. Okay, maybe a little bit, but we don't want the extra work or the extra cost or the extra hassle. So... we are going to demolish the bottom, fill it in with dirt and it will be Kyle's garden. I know it is kind of a waste. But our thought is we will be in the house for 10 to 15 years, so we shouldn't lose value.

We don't have the house yet, we are in escrow as of Tuesday. We are getting all the inspections done and will see how much work the place needs. So far the termite inspection is requiring about $2000 worth of work and the roof inspection $2500. We have to see if the seller will cover any or all of the repairs and then figure out if we will continue.

Anyways, enough about all that. If you want to see the house go here. Kyle videotaped it the other day so we could show out of town family. It is a kind of amusing video.

Fresno is known for its Christmas Tree Lane. We went down it the other night and really bundled Lowan up for it. He has on socks, pants, footsie pajamas, his thick coat, a hat, and these funny boot slipper things. Then he had a blanket wrapped around his legs and was in the back pack. Unfortunately his hands were cold. I was inspired to knit him some mittens but haven't yet. I'm sure Tara thinks this is funny as she is in Alaska where it really is cold. It was pretty cold, but not so bad, maybe low 40's. It was fun.

Finally, we had dinner with Kyle's grandparents last weekend. It was a good time and I finally got some pictures of them with Lowan. Not too many good ones of all three of them, if Omi was smiling, Opi wasn't and vice versa. Another nice time.

Okay, I've written plenty for one night. I'm so tired, I've got to go to bed and rest up for a long haul of studying. Have a great weekend!

Look I knit something (and other non knitting stuff)

2008-11-29T16:53:00.000-08:00

Here is Baby Yoda. So cute. I think the body will fit Lowan for awhile, but the sleeves, I'm not so sure. So he'll wear it now, and then I'll take off the sleeves and reknit them for next winter. He is also modeling his umbilical hat in one picture. This picture doesn't show the umbilical-ness of it though. So he's only modeled the sweater and not actually worn it yet, it's been surprisingly too warm the past couple of days. But soon!!

Lowan has been SO fussy as of late, he's teething and it is driving us crazy. Him too I imagine. So anyways, last night in addition to teething fussy, he was diaper rash fussy. So after his bath I had him naked and was playing with him. I had him cradled in the blanket I made a few weeks ago (so easy!) and was rocking him and bouncing him on the couch. He LOVED it and was all laughs. So then I made Kyle take over so I could take some pictures. And this boy is done being immobile. He has begun to really scoot around. He kind of slinks on his belly, but he went from one side of his crib to the other yesterday a couple of times. It won't be long now that he'll be everywhere.

Finally - here are all Tara and my kids. I have a cheerio obsession. It all started many years ago with Teagan. It was just a coincidence that I put them in the same pattern on Lowan. I had to go through the old photo cd's to come up with this one of Teagan. Look at these cute kids, Tara and I know how to bake us some cute babies. Boy, Teagan was a fatty! I didn't remember those thighs until I saw them again. They were huge. She makes Aidan look skinny, and he's no small fry. Lowan looks down right anorexic next to Tara's two chunkers. She's probably not going to like these comments, but it's funny. Anyone who knows Kyle and I wouldn't think we'd have the skinny baby. We're not little people. But Lowan is quite long.

So, I'm a terrible mom and something must be wrong with me, I took no pictures of Lowan on his very first Thanksgiving. I've got the day before and the day after and nothing of him at Kyle's family reunion with the 60 or so relatives. What is wrong with me. Oh well, there will be another one in two years. I'll take pictures then.

I've got to get a paper and a project done for school. I shouldn't have paused for this. But now I'm off.

Best Buddies

2008-11-19T07:06:00.000-08:00

Lowan and Trout have really become good friends. There is some hair pulling. There has been some scratching. But generally the cat can't stay away from the baby. Trout loves the attention Lowan gives her. And I think she thinks the boppy is hers, not his. She is either curled up on the floor with it around her, or if we have Lowan nestled in it, Trout will lay on it as seen above. Currently they are playing together at my feet. What a happy house we have.

And here are some comical shots from dinner a couple of days ago. Lowan was not unhappy, but was making some VERY expressive faces that would lead you to believe he was not enjoying his meal. His expressions have become so much more varied and even the ugly ones are so cute!

I really don't have much time. School is getting close to the end. Papers and tests are occupying my mind. But the end is near. The really big all done end. Okay, maybe not. I might go back and take one other class next year and then take the CPA review courses for the test. But all of that is for my CPA certification. The degree will be mine in Dec.

Have a great happy day.

Halloween

2008-11-12T07:01:00.001-08:00

Lowan was a fly fisherman for Halloween this year. He has little flies that Kyle and I made on his hat. He has a stringer of fish over his shoulder. And a little fishing pole to catch the good stuff with.

We went to my friend Jessica's house. Then to Kyle's dad's house. Then we planned to stop by my parent's house, but had been out to late and really needed to get Lowan home. So they came to see him at our house. I took a bunch of photos. And Lowan got nothing special to eat, no candy, no treat, no trick either. Oh well, next year he'll get something sweet and wonderful I'm sure. I think next year we really will go out trick or treating. He'll be walking and ready to hit the road!

What do you do?

2008-11-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

We had the biggest parenting OOPS last night. Not really my oops, but my mom's oops. (Pictures not related to story)

Kyle and I made dinner and dessert due to the day off for me. Delicious stuff... panko crusted shrimp, mushroom risotto, broccoli, and coconut croissant chocolate bread pudding. It was so tasty. So we had my parents over for some good eats.

I had finished the risotto and was giving Lowan some food when my parents arrived. My mom sat down to finish feeding him and I went to help Kyle with the shrimp. When he was close to done, I jokingly walked over to my mom at the table and pointed to my glass and said don't give that to Lowan, it's my wine. She looked at me in horror. And asked if I was joking, I told her no, his cup was the blue plastic one. And the oops hit, she gave our seven month old some wine to drink.

The problem is I drink my wine in tumblers, not wine glasses. And we will often give Lowan drinks out of these cups as it is easier to see the water getting to his mouth. We are trying to teach him how to drink from a real cup as opposed to using sippy cups. And there wasn't that much wine and it was hard to tell it was colored. So... OOPS!! He didn't get much, I'm sure once it hit his mouth he didn't like it and let it all drool out anyways. But not really something I wanted my son to try quite so young in his life.

He seemed and seems to be fine. No harm done. I gave him the good ol' booby and he went to bed over an hour later and nothing seemed amiss.

So it was a good laugh and a little stress around our parts last night.

I just added the pictures to this post. As you can see, Lowan like him some tv. He watches it very intently whenever it is on. And so of course we wanted to watch the election results on the 4th. So Lowan got some tv time. We have pretty much opted to keep it off anytime he is awake due to his love. Needless to say, we were pleased with the big win. Unfortunately, Kyle and I were very disappointed in some CA and local Fresno wins. Hopefully it will be better next election.

Also, finally some knit goodness here on my knitting blog. That cute little brown Charlie Brown-esque stripped hat was something I made before Lowan was born. But it turned out way to big and had ends that needed to be woven in. I finally finished it up and while still a little big... Adorable!!

I keep meaning to.

2008-11-08T18:39:00.001-08:00

I really keep meaning to post. I think about it, but never get to it. And this will not really be a post. Just a quick cute picture of my ever growing, super fabulous son.

I am continuously overwhelmed with how stinkin' cute I think this kid is. I love his little face!

Wow - Post Number 300

2008-10-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have posted 300 times. So fall is coming on round our part of the country. And for Fresno, it is short and quick. But so nice. We are having days of 70's and 80's. Sun. Wind. Nice!!

Tara and her fam was here and left last Tuesday. It was a really nice visit. Teagan stayed the night at my house a couple of times. Here she is loving on her cousin. She really likes Lowan and wants to spend a lot of time with him. She was so cute and if I was leaving she would say she hadn't spent much time with Lowan and could we stay longer. She is turning into such a mature girl, it amazes and shocks me!

And here are those two sweet boys. This time Aidan didn't roll over and kick Lowan in the face (he did when I took a very similar picture in Alaska over the summer). Besides, Lowan might just grab him back if Aidan did. Lowan has grown so much since the last time they were together that he was equally interested in Aidan. Soon they will be running and playing together. Probably by the next visit.

We took a trip to the local pumpkin patch and corn maze. Unfortunately, we got out kind of late and it was kind of cold. And so we only made it about a quarter of the way through the maze before most of us (mainly my portion of the family: Kyle, Lowan and I) got too tired and needed to go home. It was also pretty cold and windy, Lowan ended up under several blankets. And, we only had one stroller. I guess there was some poor planning going on, but it was a good time any how. I should post pictures of the decorated pumpkins, Teagan did them up!!

So, most mornings I plop Lowan in bed with Kyle after he wakes up (or after I wake him up) and they lay together while I finish getting ready for school or work. They play for awhile, and then Lowan goes back to bed for his first morning nap. We have a kind of weird nap schedule that includes several short naps instead of a couple of long naps. We keep trying to work on it, but Lowan likes to cat nap and he gets fussy if we try to keep him up to consolidate naps. Anyways, on this particular morning, they were playing for awhile. Then I realized it had gotten awfully quiet in the bedroom. I think I was in the living room working on homework before I had to leave. I went back in the bedroom and both boys had fallen back to sleep in the middle of playing. It is kind of hard to tell in this picture, but they are out! I snatched Lowan up, put him in his crib and let them both get their rest.

The above picture and the one below with all the peas are from tonight. Lowan is sitting GREAT! He doesn't need the pillow for support, he needs it to protect his noggan when he tips over. But he will sit for 20 minutes at a time, no problem. He seems to really enjoy it a lot. He is also doing some scooting. He will pull his legs underneath himself, into a sort of crawling position and then he pushes them out from underneath and propels forward a little. It is mostly by accident, but when he sees something he wants, he works towards it. It won't be long and he'll really get moving. I think we are done with the swing, he is kind of too big and is starting to get fussy in it. So Kyle set up this area for Lowan in the kitchen while he was making dinner.

And finally, here is dinner (for Lowan) from tonight. He had peas. It wasn't the first time, but he really enjoyed them tonight. He kept opening up for more and more and more. Feeding Lowan is such a sweet time. He wasn't so fond of chicken and he really likes sweet potato with yogurt. He should love sweet potato, Kyle and I eat a lot of them. Today, Kyle made sweet potato hash browns for the first time. He is experimenting with some ideas. I love Kyle in the kitchen.

On that note, I should go. I'm exhausted.

Crafts-a-comin'

2008-10-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

The semester is about a third to half way done (I'm not so sure where we are) and I've got some crafting on the brain. I've been working on a yarn order for awhile. I just can't decide what exactly I want. So here are the projects I'd like to bang out this winter:

I know I've already mentioned Versatility. But I still love it. I am leaning towards using Cadena in grey (mist). Tara's is coming along. She is nearly done and I'm so excited to see it.

I also need a new hat for me. And I've been in love with this pattern for awhile. It is Koolhaas from Interweave Knits a few issues ago. I'm pretty sure I have the pattern, I'll just have to look. This I'm envisioning in Wool of the Andes in the kettle dyed brown (Auburn Kettle).

I've also wanted to try this yarn out. So I'm thinking of getting a ball in their clearance color and making Teagan some mittens. Just went to link and the clearance color is gone. So now I have to decide if I want to try it out at full price... Hmmmm.

Finally, I want to make this cutie for Lowan. His name is Sheldon and his shell comes off. I am thinking in green and brown. I am debating between the yarn used in the picture or some other stuff I really want to try, this yarn here. It is a sock yarn, but has a cool look and has some elastic in it, which is kind of nice.

Alright, enough dreaming, time to get my but in gear, eat breakfast and get ready for work. Oh, and take care of my child.

Rolling

2008-10-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

Lowan has begun to really roll. And he rolled under the coffee table today. Where he found a receipt that he promptly began eating. Little stinker!

I was on the computer trying to get some school work done, and he went for a roll. HA-HA. He has become really good at it, really fast. For the longest time he wouldn't roll from stomach to back even though he knew how. But that has changed and since yesterday he has not really stayed where we put him. The crib needs to be lowered too, I worry about my future!

Brioche

2008-09-30T18:14:00.000-07:00

It sounds like a type of bread. Hmmm... Maybe it is bread as well as a knit stitch. I have nearly finished Kyle's brioche hat from Weekend Knitting. This has been one long project, mainly due to a nearly six month wait on the ordered yarn. Then when I got the yarn, I didn't want to work on the project because I had dropped a stitch. And um... they are hard to pick up in this crazy brioche business. So this little project, hands down, has the most errors ever. I make errors while knitting, but I pretty much always fix them. This little number is full of them and there was no way I was going to drop any stitch in an attempt to fix them. I would have lost everything. I could barely remember what I was doing. I wouldn't call the brioche hard, but it is confusing to look at. I don't know what is going on well enough with it to fix anything. Those two colors are all intertwined to create that look. But what a look, it comes out really cool.

So Kyle is pretty excited. He didn't think I'd finish this hat, especially not in time for his camping trip in a week and a half, but finish it I did. Well, except for those pesky ends to be woven in. But that is not the irritating problem it used to be. Sorry this picture is not of the finished hat, I have not taken any yet.

Also, today, Lowan is six months old. YEA!! What a cute boy!!

New Poop

2008-09-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

The new poop in our lives is actually new poop. Lowan's new food is turning into new business out the other end as well. And because of that and the eating, we are upping the number of baths this little fellow will be getting. We didn't give him all that many, I mean, how dirty could he be getting.

But now, it will be at least every other day (I'm thinking) and soon daily. Anyways, here is some fun we had after his bath the other night. He was loving having the towel dragged across him. He's such a cute boy!! Still not much of a roller, he can flip to him stomach like no body's business, but the reverse... not so much. He did... like a month ago. We know he can do it, but he doesn't seem so inclined to do it often. Maybe we jump in and help too soon.

