Head Full

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

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.

And I am DONE!

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?

Best Buddies

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

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?

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.

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!

Rolling

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!

New Poop

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

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

Here's what happened at my house tonight:



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

Cute Boy Backyard Photo Shoot

Here are some pictures of my cutie from this afternoon.

Yoda Progress

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

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.

Diapers

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.