We go to the Dr. on Tuesday for our six month check up, I can't believe that much time has already passed. I guess that's all I have to say for today. I will try to finish up the ties on Baby Yoda and get some of those pics up soon.

Being a Mother

2008-09-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Being a Mother is the most soul satisfying thing I have ever done. And to think, nearly all women can do it. I have been so happy since the second moment I found out I was pregnant (the first moment was terrifying!). And then Lowan's birth, while also scary (mostly due to his breathing distress) was beautiful and magnificent.

I have days where I miss my non mothering life. Days where I want to lay on the couch and watch tv and nap and live careless. But as soon as Lowan needs me, all those feelings melt away and I am more than happy to care for him. It probably helps that Kyle is an amazing father who takes on many responsibilities, so I am able to have those lazy moments. They just can't last ALL day. Once Lowan needs to eat, I am the only one who will work. But I guess even that isn't true, and it is becoming less true every day. I think when being a mother feels the most stiffiling (what a bad word, but it works) is when we want to both do something, especially at night. We are lucky to have my mom who is really helpful and loves to watch the baby. But Kyle has been having music shows; late, late gigs, that I would kind of like to go to. However, I'm not ready for Lowan to stay at someone elses house, so that means my mom would have to stay here until 12, 1, or 2 in the morning. I don't really even think I could stay up that late. But I'm sad that the option is more limited.

Anyways, more on the positive. It is amazing bringing life to the most adorable, wonderful, sweet little boy. He has so much personality it amazes both Kyle and I. We love to talk about the future things we will get to do with Lowan. Like working in the garden with Kyle, taking bike rides together (both with him in the Chariot and later on his own bike), we talk about when he goes to school, him riding his bike with his dad. These thoughts are so sweet and wonderful. And we love the now moments. The times that are changing so fast and hard to keep hold of. But they are great, we love to see Lowan changing. From the tiny newborn, to the little boy (I know, he's not yet a little boy).

Kyle and I have decided that we will only have one child. And he is very resolute in this decision, but I tell you, I have many, many moments of doubt. I love Lowan so much, with my whole body and so deep inside of me, that I can't imagine doing it all over again. So while Kyle may know for certain... we'll see! Just don't tell him!!!

Dinner

2008-09-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Here's what happened at my house tonight:

We've got some good eats 'round these parts!

Cute Boy Backyard Photo Shoot

2008-09-19T06:35:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of my cutie from this afternoon.

So Close

2008-09-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

It is so close to being done. All the ends are woven in. Both sleeves are done and attached. The collar is complete. All that is left is adding the ties. I can't decide what I want to do though. It calls for I-cords. But that seems bulky to me. Kyle wants rope to complete the yoda-ness of it. I was thinking maybe some thin twine or cord of some type.

The weather is starting to cool, so maybe he'll get to wear it soon. I've got to go, Lowan just woke up so it's time to get this morning rolling.

Knitting Faux Pas

2008-09-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know if this is or isn't but I am going to guess that you really aren't supposed to do this...

But I could not help it. I finished the sleeve and I really wanted to see it on the sweater. So some seaming (while watching Star Wars) and the sleeve is on. And so cute. I know I will regret it when I have a hard time getting the length right on sleeve two.

I need to go, my computer is about to die and I need to get dressed for work.

Baby Yoda

2008-09-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

Here Lowan is modeling the sleeve of Baby Yoda. I am a bad mother for letting him play with a sleeve with safety pins in it. But he enjoyed it. I am not going to re-knit the sleeve, but I am going to leave a vent of sorts at the bottom of the sleeve. It will match what I am doing on the bottom sides of the sweater.

Next I "tried" the sweater on Lowan. Then he flashed me (the last photo of three). Look at that cute smile in the center, he knows that the camera is aiming at him and he typically won't look away when I get it out.

On Thursday night, Kyle played an opening show for a park performance of Shakespeare in the Park. It was a beautiful night. We couldn't stay for the play because it started at 8pm and Lowan needed to get home to bed. This is not the best picture, but you can see the passion on everyones face, they were all so happy to be playing.

Lowan at the show. This was before the music got started, but he was having a good time none the less. He is seen here with monkey who we stole from Alaska. Still one of his favorite toys!!

Look at my cute men. I like the second picture that looks like Lowan is running across Kyle's lap. They bring me so much happiness!

Now I need to get to work on the second sleeve.

Stinky Sister

2008-09-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

That stinker of a sister of mine has bought yarn and cast on for her very own Versatility. Kyle doesn't understand my annoyance. It is simply because I am jealous and want to make my very own versatility. I'm excited for Tara to make it, but it has been just about all I can think about, so I want to be making it.

Instead when I think about it, I start working on Lowan's sweater. I finished the first sleeve last night. And bummer, I think I don't like the sizing and will have to tear it out and re-knit the whole thing. We'll see, I'll try it on him to see how it works. It just seems really narrow at the wrist, and I want the sweater to fit through this winter at least.

And when I thought I was in the clear as far as projects on my plate before Versatility, Kyle reminded me that he would like his beanie finished. UGH! I dropped some stitches and it is in a very complicated pattern and I have been dreading fixing it. But I will get back to it. It only took about 5 months for my yarn order to come in, so it is only necessary for me to delay the project an equal length of time... right??

So I was going to post some pics. Pictures of the sleeve on Lowan and a picture of the progress on Kyle's hat. But the batteries were dead. Then the day grew long and we were gone for much of it. Now I'm home, Lowan's in bed and I don't feel like getting out the hat and want to go to bed. So this will be a photo-less post that just gripes about Tara. See Ya!

All the ways...

2008-09-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am in LOVE with this. Knitty came out yesterday and there are some cuties. But this. I love this!! Can't wait to make this. Want to quit knitting everything else and drop out of school to knit this. I am swearing to myself that I will finish Baby Yoda and Cabled Riding Jacket before I begin this. And to boot, Tara wants one too. This is Versatility and can be found here. There are lots of other pictures of the sweater and what you can do with it. Check this hottie out, you won't regret it!

I really think I want to use the exact yarn called for in the same color. Which I never do, but I love this yarn and this color. I have mittens and had a hat (that the dog ate) in this yarn. Good stuff. But I've also been looking into subs. We'll see.

Yoda Progress

2008-09-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

It is coming along. I have finished the back, both fronts, sewn the shoulder seams and knit the collar. I have also woven in all my ends (except on the collar) and that is an accomplishment for me!! I just have to knit the sleeves, then attach and sew the side seams. Really not all that much when you get down to it. I just have to get down to it!!

These pics were taken before I added the collar. But I plan to work on the sleeves this week and hopefully finish up soon. So more pics to come!

Next are just some pics from this weekend. We've were busy yesterday

Busy, Busy

2008-08-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

Lowan was five months old yesterday, time has flown. And I am so busy it seems. Between school starting last week, and work, and family time, and personal time, I can't find a spare minute. I guess personal time is the spare minute. I read a book for pleasure, probably the last one until Dec.

But then it's over. School is finished. Unless I decide for a Masters. Well... or I become a CPA, which I intend too. So that will be some hard core studying and possible schooling.

Today, I am going to post a lot of pics. They show all the cuteness of my life. Above is Lowan asleep (obviously) in his crib with puppy in hand. He lays in bed playing with this little guy all the time. He LOVES him!

In crafty news, I worked on the Yoda Sweater a bit a couple of weekends ago in Sacramento. And then some more last night and tonight. I have almost finished the second front. Then it is on to the sleeves. Still no pictures, but I'll take some pretty soon. It is coming along nicely and I hope to finish it before this winter. School permitting.

Here are Kyle and Lowan in bed in the morning. After I get up and nurse Lowan, I drop him off in bed with Kyle. It is such a sweet time. They were so cute, I had to jump into the shot with them. Often, the morning gets away from me because they look so cozy and I join them. Then I don't get out the door on time. I don't have as much choice for school but I can get in late to work if I need to.

Here is Lowan getting prepped for his first meal. We did not feed him, but I put him in the high chair with a spoon to play with.

I know this picture is blurry, but I love it so much. These are the kind of faces Lowan gives a lot of the time. He is very expressive.

Lowan is getting a lot stronger on his belly. He is flipping over from front to back. And back to front. But he won't do both at the same time. He will keep flipping the same way over and over again (with us flipping him back), but has yet to master the double flip.

I whipped this bag up today to put the dirty diapers in while we are out. It is cotton on the outside, polyester as the lining, and a cotton flannel liner. I am hoping the polyester will stop major leaks and if there are any, I hope the flannel absorbs it. The diapers are not really wet or leaky, but this will help if there ever is a problem. I made two bags and they turned out really cute. I can't wait until we don't need them for dirty diapers anymore and then we can use them at the farmers market. We've been trying really hard to stop using any plastic bags whenever we go out. It's kind of hard to see, but the fabric is made up of turtles.

Here we actually get to eating. Lowan was happy... until he got some food in his mouth. He kept getting the willies. But some went down. We don't know how much he ate. We fed him again this afternoon, and he did better, but was still not that excited. We're going to start feeding him every day. And then I'm thinking sweet potatoes will be the first solid food at six months.

Finally, I found this cute tutorial for turning a toddler t-shirt into a onesie. We bought this shirt on clearance for a couple bucks and I made this for Lowan a week or so ago. And he is not really standing, but he leans really good. He has some strong legs (but weak arms) and I fear his walking will come too early!

Alright, I've got to go to bed, so I better end this now.

Firsts

2008-08-06T20:32:00.001-07:00

First Backpack Ride.

First Swim.

And in knitting news, I've finished the back and am 30% done with one front side. It's looking good!! I am excited to be working on the sweater. I won't post a picture, because they are pretty boring to look at.

Needles

2008-08-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

No, not the kind that poked Lowan's poor fat thigh on Thursday three time for vaccinations.

Or the one that poked me at least 20 times in my legs the Thursday before that for the removal and closure of my varicose veins.

But the kind you knit with. Those that are metal, or plastic, or wood. The long ones. Those needles, they are making me mad. It has been a long time since I've knit something on anything other than circular or double point needles. And last night I cast on a new project on some straight needles. I make most things on circular, I like a short needle that fits my hand. I don't like the long straight needles that get heavy with stitches. But I did not feel like digging through my circs and looking for the right size. So onto the straight needles the sweater went. Oh yeah, I'm making a sweater for Lowan. A little cute brown and cream number called Baby Yoda. Kyle really liked the pattern. I do have to say, after the past 10" of knitting I've done, the straights are not as bad as they were at the beginning. But I'll still choose the other two types of needles first.

So this sweater is pretty cute and basic and it's flying along. I'd say I'm 80% done with the back and I cast on last night at about 8pm. Of course I'll have a little less time to knit during the week. And I really should try to finish up before school starts, because then my time really will be eaten up by life. And I do plan to finish the cabled riding jacket, it is so close. I just have to finish the collar, also about 80% there and then sew it to the jacket.

This winter Lowan and I can both wear our sweaters!!

Sleeping, Growing, Baby Boy

2008-08-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

He is now four months old (Thursday) and I can't believe it!! But he is so cute and makes me so happy. I love being Lowan's mom!

It's been awhile.

2008-07-30T20:20:00.001-07:00

I've been busy. I'm sorry to neglect the blog, but the month in Alaska was busy, then home was busy, then I started a new job and that was busy. It's still busy.

I got a job with a local accounting firm, I guess while I was in Alaska, and started work there last Monday. It has been very exciting and I'm feeling really good about my carreer choice. Up until now I mostly did bookkeeping work, which I also really enjoyed. But at the new job, I am actually an accountant. It seems strange, and all grown up. Something I often don't believe I am. You'd think the husband and baby might have given me the "grown up" feeling, but no it's the job that pushed me over the edge. Oh and maybe my approaching 30th birthday.

So onto Lowan, he is cute as always. I was REALLY stressed to be going to work. It had been a really nice 3 1/2 months of not working. Or when I did work it was for an hour and often from home. But last Monday I worked for 7 hours, there was a 45 min. lunch in there and I spent it with Lowan. It was not as hard as I thought it was going to be. I missed him and leaving in the morning was agonizing. Probably also because I was scared of starting a new job. But start it I did, and I love it. It is nice to go back to work and strech my brain a little. And since Kyle lost his job, he is staying home with Lowan. He is getting his practice in for his upcoming job... Stay at Home Dad. He just wasn't supposed to start until late next year. So he is looking for a job because I can't work enough hours and go to my last semester of school. Not until Jan. '08 will I work full time, that is the earliest he can become full time stay at home dad. Because during school, I'd like to work 10-15 hours.

Alright, I should go. I'm starving and dinner is ready.

A Collection of Images

2008-06-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

1. Children of the mist, 2. Ogni cosa è illuminata, 3. And the rocket trees took flight to the heavens..., 4. Eid Mubarak - عید فطر مبارک, 5. My dog is faster than your dog., 6. Slow Hands, 7. Casual relax, 8. mango cheesecake, 9. Forgotten..., 10. Jellies, jellies everywhere!, 11. Once upon a time..., 12. GK Mystery Shawl

This is a meme I came across on Pink Trees blog. I found it interesting and decided to give it a go. So these are the images from my answers. I am not going to post my answers. But if you are interested in making one yourself...

Flickr meme

What you do:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker).

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name

Enjoy!

Whirlwind

2008-06-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy few days... and now I am in Alaska. On Wed, Tara and I were talking, as usual... and she said if I pay the change fee will you come up today. I said no. So she got off the phone with me and promptly called back to say she was going to change my ticket... this is what I get for emailing her my itenerary with my conformation code. So Kyle said I should go. I quickly called work (I was supposed to be back starting today) and some other important people and packed rapid fire. I left three hours later... now I'm here!

It's been good times so far. I watched the kids on Thursday... I am pretty sure I don't want more after that exhausting day. Then we went up to a cabin on Sat. and got home a few hours ago. I'll be here about one month exactly. Kyle comes up on the 2nd and then my mom on the 8th. We all leave for Fresno on the 18th.

Lowan did really well on the plane, sleeping most of the time. The most fussy time came when I bonked his head after a diaper change. Oops. I won't be posting much, but will be getting some knitting done, on Tara's dime no less. I'm using her yarn and needles, but the end result is for her also. I just need some projects to occupy my time.

I'm off.

Both Sleeves

2008-06-14T09:11:00.001-07:00

Here is the cabled riding jacket with both sleeves attached. (I'm on the phone with Tara, as usual!!)

I do this funny self timer thing where my camera takes 10 pictures at a time and I just rotate getting different shots.

I need someone to photograph me.

But I guess over the years I have mastered the self timer. I used to take pictures of myself in clothes I bought and email them to my mom for her opinion on if I should keep them or not (done while I lived in Alaska).

Diapers

2008-06-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Here Lowan is modeling his BumGenius diaper.

I guess it has been so long since I've posted, I have a lot to say.

Lowan and I spent some time weeding in the backyard. He is such a good little boy!!

I did decide on diapers and we went with the bum genius. And Lowan is on day three of nothing but cloth diapers. So far so good. I am really happy with them and feel so good about the reduced waste I am creating.

This is our little baby Elvis look-a-like. He even has the lip curl down when he is awake.

I had some diaper rash concerns because you can't use diaper rash creams with the cloth diapers, it affects their absorbency. And he has had some rashy times. But it has not seemed to be a problem so far with the cloth. If he gets a rash, I will probably put him in disposables until it heals. The other thing you can do is put a liner in the diaper. That way the cream gets on the liner and not on the diaper.

I don't know what is up, this picture is rotated. But it keeps uploading this way.

We did have one leak yesterday, but I had leaks with disposable every now and then as well. He doesn't leak out overnight (but it seems like he doesn't pee that much overnight either). And we have kept all poop contained. So for anyone who is interested, I would recommend these very much (at least so far). Washing them doesn't really seem to be an issue either, and I'm finding this decision to be very satisfying!

The diapers were not cheap, but I figure they will pay for themselves in about six months. Plus I bought the style that are sizable and will grow with Lowan. So this should be the only set I use until I potty train him. Plus, it is said that cloth diaper babies potty train earlier and easier then disposable diapered babies. That we will not know for quite awhile!

Lowan is hanging out with Kyle. This is a boomerang Kyle bought to hang in his (Lowan's) bedroom.

Jacket nearing completion

2008-06-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

The cabled riding jacket is SO near to completion. All that is left is the collar. This picture does not show both sleeves attached. I need to take some current photos. But probably not today as it will be nearing 100 degrees. And I swear I could wear this in -10 degree weather and be quite warm!!

I keep thinking about working on it, and haven't found it in me to cast on yet. I also finally got the yarn to finish Kyle's brioche hat.

However, my motivation has been low on that as well. Probably because I had Kyle try it on to see if he wants a brim that folds over or not, and in the process a few stitches were dropped. And I can't remember how to pick them up. I can't remember the brioche stitch at all it's been so long since I've worked on this project. But I'll get back to it soon enough.

Here is a little cutie I made awhile ago. This was my first attempt at crocheting in a very long time. I spent some time with my grandma, Moner, and she showed me how to do it again.

I sent this one to Alaska for Aidan, but I think Teagan took it for herself. I need to make another for Lowan. The little guy turned out so cute.

And as you can tell, I had a fun photo shoot with him!!

Home Again

2008-05-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is my Moby Wrap. And I LOVE it. I don't usually (this was the first time) put Lowan in it facing forward. I walked out the front door and did not like it because his neck is not strong enough. So I turned him around. This is so comfortable and great to use. I have used it for walks and through the Bodies Revealed exhibit in Sacramento and at the park. Very nice and fun. I even nursed Lowan in it once (at home) and some times we hang out naked together in it for some quality bonding (it's supposed to be good for breast feeding).

And boy does it feel good to be here. The house was about how I left it. Kyle did not really clean up much, but he also didn't make a big mess.

Lowan in bed with me one morning for a photo shoot.

My cloth diaper order finally came (after being on back order for about two weeks) so I can begin deciding what type of diapers will work best for us. I ordered a few different types but am leaning towards these as our main diaper just from research so far. We'll see how practical tests pan out.

The view from the condo. Lowan and I hung out outside in the morning.

My bottle lids from Medela also showed up. I was irritated when I realized the set I had did not have the solid lids, only the ones the nipples fit in. So the bottle was all leaky when I went to warm it up the other week. I sent the company an email and they shipped them to me the next day. NICE!

Finally a smile caught on camera.

So I feel like I should change the name of my blog since there has been so little knitting as of late. But then, this week, I made some major progress on the second sleeve of the cabled riding jacket. I should be able to wrap it up in the next couple of weeks if I can maintain my current momentum. I went from about 1/6 of the way to 5/6 of the way on the sleeve. That is not counting the sleeve cap, but that should not be too much more. I will finish this sweater THIS year. Maybe even this summer. I kind of have dreams of entering it in our fair this fall. We'll see.

Teaching my grandma (we call her Moner) to use a digital camera. She uses those wasteful, expensive disposable cameras. This will let her take more and get what she wants and pick the pictures she will really enjoy!

In other mommy news, Lowan had his first major, real breakdown today. He cried pretty good at Carls Jr on the way home. I think I did not burp him and he was having some gas issues. And then he was really fussy and cried the hardest and longest and most upsettest ever so far once we were home (just after Kyle got home from work... not the sweetest homecoming). He was really over tired, over cramped from being in the car seat nearly all day. And he had been amazing all week, so it was kind of expected. However, it still nearly broke my heart having to listen to him and have all my attempts at comfort fail. I finally gave him some milacon (however it is spelled) and he went to sleep soon after that with some more love and rocking.

It's all about the Mother's

2008-05-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

And now I am one of them. I am still in a little bit of shock that I am a mother. But so far, so good. I love being a mom and feel so lucky with Lowan and Kyle. My first Mother's Day has been pretty easy so far. My mom made breakfast (I know, she shouldn't have, we all told her so) and then we went to Kyle's grandmother's for lunch. Now we are home and preparing for a week in Southern CA. Just Lowan and I, Kyle is staying home. Me and the kid are going with my mom and her mom to my grandmother's condo in Escondido. I'm excited.

So to all the mommy's... I hope you have a fantastic, happy, fun, enjoyable Mother's Day.

All Shades of Lowan

2008-05-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

Change

2008-05-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

He is changing so fast. It makes me sad and excited at the same time. I love that Lowan is becoming more alert and aware. But where is that tiny newborn who barely opened his eyes and slept ALL the time. The little boy who loved to be wrapped up so tight like a burrito. Now he stretches and I can't believe how long he is. Now he likes to be alone in his crib or on his mat and play and coo to himself. He even got fussy when I picked him up, so back into his crib he went where he was so happy by himself for another half hour. It makes me ache that he is already so happy on his own. What does the future hold??

Knitting and a Bottle

2008-05-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to pull out the cabled riding jacket and get back to work on it today. Kyle is gone camping this weekend so I'll have some free time during Lowan's naps. Not that I don't have free time during the week during nap time, but I've been itching to get some knitting done. I need to finish one sleeve and knit the collar. Then I need to seam everything up.

Sad news on the Tilted Duster front. I finally gave up on being able to wear it and gave it to my sister when she was here a couple of weeks ago. It was a lot of work and a lot of money spent on yarn that I did not want to let go of, but she really liked it and it shrank down to her size. I was sad, but would rather someone where it then it sit in my drawer.

Lowan had his first bottle on Thursday night.

I was prepping him for his first baby-sitting experience with my mom last night. It didn't happen. I was supposed to go out with some friends for her birthday. They called at 10pm as they were heading out and I was to tired to go out so late. I'd sent my mom home at about 9:30. I like to get my night started by 8 so I can be home and in bed my 11pm. So sad. But this is not baby related, I've always been this way.

So I pumped for the first time on Thursday, fascinating stuff!! I was amazed at how this whole pumping thing works, I have a madela electric pump and the thing is efficient. I won't describe the whole pumping process, but it was pretty cool. Then Kyle gave Lowan a bottle Thursday night, we wanted to make sure he'd drink it while I was home as opposed to while I'm gone and he gets very upset at no food. He took it fine, drinking about 2.5 ounces.

Here is his face afterwards, pretty funny.

So anyways, he was never left alone last night. It is fine, I was really sad to have him drink from a bottle. Up to now, he had only been fed directly from and by me. I was happy for Kyle to get to bond with him in that way, but don't know if I was entirely ready for the change. So he probably won't get another bottle for awhile, but it is nice to be moving along that path.

I have a problem.

2008-04-28T10:40:00.001-07:00

Helping pack the bags:

I take too many pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Today Lowan is 4 weeks old and so far this month, I have taken 272 pictures at least. I already deleted some that were no good and there are some in different folders that are not in that count. WOW!! I have a photo problem.

On the train with Daddy.

Now, this is not really a bad thing. And it is really why I LOVE digital so much. I can take all these pictures and it doesn't matter. Just takes up a little (or a lot) disk space. I even have an external drive to move the pictures when they become too many on the computer.

With Grandma.

So this past weekend we took the train to Sacramento to see Kyle's mom. We had a really good time. The train was so enjoyable, it was nice to not have to drive. We were busy and went to Ikea on Friday, Bodies Revealed on Saturday, and got Kintoki on Sunday (shaved ice with sweet red beans and ice cream... Delish!!).

Hanging out on the couch with Mommy.

Our New Toy

2008-04-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

No, it's not the baby. But the Shasta Travel Trailer we just bought.

We're both really excited. I promised more camping trips to Kyle if we got a trailer. I'm not the biggest fan of sleeping on the ground and this will be much more comfortable. I also would say I am pretty apprehensive about camping with a baby, so this solves all our problems.

Here is the outside.

And this is inside towards the front. Full stove and oven, sink that can either work off of a water tank (that currently leaks) or a hose can be attached from the outside. Drawers and shelves.

This is towards the back. There are couches like this on both sides and they pull out towards the middle and make one big bed. Then along the top, hammocks can be hung. They will sleep another two (small) people. Neither Kyle or I will ever sleep up there, but Lowan can when he gets older. For now, he'll just sleep with us. The table is laying on the floor, it can either be set up for use indoors between the couches (about like it is laying) or outside off the side of the trailer.

Lowan is doing really well. He is eating and sleeping much of the time. But the really exciting stuff is his alert, awake times. He smiled at me on Saturday in response to me talking to him. It felt different then his smiles when he is sleeping or just content. I don't know though, it may still be too early for a "real" smile. But it sure felt real.

He is such a joy and makes me very happy. I think we are taking the train to Sacramento to see Kyle's mom this weekend. This also seems like a lot of fun.

Lowan had a busy week last week with my sister in town. We went to the park for the first time. We went to the river to meet with Kyle while he was gold panning. Then this weekend, Kyle and I went to an Earth Day event with Lowan at Intermountain Nursery. Lowan gets around for a little 3 week old.

Birth

2008-04-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

Here is my birth story.

I went into labor on Sunday night right about 11pm and then we left for the hospital near 1am. My main moment of grumpiness through the whole labor occurred right at 11 when Kyle asked what was wrong. I guess I still expected the contractions to go away, but he says he could instantly tell things were different. We got admitted right away and Lowan was born at 7:15am Monday, March, 31st. He was a very healthy 8 pounds and 21 inches long.

When I was admitted, they check my dilation and I was 3.5 cm. The contractions were about 3 to 3 1/2 minutes apart. This was at about 2am I guess. I had gotten sick at home and thrown up a few times before getting to the hospital (I knew when I ate pizza for dinner earlier that evening it was a bad idea). Labor went surprisingly fast because the next time they checked me at about 4 or 4:30 am, I was 8 to 9 cm. WOW, we were all shocked. I was expecting to be about 4 to 6 at the most. My water broke (and there was no mistaking it this time!!) and my whole body was convulsing or contracting during the contractions. This happened about 6 to 10 times, were pretty sure that was my transition period.

The nurse came back in and checked me again, this must have been about 5am. She did not say anything, but went to the nurse call button and called for my midwife to come right away. At this point it crossed my mind that I may be fully dilated, but they weren't telling me. However, I had a lot of other things on my mind, or really only one all encompassing thing on my mind.

So I was ready to begin pushing, but had to wait. Kyle was phenomenal, he kept me focused and breathing through everything. I couldn't have done this without his help and focus, it was amazing. For someone who thought they did not want to be in the labor room with me when we first found out I was pregnant, he did so well, he could almost be a doula (ha-ha). He would not think so, and I'm sure it was our connection that made it possible for us to link and work through the contractions so well. He had me doing the funny breathing to keep me from pushing, which was very hard. The urge to push was very strong and hard to control.

Finally the midwife arrived and told me I could start pushing. I was kind of in shock, I did not think it would happen so fast. Then the nurse confirmed that I had been ready for the past half hour while we waited for the midwife. The delivery was a little hard, mostly because Lowan was face up, or sunny-side-up, as my midwife said. So it took one and three quarter hours of pushing for our little guy to make his appearance. I definitely had some moments of utter exhaustion and feared being able to keep pushing. It's funny, I did not really pay any attention to the clock during labor, but during pushing, I kept looking at the time. I kept thinking I should be done by now, why is this taking so long. We did not know Lowan was face up. My mom was able to see everything she wanted to see (she was helping hold a leg for me) and Kyle was able to avoid seeing everything he did not want to see. He stayed behind me and for every single push, he counted for me. It was the only thing I focused on during the push and was also the most helpful. He said afterwards, he did not know if it was good or bad, but just kept doing it. I am happy he did, because I may not have told him to keep going had he stopped. The pressure got really great as Lowan's head was very near and finally, out he came. In one push, his head and then body. It was pretty amazing and I'd say the pain was not near as bad as it could have been. I think I've suffered more with the aches and pains of recovery more than the labor and delivery.

They put him up on my chest and began wiping him clean. He was the most beautiful baby I'd ever seen and I swelled with love. So did Kyle!

I was able to follow my birthing plan and did not have any unnecessary medical interventions, so I was really excited. My sister is describing Lowan as organic, which both Kyle and I think is very cute and appropriate for us!

Things got a little scary for us right after Lowan arrived because his color was off and he was grunting. They said he was in respiratory distress and took him over to the baby table to put him on oxygen. Kyle stayed with him as much as possible, even going with him into the nursery when they still couldn't get his breathing under control. I was really stressed out, but the nursing staff was very helpful and kept informing us that this transition phase can happen this way and he seemed fine otherwise, this was being done as a precaution. The pediatrician ordered a couple of chest x-rays which showed a partial collapsed lung, but was greatly improved by the second x-ray. We got to go into the nursery around 9:30 when I was being moved from Labor & Delivery to Postpartum for a few minutes. He was looking really good and the nurse said as soon as they got the lab results back and if things looked good (which they expected they would) we would be getting him very soon. I was getting really anxious and wanted to have him in my arms. This whole part of my experience is very hazy, I don't know all the details because I think I was pretty out of it after the birth. Kyle probably knows better what exactly happened, but I just care that he is great now.

After another couple of hours, he was brought to us in Postpartum, healthy and fantastic. They said he was doing much better and seemed to have no problems. We were very relieved. It was a very long four hours for me and I don't want him away from me for a minute now. Well, unless he's sleeping safely in his crib while I get my zzz's in my bed.

So we got home on Tuesday at about 2pm and Kyle's helped keep me fed and reminded me to take naps or at least lay down and rest as much as possible. He has been the biggest help and was the most amazing labor partner I could have ever hoped for.

I don't think I could have had this baby without Kyle's presence, I'm glad he decided he could be with me in the delivery room!

40 Weeks.

2008-04-09T17:19:00.000-07:00

I have lots to say, but don't really have the desire to sit and say it yet. My need to get things back in order around the house, nap when the baby is napping, and love and cuddle Lowan when he isn't are much stronger than my desire to blog at the moment.

And then things are going to get even more crazy. My grandma and aunt are arriving tomorrow, my uncle and his wife are arriving Saturday, and my sister and her whole brood are getting here Sunday.

So... it will be awhile. But I finished putting together my belly progression sequence.

(It is not working right now... will try to get the photo up soon. Instead here is Lowan)

I got really big at the end, and now... not so big. It is really weird and surreal to no longer be pregnant and to have Lowan here with us. He is a great baby that has made me the happiest mom in the world!!

Lowan's Here

2008-04-02T18:14:00.000-07:00

The baby is here. And he is fantastic. I am just going to post a few pics of our little man Lowan Thomas. He was born Monday morning at 7:15am. 8 pounds, 21 inches.

Home from the hospital.

2008-03-28T17:30:00.000-07:00

EDITED TO ADD: You know you aren't in labor when you look as happy I we do in these pictures taken from my day in the hospital. In the morning on Friday, when the nurse checked on me, Kyle said "She's still smiling". He thought this was a good thing. The nurse however did not, she said it meant things weren't progressing and I was not really in labor. Which we already knew, but it was funny and I wanted to share the pics. I know I did not look like this when I was REALLY having contractions!

But no birth!

So it's been a long day and a half, but we are back home and Lowan has not been born yet. I thought my water broke yesterday morning and Kyle and I headed to the hospital at about 10:30 for a labor check.

Apparently I was not the only one confused about whether or not my water broke, as the hospital staff went back and forth yesterday if it had or not. The test was negative, but they thought it had as well. I just did not have the gush that some people have mentioned I could have expected. So they did an ultrasound to measure how much amniotic fluid was inside, it had gone from a measure of 16 a month a go to 7 yesterday. So at that point they figured even with negative tests, it must have broken. So I was admitted and they planned to induce with pitocin to speed things along because of the risk of infection after the bag of waters breaks.

I was moved to a labor and delivery room and began discussing options with the nurse and decided I'd like to wait on the pitocin to see if things started moving along on their own. My contractions, while weak, had progressed from 10 minutes apart when we arrived, to about 5-6 minutes apart once I was admitted (3 hours later). My midwife said that was fine and to re-evaluate me at 6pm and if no progress had been made, then to start induction. She went off call and the Dr. at my office was on call.

We discussed the difference of completing the break in my bag of waters versus taking pitocin with the nurse and so she called the Dr. to see what he wanted to do. At that point he said he was not sure my water had broken because that amount of change in amniotic fluid can happen. He said he thought we should do nothing all night and see if I made any progress over the next 12 hours and if I was not leaking and there were no changes, I could potentially go home. It would be between me and the midwife at that point.

She called in to check on me at 6am and still wanted to induce even though it still appeared that my water had not broken and my labor had slowed down quite a bit, I was only contracting once every 15 to 30 minutes and they were still very mild. Kyle and I talked about it and wanted to see if there was a more definitive way of finding out if my water had broken before we decided to proceed with induction. We really wanted to have as natural of a birth as possible. So once my midwife arrived, she did a different test and we had another ultrasound to check my amniotic fluid levels. At this point the new test still did not show amniotic fluid and the ultrasound showed the measurement up to 11 now. I guess these fluctuations are pretty normal.

So after a really long night of very little sleep and a lot of discomfort and no food (for me at least) we got released this morning at about 10:30. The first thing we did was go out to breakfast, I was starving. I think this is the first time I've gone 24 hours without eating solid food. Jello just doesn't cut it for very long!! Then we came home and took a nap.

I'm still having mild contractions that are pretty irregular and am at a solid 3 centimeters dilated, but still just 70% effaced. At this point, I'm happy to be home to let my labor progress on its own schedule to see if this baby wants to arrive in his own time. I still have a little less than a week until my due date and then another week until my midwife feels induction is necessary. So, while I would have liked to come home with a baby in my arms instead of still inside of me, I also feel very strongly about trying to have him in as natural a way as possible. I feel like my body just wasn't ready and while induction would have brought him along, I believe in the natural process of childbirth and would like to try my hardest to have the ideal birthing experience I can. After all, this may be the only child we have.

I've had pretty strong feelings about how I'd like to labor but they have kind of been made worse by my very recent watching of the movie The Business of Being Born which I'm pretty sure I first heard about over at Amy's blog. It was a really good movie (kind of distressing for a women who is 39 weeks pregnant) about the decline in the quality of natural childbirth in hospitals. So I really did not want to fall prey to the insistence of nurses and doctors that I had to be induced when it was not medically necessary. That was the thing my birthing class coach kept saying, just keep asking "Why is this medically necessary?" if you are uncomfortable with anything they want to do.

And the other experience that I kept having was they give you options that really sound like something you have to do. Like when they said, "we are starting pitocin because you need it" it doesn't really feel like I have a choice. But we got a fantastic nurse who made sure to talk to us a little more about benefits and negatives with choices instead of insisting what we needed to do.

So I'm still trying to keep an open mind because I don't want to me so rigid that I'm upset if things don't go the way I plan. I can't control everything, but I'm glad I controlled this situation the best I could.

So here's to laboring on my own!!

Getting Closer.

2008-03-26T19:13:00.002-07:00

I had another appointment today and am now almost 3 centimeters dilated. My midwife did not mention effacement, so I am assuming I am at or near 100%. She was willing to bet I would not make it another week, but she was pretty confident last week also. I am having contractions right now, but they are weak and inconsistent which has been pretty standard over the last week. I mostly feel crampy, I don't know how that translates into actual labor. So it's just a waiting game right now and we'll see.

2008-03-26T19:13:00.001-07:00

Not Yet.

2008-03-23T18:39:00.001-07:00

We're still waiting. Things have been busy. I felt sick most of Thursday, all day yesterday and off and on today. I feel faint a lot of the time. I have barely there contractions all the time. But nothing real so far. No real labor to speak of. It's not so bad because I keep telling myself I'll be 4 centimeters and 100% effaced at my appointment on Wed. and then labor can really kick in. I'm just getting the beginning work done with ease before the hard labor begins.

So I'll post again soon, maybe after the baby arrives or maybe before. We'll see how I feel.

Not long now.

2008-03-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

I had a Dr. Appt yesterday and am currently 2cm dilated and 70% effaced. I had quite a few contractions and even thought they were moving along rather nicely. They went from painless to mild discomfort. They even seemed to be getting closer but not very regular. The contractions eased up as I relaxed a little more and went back to painless and sporadic. I felt a little flu-ish this morning, which is also a good sign of progression.

My midwife is pretty optimistic as well. She said I needed to make my next appointment (for next Wed) but might not make it till then and maybe she'd see me this weekend to have a baby. I'm excited, but don't want to get too hopeful. After all it is possible that I stay this way for awhile.

So who knows, maybe a baby will be here within the next few days.

Big Ol' Belly

2008-03-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

Here I am at 37 weeks. I am getting more and more uncomfortable. I can no longer lay on my left side because it hurts all the time. My back hurts less, but my front hurts more. I have been getting more stretch marks, even a few on my lower back... what is that all about? But I am so close I can't even believe it!!

I had a Dr. appt today and it was uneventful as usual. She was really good about answering all the questions I had after taking a marathon birthing class over this past weekend. The thing she stressed the most... don't be a control freak about birthing. She told me to not go to the hospital with a long list of things I don't want done or don't want to happen, just in case they do. It's good advice, about the same thing Tara told me. Go with the flow! So that is what I am trying to do.

I've been trying not to complain too much, but Tara is getting sick of me. She said every time she calls me I am in a grumpy mood and groaning a lot. I still feel pretty good for the most part and will definitely miss being pregnant once the baby comes. But I am so excited for the little guy!

Still no crafting, but I've been slowly working at getting the baby's room ready. It is so close. I just need to get the dresser/changing table thing from my parents house and into my house. It is some old piece of furniture that is kind of like a cabinet, but it will be our dresser changing table.

Maybe soon I'll have something crafty to post.

Can you feel the love??

2008-03-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

I sure can.

Everyone has been nothing short of extremely generous!! I can't believe how lucky we have been with this pregnancy. RheLynn sent me the cutest baby gift... a stuffed horse and rabbit plus two little blanket/burp cloths.

So cute, the little stuffed animals are so sweet and I can't wait until the baby shows an interest.

Then there has been the unbelievable amount of things people have been so generous to hand down to us. I finally spent a little time sorting by size. This laundry basket is full (OVERFLOWING!!) of everything that has been given to us from others that is sized up to 3 months. I don't think our little man will have to wear the same thing twice. I only hope there is someone I can pass it onto when he outgrows everything. There is so much cute stuff.

And here are the few new pieces. I am so happy to be clothing our baby in nearly all hand me downs. I think these clothes are not worn long enough before little ones outgrow them. And it makes me happy to be avoiding the unnecessary purchases when there is already so much out there.

I did feel the need to buy one outfit (I think it is the only item of clothing I've personally bought so far) that the baby will come home in from the hospital. I thought he should have his own new special bought by Mommy outfit. It is the stripped jumper. So cute!!

Good Food

2008-03-05T07:10:00.001-08:00

A little while ago Tara posted about comfort foods. Something she felt inspired to do by Amy over at My Merry Way. I felt compelled to do the same but never felt up to it.

Until now...

I am kind of weird about food. I think I may have even talked of this before. If I really like something the first time I have it, that is the way I think it should always be. Then I don't really like too many alterations. There are foods made be specific people in my life and I don't want the recipe repeated by anyone else.

My mom make lasagna that can't be beat. I try all the time, it is never the same. Part of the special- ness of her lasagna is the sauce. It doesn't really happen anymore, but when all three of us kids were living at home and older (like high school age) she would make sauce and each family member would wander through the kitchen and taste the sauce. Everyone had an opinion and added more of something to the pot. More oregano, more basil, more garlic (usually my vote), maybe some hot sauce, or a little salt. After the sauce had simmered for awhile, the entire family had been involved, usually more than once. This is probably why my mom doesn't have a recipe to give, and I can't recreate the sauce. I also loved to eat the shredded cheese that lay on the cutting board waiting for the layering. But this drove my mom crazy... because as anyone who has grated mozzarella knows, it is not the easiest, being a soft cheese. So I try to avoid pissing off the chef and would take slices and then dip them in the hot sauce bubbling away on the stove. I even had a friend who liked to make lasagna sandwiches, which are so good also. She was big on pasta sandwiches (spaghetti, lasagna, penne, whatever she had between two slices of garlic bread). So I often describe this as my favorite food.

But while living in Alaska... something new. Something GREAT. Something really so basic and not so special but that I love so much, I make Tara make it for me (I could do this one myself, but for some reason, it needs to be done by Tara) every time I'm up there. Cornflake Chicken. She found the recipe in a Weight Watchers cookbook. I don't think we use any of the low fat items it calls for and we use all the full fat versions (like mayonnaise). It is such a basic recipe, but I love the juicy chicken and the crunchy cornflakes. She usually makes a tasty veggie to go with. And it is a recipe that her whole family enjoys. Which can be particularly hard with her picky husband and step-son.

I am getting hungry!! Oh, so is my dog, here she comes to try to get me to feed her. Well, I've probably bored enough with only two of my favorite dishes. What of Moner's macaroni and cheese, or Kyle's fried rice, or dessert, or breakfast. Alright, off to eat something.

For being a food lover, I have to say, I had a hard time spelling a lot food words. Spell check left me with big yellow slashes all over this post.

(Above is a picture completely unrelated to food. Kokanee LOVES to sit on our lap. So much so that getting on the floor for any reason usually entails her right up in our faces. Here she is getting brushed by Kyle and loving the attention.)

As the belly grows...

2008-03-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Here I am from last Tuesday. About 35 weeks.

I can't believe how big I feel. I have been having terrible back pain lately that has made life hard. I'm sure it is pregnancy related, but I get this kind of back pain at other times as well. It is just harder with the big ol' belly hanging out there in front of me. Kyle and I were just talking about how we really should get prepared for the trip to the hospital and I was talking about when I should start my maternity leave (in two or three weeks?? - I could technically start this week) and he said it was too soon for him and to slow down. It's coming whether we are ready or not!! That's not to say that we aren't also excited, but terrified is up there as well.

I scheduled my Christmas massage for this Friday morning. And then we have a super intensive baby class weekend. Friday evening, all day Saturday, most of Sunday and again on Monday evening. WOW!! I would have preferred the six week class, but when I scheduled it, we did not know that Kyle would not be traveling for work. Oh well, I just hope it is informative.

Still not much crafting going on. I am jealous of RheLynn and her 365 days of crafts. Sounds like fun. I just don't have the motivation to do much else than lay around.

All right, I must go get ready for work.

Almost Better

2008-02-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

But still feeling lazy. I've got this nagging cough left behind from being sick but am feeling almost 100%. I only have five weeks left in the pregnancy and can't believe there will be a little baby here so soon. Kyle is very excited (so am I, but he is so cute about it).

Here are Kyle and I at the baby shower. He stopped by towards the end after spending the day gold panning. I barely got to enjoy my cake. I've had a few pieces since the shower, but was still sick that I could not taste it entirely. I think I need to get another cake to enjoy now that I'm feeling better.

I have not done hardly anything crafty, which has me a little sad. I've been busy with work and doctor appointments. My doctors office is far away, probably 20 miles or so. And the appointments have been a little longer than they were in the past. Today I had to go get a third ultrasound to make sure the baby is on track size wise because I haven't gained a whole lot of weight. The technician said everything looked fine. But the appointment took me three hours with driving time, waiting time, and an hour of ultrasound time. That is just ridiculous. What a waste of a good part of a day. And Wednesdays are always harder because I work both morning and then back in for a few hours in the evening. So I like to get some time at home in between, but not much today.

So here is the hat I knit for the baby. The one that turned out to be a little too big. It has a Charlie Brown type zig zag stripe as requested by Kyle. I started a sweater also, but don't know how excited I am about the pattern. Mostly because I need to mix up the colors (I don't have enough of the brown (same yarn as hat)) and am having a really hard time thinking of ways to mix in the second color with the set up of the pattern.

I feel like YUCK!

2008-02-19T16:43:00.001-08:00

It was supposed to be a good weekend. The baby shower was on Saturday. But Thursday night, I knew I was getting sick. I could feel it. Kyle said to pretend it was not coming on and maybe it would not happen. But I know my body pretty well. So I took it easy on Friday (which is pretty easy since I don't work on Friday's).

Saturday morning I went to help my mom prep food for the shower. But I was no help at all, I could barely stand up for more than 10 or 15 minutes before I felt weak.

On to the shower, I felt better for a while. Stayed on my butt as much as possible, which is easy to do since I'm pregnant. But by the time it was over I was ready to go. I had to wait around while clean up took place because I did not drive there. So I was home by about 5pm and into pajamas within minutes. Straight into bed. There I stayed for the rest of the... um... three days. Okay not really, but I've mostly been in bed or on the couch since Saturday night until now. I did have to go into work this morning for about an hour this morning for something that had to be done today. I have been feeling better today... mostly just a hacking cough and head congestion. At least the chills, sweats, and fever have gone away. Kyle bought me some cough syrup for me to take last night so we could hopefully both get a decent night of sleep. He was concerned because today was his first day back at work. He just called and said he is pretty sure he is getting sick. Poor guy, he just started back and he already hates to take time off. But if he feels even 1/2 as bad as I did, there is no way he can go to work.

So enough about being sick... it is really not that interesting anyways.

My friends and family were all so very generous for the baby shower. We got all sorts of things we needed. A stroller, a car seat, bedding, towels, washcloths, diapers, a bouncy seat. All sorts of things, I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot of it. Unfortunately I barley remember what everything is after opening it and then taking to bed. I haven't really had a chance to look back over what we got. All I know is I am one lucky mama with one very lucky little baby on the way.

I'll probably be back to work tomorrow, but don't know how long I'll last. I'll try to add some pictures later. I don't have the energy now.

Things can change on a dime...

2008-02-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

Last time things were not going well, and then everything changed again.

I was told my car was not going to be covered under the warranty so I picked up my dad, we called an independent mechanic and stormed into Toyota to find out what the issue was. About an hour later they called back to say that it now would be covered. I think they may deny as many claims as they think they can get away with and see how many people just take the first answer. I was mad, they claimed I over revved my engine and this is what broke it. So anyways, I should have my car back tomorrow.

Then Kyle was offered a job today. It is with the same company, they are just reorganizing... maybe under a different name. I'm not really too sure, but he will be managing the company. He is excited and will probably be getting back to work in a couple of weeks. I guess he just got an extended vacation at half pay. The nice thing is they already told him there would be no lapse in our health insurance. Very good to know, since this is probably what had me most concerned!!

All is looking well. Including the brioche hat I am knitting for Kyle. I had lots of issues getting this bugger cast on. But finally moved forward, as some people on Raverly said that the cast on looked funny until they worked a few rows. I did drop a stitch and had no idea how to pick it up in Brioche cast on pattern so there is a funky spot where it looks like there is no black row between the green rows. Or like two green rows grow from one stitch. Anyways, I had Kyle inspect the mistake to make sure he would still wear the hat. He said it was fine. I even had him try on the half inch I've knit so far. I really like working brioche stitch, but it is slow. Essentially you knit every row (or in this case, round) two times. So it takes twice as long to make, what I would consider, normal progress. Plus the yarn overs and knitting/purling two together slow things down. But no complaining, I like the look. There was also lots of issues with the decrease rounds, so we'll see how that goes for me when I get there. It won't be for another 8.5 inches, so maybe next year sometime!

Here is the brioche scarf that I also began. FAster then the hat since it is only one color. But I don't think I like the yarn for this. I'm still pondering!

You know the saying...

2008-02-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

When it rains, It pours.

Wow - Is that going on for us right now.

Kyle was laid off from work a few weeks ago (the company is closing). He was the main bread winner and was pretty much supporting the family. My contribution was minimal. I worked little while going to school and did not really intend to work more through the end of the pregnancy and first months of the baby's life. He will get unemployment at about half what he made before. The biggest concern for me is the loss of both of our health insurance. We should be able to get Cobra to cover things at least through the birth. We may re-evaluate what coverage we need after that.

Then last night my car would not start. We had been doing pretty good, living really tight. Eating what's in the house. Avoiding eating out. Not buying things we don't need (not really buying anything at all). Then this car problem. Today Kyle had it towed to the car dealership because my car is still under the extended warranty. The frustrating part is they do a diagnosis that you have to pay for unless they determine the problem is under warranty. I spoke with someone this afternoon and they think the engine may need to be replaced.... WHA'??? The car is less then 5 years old and hasn't had a single problem up to know. So if it is deemed to be a warranty problem, We'll be fine. If not, I am on the hook for about $450 just to find out what the diagnosis determines. What craziness. All I can say is, I'm glad I went for the extended warranty. I kind of regretted it after I did it, but can't say that I feel that way now. I should know more tomorrow afternoon.

Finally (small in comparison to the other issues) is the Tilted Duster. I don't know what I was thinking, but I kind of accidentally felted it. All that time, all that (expensive) yarn, all that work. And I toss it in the washing machine thinking that I never hand wash things and they turn out fine. It has shrunk considerably. The most concerning part is the sleeves. They are pretty short and snug. The body fits okay. Not loose and flowie like before, but wearable. I have been tugging on the sleeves quite a bit and need to wear it around the house to see if I can stretch it to a more appealing size. Pictures to come soon.

Here is an old picture of me knitting at our old apartment with the cat. Very cozy!

On other knitting news... I tried to start the brioche hat in the round from Weekend Knitting. This is hands down the longest I've worked on a project and have NOTHING to show for it. I spend at least one to two hours trying to cast on. The problem, it is in the round and it is cast on with two colors at once. I can't remember all the details, but I could not get anywhere with it. I think the problem is my needle was too long to combine in the round. And I could not get anywhere with DPN's. My next option is to try casting on with a really long circ needle and use the magic loop method.

Have you been to Ravelry?? I am in love. I could really get into it. Know that if you sign up, it may take a little while, but now too long to get your invite. I love the organization of it all. But what is the best is to see what other people are doing with the same project. I looked up the above hat and checked what other yarns people had used, and someone had subbed the Brown Sheep for some Karabella Aurora, what I wanted to do. It was nice to see how the sub worked out. Plus a lot of other people had issues with the cast on. Made me feel a little better.

All right, I'm off. I feel inspired to try tackling the hat again. Maybe with some better results!

4D Ultrasound

2008-01-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today was our 4D Ultrasound. We got lots of pictures... Here are a few:

His nose is right in the center of the picture. His hand is by his chin. The darkish spot in the upper left corner is his eye.

Similar to the first picture, but his hand is close to his mouth.

Here he is frowning, this was taken after the ultrasound technician poked my belly a whole lot to try to get the baby to lower his hands from his face. (This is our third ultrasound and he has had his hands in front of his face every time). He made some very definite faces after she jiggled my belly.

This is him getting his hand in his mouth. He was working at trying to get the thumb in for nearly the whole ultrasound. We have a future thumb sucker.

Finally there is a picture of his hand. His face is in the background, you can see his mouth right behind his pointer finger and his eye is toward the corner. His hand is covering his nose. His thumb is sticking out like he is hitch hiking. Maybe looking for a ride out of me.

It was a good experience and I'm happy we got the pictures. I really appreciate that someone thought to get this for me as a Christmas gift.

Complete...

2008-01-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

Well... Sort of!

I mean, it looks done. But I still have the two inside buttons to sew on and the hook and eye closure that others have found a helpful addition. Plus it still needs a good ol' blocking. But it looks great. I looked at hundreds of buttons today. It was funny, there were lots that I liked and then my mom pulled this button off the shelf and as soon as I saw it I knew it was "the" button. My mom made a comment about how I know what I like when I see it since I'd been hemming and hawing over about 10 other choices before this one.

What I like about the button:

its pretty pewter like color
the cool color dot center
its organic shape (the two buttons are different shapes)
the way it looks a little old

I am very, very happy with my choice.

Now I have some ugly (basic) black plastic buttons for the inside and the hook. YEAH!

I think the cat just tried to get in the baby swing. I am worried about her taking over baby items before the baby arrives. She won't like it if she gets kicked out of something she think belongs to her.

I will finish.

2008-01-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

My plan is to finish the Tilted Duster today. I know that was my plan last weekend, but that sleeve took it all out of me. I really want to start a new project, but will not. I will finish the sleeve. So little to do, why would I want to start something new right now.

It is a good day too, Kyle is out of town all day. He is up at Sierra Summit (local ski place... is there a better name I should use to describe it) to play a show. This is the first show he has done it a LONG time. I don't think the band is getting back together for good, just for a couple of little weekend gigs to make some extra money.

So off I go for now... I am going to get busy with the seaming RIGHT NOW.

Hopefully pictures to follow this evening. I will have to make a trip to the store for buttons. I find choosing buttons really hard. It's funny because on a store bought sweater they mean next to nothing. But for some reason putting buttons on a hand knit sweater takes much more thought. Maybe my LYS has buttons. Or it will just be JoAnn's.

How long it is.

2008-01-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

I have been working hard on this sleeve for what seems like hours. And now it is complete. One sleeve attached. Will I get the other on today?? I would like to, but don't know. It took so long. My yarn kept breaking which was really frustrating. The yarn would get weaker as I pulled it through the stitches over and over again creating the seam. I don't know if this is normal or not, but it is not a problem I've encountered before. Looking at the sweater in these pictures makes me think it may be a little too long. The back seems very long. I need to get the other sleeve on and some buttons (for the photo shoot, I used a safety pin).

The sweater is nice, not too itchy. At least not in the 5-10 minutes it was on my body. I hope it looks a little better after some blocking. Get rid of the curl on the bottom and even up some of the shaping. But so far I am pleased.

How Cute He Is!!

2008-01-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

I only hope my little guy is this cute:

This may be the cutest picture to date of Aidan, my sisters 5 month old son. He is loud too, when ever we talk on the phone he squeals and coos and screams in the background.

I just had to share the cuteness!

Teagan is also very cute. I've only taken 10,000 pictures of her since birth. I just don't want to leave my love for her out.

More Dust

2008-01-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

The tilted duster is all I can think about right now. I actually wished it was done this morning because I wanted to wear it. I needed a dark (black or grey family) cardigan and it needed to be long. I need long cardigans now for all of my longer pregnancy shirts. I am not much fond of the shirt that hangs out from under the normal length cardi.

So back to the sweater, I've finished the second sleeve. And thankfully it is the same length as number one. I wanted to sew them on last night, but thought the collar might be easier to knit without the added bulk of the sleeves. So I began the collar. Back to the tedious ribbing. I accidentally picked up and knit a few (30) too many stitches. So instead of doing it all over again, I just decreased in my first row by that number. It looks fine, I don't think anyone would even be able to tell. I decreased where I wasn't supposed to have picked them up in the first place. I felt the pattern was not descriptive enough about how many sts to pick up for each section of the sweater. No matter, it's fine. So I've completed about 3 to 3 1/2 inches of the 5 I need. This sweater will be done by the weekend, then a quick block, and I'll be wearing it!!

On a pregnancy note, I had my glucose test today. Yuck. That stuff doesn't taste good. I hate drinking overly sweat things, I am kind of picky. I don't like most soda's, Gatorade's, or flavored stuff. I like water and 100% juice. So I knew I would struggle. But it could have been worse. I guess mostly it was the not eating that was harder.

The Tilted Duster is Flying

2008-01-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

Off the needles that is. I am done with one sleeve and just about to begin the sleeve cap on sleeve number two. Then I have to stitch them up and attach. This has me pretty scared as it will be my first time. I have the first sleeve safety pinned on and it looks good. I might have liked a little extra length. I actually knit an extra inch but think maybe two or three would be better. It will be fine, just not super long which is how I kind of like my sweaters.

Excuse my belly, it hangs out of so many shirts. When I'm just relaxing at home, all I wear is sweatpants and I can't believe how often my belly makes appearances.

On the baby front - the room is getting ready. My mom began painting it in the middle of November. She finally got back to it over the past couple of weekends. It looks fantastic, I am so excited. Then my mom could not resist herself and bought the bedding set for the crib. I have not opened it yet, she would like the honors and be able to make the bed. After all she is doing all the work.

We are going for an Australian theme in the baby's room. Kyle is a big lover of Australia due to his didgeridoo playing. We are going to hang the didg's on the wall and the bedding set is "Down Under" with kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles. SO CUTE! Wow - I had no idea how to spell koala, sad. So it is kind of a jungle theme, but I am really working with things I already had, like the leaf lamp in the corner. I am so excited and looking forward to the arrival. I hope to have the room done by the beginning of March. That will be early enough that I won't be left doing a bunch of stuff right at the end of my pregnancy, but still gives us time to get stuff done without being over prepared.

Felting Going On

2008-01-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

I've been busy felting today. At least my washing machine has been busy. I finished Kyle slippers and sent my slippers and Kyle's finger-less gloves through another cycle. The had both stretched out a little bit. My slippers are perfect, Kyle's gloves may have gone a little too far. The fit me now. They were really large before. Hopefully they will stretch a little to accommodate his big hands. He was pretty upset, but said he is not too worried. Good thing he is so laid back!!

And here is the quickie-cutie-Umbilical Hat from Stitch N Bitch. I will hopefully see the recipient this Sunday and can give it to him then. Tara has requested one for Aidan, I want to see how it fits before I make one for him since he is a little older and I would like it to fit his big head. But seeing as the recipient (Collin) is a big baby, my concerns may not be founded. Collin was born at 9 lbs 2 ounces. I hope to not have such a large baby, but health is the number one concern.

Also note Teagan and Aidan in the framed photo with the hat. This was my Christmas present from Tara. They are the two cutest kids (until mine gets here).

I have been trying to make room on my computer because I got a video camera for Christmas and want to load the videos. I have an external hard drive I rarely move files to. But began cleaning my photo folders out and have moved all my 2006 and 2007 photos. It is sad... I deleted about 2,500 pictures, mostly that were just no good, out of focus, or duplicate. But I am still left with an amazing 5,500 pictures. How is it even possible to take so many. This is from July '06 to Dec '07. That means I average about 300 pictures a month. It doesn't even include any of my knitting or sewing pictures because they go into a different file. WOW!!

I'm not alone.

2008-01-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

I've noticed I'm not the only one who has been busy through the holidays with a reduction in posting. But I'm back. School's over, Holidays done, camera working.

That's right, the camera is fine. I poked at it, I pulled at the lens, I pushed the lens. It kept not working. I put it aside and was sad all day. Then late that night, I thought hmmmmm, its behavior is oddly like our old camera (now Kyle's camera) when the batteries are low. It did not occur to me that the batteries could be low because previously the camera just stopped working all together, but this time it kept doing stuff. So the next day I charged my batteries and lo and behold, it worked. Thankfully after all my fix-it attempts. I least I did not try anything drastic.

Tilted Duster is coming along. I finished the skirt portion and started a sleeve yesterday. The sleeve is flying after that huge skirt. By the end of the skit it was 270 sts (the math was just done in Kyle's head so it may or may not be right, but he is usually quite the adding machine!!). So it took forever for a single row. I think I was taking at least 15 minutes per row. Now I am flying through close to 12 rows of the sleeve. It is faster because I am not mixing it up with ribbing. I've decided ribbing adds the time equivalent of one stitch for every change from knit to purl and vice versa. I long to knit continental style where I don't have to take so much time to make the change. But I don't have the commitment to change from holding the yarn in my right hand.

I am smelling the delicious (hopefully) pear bread I just made while it is baking. It smells mouth wateringly yummy! I had lots of pears and needed to do something with them. So I can't wait!! I'll post the results tomorrow.

Here my belly is at week 27. I'm now in the third trimester. I've been taking my picture here every week consistently from week 18 on. I did miss a couple of weeks but I also took a few weeks before week 18 also. My goal was to get them all, but I just did not make it. Hopefully I won't miss any more. This little guy moves a lot. The movements have grown much stronger and feel weirder, mostly when he is flipping around. I can also tell he is getting a lot bigger by felling stuff on both sides of my stomach at the same time. Did I already say this. I can't remember, but he was doing that just this afternoon so it is fresh in my mind.

I guess I should post a picture of the quickie cap, but I haven't taken a picture yet. Soon.

Alright, I'm off to knit more of this sleeve!!

Happy New Year.

Quickie Complete

2007-12-22T19:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I finished that cute little hat up yesterday. All said, it probably took me less than two hours. Now I have been requested to make one for Aidan and then Teagan by Tara. Plus, I'd really like to make one for my baby. Good thing it was quick.

On to my sad news... I was preparing to take a picture of the hat this afternoon when I think I broke my camera. This is devastating news for me. I LOVE that camera. A LOT!! I think I was near tears. The lens won't come out, it is making all kinds of weird motor noises and comes out about an eighth of an inch and then doesn't want to go back in. It won't go into "play" mode either. I am very worried, I don't know what the likely hood of getting it fixed is. Or will I have to buy a new one. I told Kyle it is because I was drooling over the big fancy schmancy cameras that people had at my work X-mas party last night. One was the canon EOS fancy thing and the other was this huge nikon. They were both so big and attractive. Anyways, I can't afford that kind of an upgrade. I can't really afford to replace the one I already have. We'll see what can be done.

So because of this, there will be no picture. I won't even post an old one, instead I'll just mourn the loss (hopefully not permanent) of my pretty camera.

Quickie

2007-12-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

I know I should be working on the Tilted Duster. Or the slippers. Or at least the Cabled Riding Jacket. But no, I cast on for a new quickie project today.

I am making the Umbilical Cord Hat from the first Stitch 'n Bitch. It is for a friend who is having her baby on the 27th (planned c-section). So I want to knock it out real quick before baby arrives. It is coming along really cute, I am making it out of Main Line from Knitpicks.com in Cocoa and Butter Pecan, mmmmm sounds like a cookie.

So I put in this cute little stripe business near the bottom edge of the hat. It was the only color accent I was going to add. But the more I think about it, I think it might be cute to have the same pattern sequence on the I-cord top of the hat. However, that part will be tied off in a little knot. So I'm not sure if it would be so cute. Opinions?

On another subject, I think I need to knit this. My nose if FREEZING!! I just turned on the heater, but I prefer not to run if it I don't have to. But my nose gets so cold I can't stand it. The dog curls up in her bed and buries her nose. Here is a funny picture of the cat covering her nose.

However the picture is a lie. Trout is not covering her nose because it is cold, instead she is covering it because it smells really bad. When we refinished the floor in the bedroom, Trout could not stand the smell so she tucked her nose under her tail. Funny stuff, she spent the whole day like this. It was March, so it may have been chilly, so maybe she was doing this for two reasons.

Final

2007-12-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

Two finals done and one left to take tonight at 8pm.

Only 20 (maybe 1 or 2 less) rows left on the skirt of the Tilted Duster.

Nesting has begun, I have been trying to clean things out and get rid of them. I went through my yarn stash and am getting rid of tons of stuff (mostly junk). I think some friends and I are going to start a knitting group so I am going to offer it to them first and what is left, I will see if anyone online is interested in obtaining. I really want to focus on getting yarn for something specific and then making that something instead of wasting my money of one or two skeins of something that while nice or even fantastic, I have no real use for!

I can't wait to throw out the semesters worth of junk also... but for that I like to wait for my grades to be posted. I don't want to have to fight over a score on a paper I no longer have a copy of. Then my time will free up considerably and I can really begin preparing for this little baby's arrival. He is busy all the time, swishing and flipping around my belly what feels like non-stop. Kyle has felt some very large kicks (or whatever) but still no one else. Mostly because the easiest time is when we are laying in bed together not really moving around. I had the oddest sensation the other day when the little man moved or pushed in a way that I felt on BOTH sides of my stomach. He must be getting so big in there!! My stomach is definitely getting larger, but is still looking mostly fat. Oh well, I may never be a super big stomach kind of gal. I think my proportions will lend themselves more to the wide flat pregnant stomach.

Alright, I'm off to study for this final. Then give a big sigh of relief for the end of yet another semester (my second to last - WOO-HOO).

Boku Entrelac Scarf

2007-12-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

So I realized here I mentioned the scarf I made for Tara. That it was her substitute birthday present and was almost complete. I am sad to say, it sat forever with the final open seam that needed to be finished by hand and then it needed to be ironed. She could have used it for the last two, maybe three months. I mailed it yesterday with Christmas presents. Why am I so terrible.

Anyways - here is a picture of it. I really like the way it turned out! Hopefully she will as well. I guess I don't have any pictures of it with the fleece backing, but I put a green fleece back on it. Both to help with softness and to cover up the unattractive backside of entrelac.

Another project I completed:

This is the Odessa hat. I made it out of some really soft pretty bamboo yarn. However, it is too lightweight for the hat it was intended to replace (that Kokanee ate). So I need to make myself a warmer hat.

It's getting cold and schools nearly done.

2007-12-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

I know cold is a relative term. For my sister, in Alaska, cold is zero degrees. But here in California, I am feeling the cold and the lows are in the low 30's and the highs are in the mid 50's. So I know I don't really have much to complain about as Tara often likes to remind me. But it is cold here and I have to take many preparations to take the dog out to the bathroom. Jacket, Kyle's warm slipper fleece lined boots, hat, all the goods.

I know, who takes their dog out to the bathroom when they have a yard?? We do, because our dog has broken through the neighbors fence twice. She is not allowed outside by herself until we get the fence reinforced. It is kind of no fun for her, because she would like to stay outside and play for awhile, but it is too cold for me at 7am.

So all my classes are done!! Woo-Hoo!!!! Only three finals to take next week and then I am off with classes until next fall. This will be the first break I have had from school since I moved back from Alaska in 2004. I'm a little sad that I am so close to done and have to postpone, but grow more excited about the upcoming baby every day. So it is all worth it!!

This past weekend, Kyle and I took a day trip to the Kings River. His cousin owns some land right on the river. I wanted to take some pictures of him fishing. It was a really nice day and the dog LOVED it. She loves to run. She found a dead fish and tried to eat it nearly right away. So she was pretty stinky and now Kyle's car smells really bad. It is probably in the upholstery of the seat. Kokanee was exhausted the entire rest of the day, she barely moved. Later in the day, my brother came by and wanted the dogs to play. Kokanee wanted nothing to do with Edie, growling at her when she tried to initiate some play. I just brought the poor tired dog back inside to her bed. The only way picture of me get taken is by me with the self timer. So while Kyle was gold panning, I was busy using my gorilla tripod to take pictures of myself.

Not much knitting going on, but now that school is wrapping up, I can get busy. I really need to finish those slippers for Kyle. Time will present itself soon! Maybe today even. That would be nice.

A new look

2007-12-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

I'm going for a new blog look. I've wanted to for awhile but did not want to have to redo all my additions and what not.

So... a new blog in progress for a new life in progress.

I can't really work on it now, must get off to work.

Christmas and a Belly

2007-12-04T21:57:00.000-08:00

Yea - Today was the day I've been waiting for in my pregnancy. Someone finally asked me if I was pregnant. I don't want to look fat, I want to look pregnant. And seeing as the weight gain has been slow and pretty much all in my belly, I think most people either had no idea or if they had an inkling, they were reluctant to ask. Anyways, the owner of the local deli that Kyle and I frequent (enough that they know what we get) asked me if I was pregnant. Woo-Hoo. So to celebrate I took a picture of myself in my new shirt.

I am very pleased with the previous seasons trend... all those big A-line and flowy shirts. Because now all that stuff is on clearance and I am swooping in and buying bunches of non-maternity stuff that will fit a great big ol' preggers belly. This shirt is one of them. I also bought a cute brown and grey striped sweater. Both for $8 apiece, you can't beat that!!

Then tonight, Kyle got busy with the X-Mas decorations. We decided to prevent the dog from being tempted, the trees would go on the piano. Kyle put the lights on and took them off about 10 times before he got them right. Not because he is anal and they did not look right, but because he had two strands and was trying to make them stretch across all three trees. Then I put ornaments on. It was fun and enjoyable!!

Knitting going on.

2007-12-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

I have been working on the sweater quite a bit. I slowed down some, as the semester is winding down, so I need to keep my focus there for the next few weeks. But I have also become very busy on a secret (only to Kyle) slipper project for him for Christmas. He has taken to wearing my slippers all the time and begun complaining about how I promised him a pair about two years ago. I bought the yarn and made the promise at the same time as the cabled riding jacket purchase.

Speaking of, the cabled riding jacket is ridiculously close to completion. I started working on it again in hopes of hurrying the yarn along for the Tilted Duster. It did not work as well as I had hoped, but the yarn did come eventually. So for the Cabled Riding Jacket, I have one full sleeve and probably about a quarter of the second sleeve complete. All I need is to finish the second sleeve and collar. Wow... so close, but the project has taken the back seat. I just don't think I'd really be able to wear it during the pregnancy so I want to finish the Tilted Duster. Once done, I will probably be consumed with baby knits. But I WILL FINISH the cabled cardie before next winter. It will be wearable in 2008!!!!!

Now the Tilted Duster, what fun, for awhile. I was really enjoying it, the pieces were odd and interesting to knit because they were unique. Then I got to the 18" of 2X2 ribbing. Not that there isn't an element of interest here as well. There are gussets (I guess that is what you would call them, I don't know what the pattern calls them) at the sides of the "skirt". The pattern refers to the bottom portion of the sweater as the skirt, I also don't know if this is a term I should know, but I don't... at least not in reference to sweaters. However, I am not all that well versed in clothing vocabulary! So I took some fall pictures of the Tilted Duster today, I am half way through the skirt portion and hope to finish the sweater by the end of this year!! A little tiny part of me wants to stop working on the skirt portion and work on the collar. Then it would have a more finished look. Without the collar, the sweater looks a little odd. To me, at least.

We are having hectic times around our house. Kokanee (the dog) likes to get into trouble. We crate her when we aren't home and at night to minimize her trouble making. We are not always successful, she has broken through our fence to play at the neighbors twice. She has escaped her (old) crate once, and while out she ate through our comforter and cover and spread a trash can across the living room. There had not been any problems for awhile, then she pulled our current comforter into the slits in her crate and ate the corner. This one happens to be our feather quilt. Opps, I came home to feathers EVERYWHERE. I still have not fixed it, but rolled the corner up into itself and clamped about 10 clothes pins on it to contain the insides. Then Kokanee found that she likes the clothes pins and goes by and plucks one off to eat when the mood strikes her. I am so fearful of bringing a baby home to her, but had a book recommended by our trainer (we go to class every Sat. for 8 weeks... 2 left until graduation). We'll see how she does... but I'm nervous!

Alright, I really need to go, there is this fascinating chapter I need to read on non-taxable property transactions for class tonight. Doesn't that sound interesting!

I can't decide.

2007-11-16T20:37:00.000-08:00

I posted a new post, then deleted it, then Tara began posting on her blog, then I felt compelled to post on my blog. What's a girl to do. Blog or not blog.

My life is busy, because of lots of changes. Like my sister getting pregnant and having a baby in between blogging, I am now pregnant as well. 20 (almost 21) weeks along. It has flown by. It was not planned, but has been nothing short of exciting. We found out yesterday that we are having a little boy. We have not decided on a name but have ruled out Bennett, which was a pretty strong contender until I realized our sons initials would be B.O. Not a nice thing to do to a child if you can help it.

I am knitting the Tilted Duster from Interweave Knits as a pregnancy sweater. It will also work as a non-pregnancy sweater as well, but it has the great open stomach thing going on. Here is a shot of the start of it, but I am much further along. I will have to post new pictures of the sweater and its progress.

Doggie Cousins and Whatnot.

2007-07-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

The dogs (Kokanee and Edie) are getting along great!! They play around most days which keeps them busy and tires them out. Nice for us (my brother and Kyle and I).

I took some pictures of our seven foot tall sunflower, that still has not bloomed!! How tall will it get??

Also, I should not be allowed to stay home alone. I was working on sewing a bag and had put a couple of slices of bread into the toaster oven. I have this bad habit that Kyle is always yelling at me about... I set the timer for a long time. Like 30 minutes. So I set the timer for 30 minutes, went to start sewing. I said to myself I would only sew one seam and then go check on the toast. Eight seams later, I remembered the toast. Of course I wasn't so worried because I finished the seam I was working on. So I ran to the kitchen to find flaming bread. I did not even know it could catch fire in such a way. So being the crazy person I am, the first thing I did was grab the camera to take a picture. So here is my breakfast. MMMmmmmm!!

Finally, Here is a cute bag I made. It is a diaper bag for a little boy. My friends boyfriend carried around this purple bag (one of the first I made) for her son. It was kind of embarrassing. At least I was embarrassed for him. So I was inspired by this fantastic tool print fabric. I made up a pattern and through this together with some left over corduroy from my fall airport bag. Anyways, it turned out great. I feel like it is my best sewing achievement so far.

New Family Member

2007-07-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Kyle and I have added a new member to our family. We brought home a new baby girl on Wed. the 4th. She is sweet and happy to be with us, even though it has been a little bumpy so far. Her name is Kokanee... we are going with a theme. Kokanee is a type of salmon and as all of you know, the cats name is Trout, so we are sticking with the fishy names!! Kokanee is about a year and a half and she is a Blue Heeler/Australian Shepard mix. She came from a shelter in Orange Cove, we found her online. Kyle fell in love immediately and they rolled around on the ground at our "interview".

The rough part has been the horrible tick infestation that came with her. The shelter said she should not have any on her but I have pulled off at least 100. Yes that is correct, not a typo, ONE HUNDRED TICKS. I only hope I get them all and we don't get any mama ticks leaving us with future presents. To say the least I am a little grumpy about this and very disgusted (sorry if it is disgusting for anyone else) but we are diligently checking her everyday to find every last one of them. The main problem is they are very small to start and so they are very hard to see until they start feeding and grow. It has been looking promising as dead ticks are falling off of her due to the drops we used and I will keep searching for any remaining. We are lucky and they don't seem to be getting on any of the other animals so far.

But more good stuff... sorry for all the tick talk (ha-ha). She is very sweet natured and loves people. She is a little destructive and seems to like to play with everything except for the toys we bought for her. We are planning to get her into training as soon as possible to help us and her know what will work best. Kokanee loves Eddie (my brother's dog) and they play great together. I put Kokanee in the yard this morning and then Brandon put Eddie out about fifteen minutes later and they played happily for at least an hour. You can't beat that, two dogs who can entertain themselves when necessary. Kokanee and Trout also seem to do great together. Kokanee still seems a little scared of the cat, but in no way chases her. Trout is comfortable enough to walk around right in front of Kokanee without any fear, that is great!! We want our girls to be happy together.

Cabled Riding Jacket or Sweater Vest

2007-06-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

That's right, the Cabled Riding Jacket from Loop d Loop has come out of hiding again. As have I. But right now, it is a spectacular sweater vest that has me worried for fit!! I pulled the beast out today and spent at least 45 minutes untangling the yarn that has been being shoved in one of my many knitting baskets. Once the sweater was untangled, I had to undo some of the weird things I had done the last time I worked on this project... in Alaska last November. I had to remember what it was that I had done. I was contemplating using kitchener stitch for the shoulder seams and had one shoulder on a stitch holder and one bound off (part of which had come un-bound and required some help).

So once those issues were tackled, I began weaving in the ends. I had already wove in quite a few of them a while back, but there were at least ten to fifteen.

That done, I proceeded to sew on the buttons.

Finally, I stitched up the shoulder seams. Then I tried this bad boy on. It is a little small, a little tight. And WHAT is going on with those arm holes??? That just doesn't seem right to me, but I will see how it shapes up once the sleeves go on. I don't think I have anything left in me to work on this project today, I have some movies I want to watch while the Hubby is still out of town that he would prefer to miss.

It has been a great lazy day for me, I am happy to keep it that way. I need to get some house projects done, but they will have to wait for another day because I don't feel like doing anything real, only fun things that appeal to me.

I have been doing a little other knitting. The previous gift for my sister did not turn out as planned, so I made her an entrelac scarf with Boku... will post pic later. I want to line the back of it with fleece and then it will be her, now very late, birthday present. It was going to be her Christmas gift and I was proud of my early work until the previous b-day gift was bumped and this filled in.

Headbands and More

2007-05-30T07:18:00.000-07:00

There has been much going on around here. As usual. Kyle and I went to Sacramento for the weekend. We went to the zoo, a yarn store, a tea store, and Ikea. Always Ikea when we head to Sacramento to visit Kyle's mom.

Ikea is kind of funny and I don't really think you can go there too many times because you have seen it all before. I think we are going to limit our trips to once per year after the "new" stuff comes out. But it was eventful, there was a table we fell in love with. No boxes, so we asked. All that was left was the floor model. We examined it for at least 30-45minutes. Then went to have a bar code printed. It was originally $130 (I think), marked down to $80. We were hopeful for additional discount due to floor model status, but received none from the manager who helped. Then when the man printed the bar code it was... $39.90!! YEA. We were very excited and caused quite a commotion when manager came back by and saw price tag. She yelled at man for giving us a deal and I was worried she was going to take the price back up to $80. Then she told man that the difference was coming out of his departments budget and stormed away. Then Kyle and I searched the store for I'd say at least an hour for some chairs to go with the table. They had these reclining type, but we really wanted the stationary type. We thought they would be more stable. There was one and the store showed four in stock. The hour passed as we scoured the store and gave up and bought two of the reclining chairs. All of this to get home and find that the table won't fit in our car (we were in Kyle's mom's car) to bring it home with us. Good thing, she is coming down this weekend and will bring it with her. We have the legs and leaves, she has the table top.

Then on Sunday we bought Kintoki at a Osaka-Ya. I saw this in Sunset magazine and really wanted to try it because Kyle and I have seen this treat on some ice cream PBS show. Kintoki is shaved ice, ice cream, and sweet red beans. We also had the green tea powder on top, but I would not get that again. It was the sweetest part and was really overkill. Then we went to Coloma for the day. Kyle did some gold panning, I did some knitting, and Debbie (Kyle's mom) did some Sudoku. It was nice weather and a nice park along the American River.

Before we left I cranked out three of these. Here is my first one. The second was a variation that I made up that I am luke warm about. And the third is the same style, different print as the first. I am having some sizing issues. The last one is a little too loose. I think I need less elastic. I find I often have head band tightness issues. I will work at it.

Teagan's Tutu

2007-05-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

We'll see if she wears it, but it turned out really cute. The entire outfit is from this Monica pattern from knitty. I really liked the whole thing and had to make it. Lucky for me I had this yarn that I thought would be perfect. I did make a couple of small changes, I knit the whole thing in the round, I criss-crossed my arm straps, and my arm straps are i-cords that I made from one side and then kitchener stitched together at the back.

I think my straps may be too long and Teagan may give a peep show if she wears this. That may need to be adjusted when I get to Alaska and give it to her. Also, my shape seems off, the top seems wider and shorter then it should be. I have a few ends left to weave in and then I will run it through the washer. At that point I may try to stretch and alter that shape. Again, we'll see.

I am done with school for a few months... Yea!! So maybe I will have a little more free time to blog, and knit, and sew, and craft in general. I have some household sewing to do, I need to finish hemming my curtains. I also have lots of house projects to work on... Home ownership really seems to be what everyone keeps telling me... never ending!!

Also, I have designed a pattern and am working on knitting it up right now. The completed item is a (belated) birthday gift for my sister. I am considering submitting the pattern to knitty or magknits. I will probably have to find someone to test knit the pattern, I figure if I head down to my lys, I should find somebody.

I guess that covers it for now. Main project I intend to work on this summer (especially while in Alaska) is the Cabled Riding Jacket. I am really motivated to finish it. This will be it's third trip to Alaska as an in progress item. That is pretty funny. I got pretty far last time I was there (last August) and the entire front is done. I have not sewn the shoulder seams. I kept struggling with that and bound off, tore that out because I decided to kitchener stitch the seams and then bound off again. I could not decide. So sleeves, collar, and some finishing is all I need. Maybe by the end of the summer. Right now it is a fantastic, sleeveless vest. HOT!

Half Balaclava

2007-05-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

This is for Kyle for winter-y bike rides. It could not cover the top of his head for helmet safety purposes.

I LOVE karabella aurora 8. LOVE IT!!

2007-04-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Kyle and I built a fence to seperate the "yard" and "garden".

My brother's new dog. The reason for the fence!!

2007-04-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

I've been busy, So, So, Busy!!

2007-02-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

I know I have not posted for ages, and this will probably be the end. I am way to busy!! There has been some knitting going on, not too much however.

I reknit the pair of fetching gloves. I made a pair for a friend a bit smaller around and liked them much better. So I made them smaller around and longer.

I have worked on the cable knit coat. I need to make the sleeves and collar. But I have not been motivated to get to it.

I just finished a half balaclava for Kyle. I took inspiration from anitfreeze, but Kyle did not want it to go all the way over his head. I guess it is not good to have anything under your helmet, as it affects its stability and protectiveness. Ends need to be woven in and it will be ready to wear. He is pleased. I used my new favorite yarn... Karabella Aurora 8. MMMMmmmmmmm!!

No sewing, the machine has been put away since I said last semester I was not going to do any craft projects until school was over. And that break flew by. I am back in school, have been for a couple of weeks.

The biggest change for us is that we bought a duplex. We are still in escrow, set to close on the 16th. But got a message on Thursday that we may close as much as a week early. That would be fantastic because it would give us an extra weekend to move. Kyle and I are going to try to move everything in one weekend and clean the old apartment the second weekend and then be done. We don't want to have to pay for an extra month's rent. It will be busy and hectic, but I am hopeful. We bought the place with my brother, he will be living in one half and we will be in the other half. With the way the house market has been around here lately, this was the only affordable way for either of us. But hopefully we will see a return, build up some good equity and buy our own houses, five years is our planned time to stay there.

So maybe in a few months when my life evens out and calms down a bit, I can come back. But as usual, work and school are eating up my time.

~~Bye

Cabled Riding Jacket

2006-11-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

Here is the current progress on the Cabled Riding Jacket. I started working on it about two weeks ago again. I am SOOOOO busy with school and work, but still find the time to watch a few of my favorite tv shows and have been knitting while watching. So I could not stand to work on the front and back at the same time, it was too difficult with six balls of yarn. Turning this beast after each row took nearly as much time to do as knitting each row. So I completed the back this afternoon right before I went to class. I love this sweater and can't wait for it to be done!!
It is kind of a funky looking picture. The wired lumps are the balls of yarn that go to each of those sides. I basically sewed them to the sweater to keep them out of my way while I worked on the back. I ran the yarn I am using to hold the live stitches right through the middle of the balls of yarn and pulled it all tight together. If I keep working hard, maybe I will be wearing this by the end of the year!!! Yea!

Still no time.

2006-09-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

This semester is leaving me feeling with very little time and too much to do. So another quick post with only a few words and mostly pictures.

Here are my socks getting some action. I wore them to a bridal shower party on SAt night. (I did not have my pants rolled up, but I did take my shoes off right away!)

Here is the tutu (sort of) I made for Teagan. I know, if I had no time I would not be making stuff. But this was really, really quick. It is basically a tube with a ribbon. The fabric has a crinkle going on and makes it all poofy and cute. I also bought her a pair of leg warmers in the dollar bins at Target. I will be sending these goodies off to her soon. I am very sad because it may be a very long time before I get to go for another visit. I have no money and even less time. :(

Complete.

2006-09-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

I just finished the jaywalkers. They are warm and fantastic and on my feet right now. Not only did I finish the socks but I wove my ends in right away. They are totally complete. I may even sleep in them tonight... that's right it is finally cold enough. Well, cool enough. I don't think we have even reached near "cold". But it will be here, the beauty of three weeks of fall will be gone very quickly!

I am pretty tired, so I don't really have much else to say. So look at the picture of the sock... it should be a thousand words, right?? :)

It's getting hot in here...

2006-09-14T15:27:00.000-07:00

I felted Kyle's socks one cycle through the washer. He wanted them a little smaller. They are PERFECT!!!! Here he is trying them on.Then a little later we were discussing a hat for him and his particular tastes that are a little hard to satisfy. He is very picky!! So anyways, he started putting on some of my knit goods. And a few of my store bought knit goods (prior to me picking up the needles, I have no need to buy a store bought scarf now!). So here he is.

And what did Kyle say while I was taking this picture...

"Now would be a bad time to develop a wool allergy"

What a funny guy.

Finally - Here is a picture of (most of) Kyle's band (the drummer is missing) from a show they did last week at a local brewery Full Circle. Maybe a little too much of the sepia color. I was just playing around with the pictures. Good music... check them out at myspace and hear some of it. I just went to myspace to get the link, the other picture up there is from the same place with a little of my animation!! I used to make what I called bobble heads - I will have to put some up, they are funny stuff.

I really need to go, I have to do some reading before class tonight.

Knitting has consisted of working on the second sock. I am knitting the heel flap currently. Dreaming of the Riding Coat and colder days... which are upon us soon. 100 yesterday, 90 today, 80 degrees tomorrow. Ahh, can't beat that.

It's a Knit Owl!

2006-09-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

I just finished the knit owl for KnitOwl!! I put a seed stitch border around the whole thing and there is seed stitch in the belly of the owl. I used Brown Sheep bulky for the dark blue and Lopi bulky for the light blue. Two of my favorite yarns. Good Stuff!! So I guess this could be felted as well. While making it I was thinking it would be nice backed with a blue bandana - it could be a pot holder or stuffed to make a pillow.

As usual, I have not yet woven in my ends. Always post the pictures before the ugly work is done. I like the way it turned out. At the beginning Kyle said it looked like a rocket ship. He had to explain it to me, but the owl really stands out in the finished project.I am so excited, I got the wireless internet set up in the middle of last week. LOVE IT!!

Oh I forgot...

2006-09-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

I am knitting a pattern test swatch for RheLynn. No pictures yet, but I am close to done. If I find the time I will finish it today. All right, I need to get going. I am heading into work. We are closed today and I don't really have to work, but man, the work I can get done with NO ONE there. I can lock the door, ignore the phone, and work my bootie off!

Schools In Session

2006-09-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

The first full week... DONE! Only 15 more to go. Not to bad. All the classes seem fine, much less on the oral and written reports this semester. Unfortunately, that probably means I will have lots next semester instead of them being spread out.

Here are some funny pictures of Trout. She was hungry and sat in the bathroom (where her food dish is) staring at the food bowl, waiting. And waiting. She stayed there for awhile. I finally fed her and she went right at it. She is kind of lazy, you see she has a food bowl with the top full of food, but she won't do anything to get to the food that just hasn't poured down, I have to shake it down for her. (So I am not completely neglectful, there was some food in there, just not much and she wasn't trying to get it)
It has been a pretty nice weekend, Kyle and I have been on a game kick. Playing all sorts of old games. We raided my parents game closet and pulled out these crazy old games I remember playing when I was a kid. We played Mille Bornes an old French game and a few rounds of Pipe Works (of which there was no example on Amazon). Mille Bornes has been the focus of our game playing good times. We love games and this one is great. We even had a round of Battleship. A great game that I would highly recommend for a large group like at a party... Pit! We play this as a family on some New Year's Eves. And we ALL love it! It is loud, fast paced and terrific fun!

Blogger is doing weird things and rotated this picture (I tried three times) but here is Trout getting her food... Finally (At least that is what she thinks):We have both been crafty this weekend as well. It is not very often that Kyle is interested in going to JoAnn's with me. But he has this big idea that he has been working on. He is turning old Altoid tins into cases for his flies (for fishing). It has been a process, however. He was having a hard time finding a good foam. We finally settled on a bunch of those foam craft sticks. They look like large popsicle sticks but are made out of that foam stuff that is all the rage for kids. Kyle is gluing stacks of them together. We'll see how that goes.
I have been working on transforming this shirt that a friend gave me. It is only going so-so. I probably will never wear it, but it is good for experimenting. I put pin tucks in the front at the shoulders and sides. Then some in the back in the middle. Those are what are shown in progress. The shoulder is folded over to show them at the shoulder. I used brown thread for a nice contrast and bought some brown fabric paint and am planning to try the freezer paper stenciling.

no knits here.

2006-08-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

But I have been doing some other stuff. First you see the Fall Cruise Bag. It is a updated version of the Fall Airport Bag. This bag is for my mom and the cruise she and her mom are leaving for this Friday. Differences: It is a little smaller, mostly because I didn't buy enough fabric. It has a zipper across the opening. This was a request from my mom because she wants a little extra security. Good Idea!! However it was not all that easy to put on the bag. I needed a zipper like a jacket would have (opens on the end) rather then this which is fixed at the end.

The material my mom picked is a glamorous brown with an embroidered paisley type print with flashy sequins all over it. Not my style, but pretty cute. The inside lining is a cream paisley type print. More my style! Here the bag is being modeled on the two digeridoo's Kyle is making right now. He had a request for one from someone at work (I think) and had to buy a 10 foot length of bamboo so he had enough to make two. The bamboo is really nice.

And next, my crafty-ness has taken a turn towards wire. I don't know how much I liked making this. I got a lot of scratches and pokes. And the end result is not as nice as I had hoped for. Being my first attempt, I should not worry as much. This plant was dying which is what inspired the whole idea. There was this little strip of wall in the bathroom in between the window and the corner. There is a big mirror on the adjacent wall (see the reflection). I wanted the plant somewhere we would see it a lot and it would be right by water, so it would get the water it desperately needs.
I came across this wire working book Kyle's Grandma gave me a few weeks ago. There were some good project ideas and I came up with this one. It looks like the green pot the plant is in, is floating inside the wire holder.
That is all my crafty business for now. I start classes tomorrow. I am NOT excited yet. Plus I've been looking over some of the paperwork for the classes, syllabi and stuff. I think one of my classes actually grades on a curve. The bad curve of so many A's, B's, C's and so on. That is bad. I have never actually had any class ever graded in this way. It bothers me because I find it unfair to have scores actually based on what other students are getting in the class. I don't think there should be advantages, but I don't understand what the problem is with not grading based on percentages. If a teacher wants a harder grading schematic, they can just set higher percentages. For example an A can be 95% and higher. Sorry for my school rant, but I am grumpy because I like to get what I earn!!

It shrank!

2006-08-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

I love felting. It is kind of amazing stuff. I mean when you learn to do laundry, you learn to be careful with hot water so you don't shrink your stuff. But now, I do it on purpose. Actually I have some clothes that I try to shrink a little bit sometimes. You know, those shirts that get all stretched out. Or jeans that are a little too big, so you wash them in hot water to try to shrink them to fit better so you don't have to buy new ones.

So anyways, I am rambling a bit. But I felted the pink and brown bag. I also ran Kyle's socks through one hot water wash to try to shrink them just a bit. He wanted them to fit a little more snug. I could not go further without him trying them on. I don't think they shrank all that much.

On another felting thought, all the books and info I've ever read on felting says you should check the items every five minutes to make sure it doesn't overfelt. I don't know if I am doing it wrong and that is why it sometimes takes me up to five full cycles through the washing machine. But I have never over-felted or felted in one round. I made my sister a pair of felted mittens with the same yarn as Kyle's socks (Cascade 220) and they took FOREVER to felt. And once felted did not shrink all that much.

Now I just finished this bag, which is made out of the Cascade Bulky and after three cycles, it is very well felted and shrank A LOT! I now wish I would have taken before measurements for comparison. But I know it shrank by probably half in height. It is a good size now. Quite lovely!!

I'm a single Jaywalker!

2006-08-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well that is I have one single Jaywalker sock. It is soft and comfy. I like it. There was a little pooling, but the yarn did a nice job of striping in alternating colors. So it is pools of similar colored stripes. If that even makes sense. Just a few ends to weave in, a little funky stitch at the very end to check out and fix. And then do it all over again for number two. But school start on Monday so I may have to slow down on the knitting. Oh wait, yeah right. If I am anything like last semester, I will be knitting up a storm.

I did make the decision to put the cabled riding coat on permanent hot weather hold. I am not even trying to work on it. Once it cools down, so I don't mind the ten pound blanket on my lap, I will get right back to work. My ultimate goal is to complete it by the end of the year.
Plus Kyle and I are trying to save money, pay off debt, spend less. So NO MORE YARN. Or fabric. I have loads of both and am restricted to only working with what I have. This is my goal.

Finally, I tore out the bind off edge on the pink and brown bag and re-bound off with looser stitches. It did not really change the small size, but added some stretch to it. I will try to weave in my ends today and felt in the next load of laundry. There was no laundry done over the weekend, we were busy though. On Sunday, Kyle and I had breakfast with his mom, lunch with his whole family (for his sister's b-day), and dinner with my family (for my mom's b-day). We were barely home. Except we made breakfast at home for his mom. Again... trying to save money. It was a good day, but I still feel like I just want to spend some relaxing time at home. We spent a lot of Sat. cleaning the apartment.

Tara motivated me.

2006-08-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

Tara left a comment the other day about projects sitting on the needles forever. I wanted a break from the socks. All that little knitting on size two's.

So I picked up this bag I had made the bottom for a few months ago. It had been sitting around waiting for me to finish my bag idea. I initially wanted pink polka-dots, but felt it was too much. So opted for a stripe pattern instead. I may have decreased too much creating a very narrow opening. I am going to felt it, which should take out more of the height then the width, which will be nice, it is VERY tall. Well, by comparison. It was close, I was afraid of not having enough yarn (pink) but just made it. Maybe a little coin purse can be made to accompany the bag. I will try to felt it this weekend, unless I should tear back and make a wider opening??

More pictures...

2006-08-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

This is a picture I took from the pier. I only wish it could have been an hour later when the sun had come out and the ocean was bright blue and so nice. But I really shouldn't complain, because it is a really good shot. It is not the only one either. I got another with the dolphin more upright and his tail still in the water.
Here are a few from the coast this past weekend. Kyle and I went with our friend Jessica. The first night (friday) we had to sleep in the car together. We made it there at about midnight. We took the minivan that has seats that turn into a bed. It would be pretty comfy for two people, but we were pretty much sardines. Poor Kyle had part of his bed made up by an ice chest. But we made it and set up a tent in the morning in the overflow camping. The second night, Jessica and I shared the tent and Kyle slept in the car.

There are some cute pictures of Kyle and I (finally, since there is usually no one else around to take them) but they are all on Jessica's camera. So until I borrow her memory card, I will only have the prints she made for me. Which is good for me!!

We spent the day on the beach, we did some tide-pooling, some sun bathing, some fishing, some walking. Kyle and Jessica tried to catch crabs for bait for fishing. I did not really sun bathe, I am kind of a hater of direct sun light. I laid in the shade of the pier while Jessica lay next to me in the sun. I put on SPF 30 while Jessica put on SPF 8. And I STILL got a sunburn. I did spend some time in the sun, obviously too much! It was not a bad burn, my nose is peeling a little, but otherwise it seems to have faded.

On a crafty note...

I made what I have named the "Fall Airport Bag" I meant to post about it before, but found my self not posting about anything. I guess it would be more appropriate on HoBags, but we seem to have abandoned that blog. So, I call it this because it is fall colors and I made it the day before I left for Alaska to use as my carry on bag. It is the same basic pattern I made and have been producing bags from for the past six months with a few modifications. I made it wider and the strap longer for better across the body carrying capabilities. I put two pockets on the outside, mostly because I wanted to show off the great fabric I got to line it. I used a super soft brown corduroy for the outside. I love it and have been using since. This is not the best picture of it, but it shows off my new light from Ikea. I have had it for awhile, maybe two months, but finally got around to hanging it last week. Plus the picture is really dark.