thimbly things

We’ve been home since Saturday and trying to get into a routine–one in which everyone gets enough to eat and enough sleep to be sweet, sweet. I haven’t shared much in the way of crafting in a while. It seems that most of my entries have involved babies lately. And that’s OK. But here is something I’ve been working on. I’ve actually made much more progress, but with all the transitions in our life right now, well… Like I said, just trying to get the hang of things.

I am honestly scared of what tomorrow will bring with Evan returning to work. Any of you moms out there remember the first day you were all alone with two little people? Or even just one? That was scary too. Thankfully, newborns can be pretty easy to care for, and 18-month-olds will sometimes obey.

Edit: I thought you might like more Jacob to feast your eyes on.

Our second child (but first son), Jacob Emory, was born yesterday morning at 11AM, weighed 7lbs 8oz, and was 20 inches long. He has a grip of steel and latched onto anything he could wrap his tiny fist around. Hopefully he will use his powers for good and not evil. Both he and mom are doing great. As you can imagine, it may be awhile before Kristena gets back to full time crafting, but never fear, I’m sure she’s already dreaming up any number of cute things to knit for her newest muse, and it will only be a matter of time before she’s back to full steam.

(Evan, her husband)

I love you, and I’m very glad you were born.

Our Dear Daughter left us this fun puzzle to put together.  I wonder what kinds of creative stuff she’ll come up with as she gets older?  I’m thinking we have a future filled with treasure hunts, paper dolls, and costume design.  And perhaps decoupage?

Those are Evan’s hands hard at work.  The last picture shows the pieces that didn’t fit and, we assume, belong to another decimated book.  We laughed so hard we cried as we put packing tape over the pieced-together front cover.  And then we wondered if other parents ever do this.  Or do they simply return the shredded book to the library in a Zip-Loc?  Or just pay the fine?   We are nothing if not determined.

Tomorrow is Evan’s birthday, so today I am busy with top-secret doings.  Thankfully, he won’t be doing the taxes on his birthday, as I believe he has for the past couple years.  And that’s just no fun.

Thank you for the reading suggestions!  If you have anything else you’d like to share, please do!

Yesterday was another “thrifting Saturday,” and I just want to share this little bit of awesomeness with you.

Since it’s not the clearest photo, here are a couple close-ups.

I paid $3.98 for these pink carnations at the Quality Thrift Store.  And I almost didn’t go yesterday.  I went to the Salvation Army first, where I found a few things I’ll share later.  Then I ran a few errands, and on my way home–at the last moment–I decided to stop in at the good old tried and true QTS.   Whew!  I’m glad I didn’t miss this one.  (By the way, if I seem addicted to the thrift store, just remember that I won’t be getting out much after Brother arrives.  So I’m tankin’ up while I can!)

Late yesterday evening, Evan screened his short film, The Box, here at our house.  He invited all the cast and crew, and it was really neat for everyone to see themselves all polished up and edited together.  I’m so proud of him.  If you saw the raw footage of the film, you’d never suspect that it could transform into a professional-looking production.  Filmmaking astounds me.

Okay, friends. As Brother is coming soon, I am reminded by this picture of Emily that I need some good material to read while nursing. Something to make me laugh during those 3 am feedings.

I was also inspired by Alicia Paulson’s Spring Reading post. She too was looking for some light reading. Dear Small Readership (I know you’re out there!), I would also love some suggestions. What makes you laugh? What makes you think? Let me know so I can get those requests in at the library! And nothing too depressing, please.

Our baby girl, our teeny little thing, our Emily is 18 months old today.  I feel like there should be a celebration.  I remember when every week was a milestone, then every month.  Now she’s 1 1/2 years old!  Years!  And on the brink of big-sisterhood.

Just born.

About 6 months.

First birthday.

18 months.  She now has enough hair for pig-tails and says a few sentences.

Her favorite things are:

• Seeing Daddy come home
• Being thrown and chased by him
• Eating bananas (And saying, “banana!”)
• Dancing to Yo Gabba Gabba
• Talking to her Pooh bears
• Laughing at her Pooh bears
• Reading books (and ripping them when no one is watching)
• The phrase, “Yeah, I do!”
• Going outside: running, drawing on the sidewalk, picking wildflowers, and moving sticks
• When I sing The Alphabet Song or Rock-a-bye Baby
  
• Looking at her reflection in the dishwasher
• Setting up her blocks wherever we are… either at our feet or in our laps
• Thrusting herself about our bed
• Saying, “TV!  TV!”
• Dogs
• Close proximity to us

It’s nice to reflect on life with just Emily before Baby Brother arrives.  And it is so good to think about the purpose of all the pain I will soon endure to bring him into this world.  Motherhood.  It’s worth it all.

Happy 18 Months, Miss Emily!  You are loved.

Last night was quite frightening here in Tulsa. What began as a lovely storm to help one fall asleep evolved into more hail than I’ve ever seen in my life, waking me around 3:30 and sending me into a panic about going into labor. Obviously, I did not go into labor, but I was worried that my anxiety might cause contractions. And then how would I get to the hospital in the middle of a hail storm? (Ridiculous, I know.) So I calmed myself by looking at pretty blogs and thinking of new projects.

The storm is over, but it’s damp and chilly today. I can think of no better excuse for my favorite hot cocoa. If you’ve never tried homemade cocoa, you need to right now. Before the summer hits. We have some Green & Black’s Cocoa Powder that we used in a bread recipe, and on the side of the canister is the simplest recipe ever: “To make one cup: Mix up one teaspoon of Green & Black’s organic cocoa with cold milk to make a smooth paste. Add hot milk, stirring well. Sweeten to taste.” That’s not much harder than adding hot water to a packet of Swiss Miss.

I like to add some heavy cream to the mix and sweeten with two spoonfuls of raw sugar. I typically fill my mug with milk, pour most of it into a pot to heat (But don’t boil.). While the milk is heating, I add a couple teaspoons of cocoa powder and sugar to the cold milk left in my mug, and then I make the paste. Add cream and hot milk. Stir. Enjoy!

It’s so perfect that you want to savor it slowly and, yet, can’t help but gulp it down all at once. So perfect.

The weekend makes me tired.  I think for most people, the weekend is a time to recharge.  For me, it’s my chance to get out and get things done.  So sometimes I overdo it.  And then I crash.  I napped on Saturday and on Sunday, just as I did last weekend, and then I suffered from slight insomnia last night.  Just couldn’t get it quite right.

It was a lovely weekend though.  I went to the tried and true Quality Thrift Store a quarter-mile away and picked up some neat finds.  Instead of crocheting my own, I found a random-stripe ripple afghan for $5.  And it’s already broken in.

I also found this tediously embroidered tree.  No lie–about 7 people stopped me at the thrift store to comment on it.   Lots of Oh, that’s interesting!s.  I agree.  Though it is also a bit strange.  I’m thinking of embellishing it somehow.  Perhaps with birds or flowers.  Any ideas?

And here is my Mystery WIP.  I began it while watching Barton Fink with Evan, and it evolved into I don’t know what.  A scarf?  A purse?  A pillow?  I really don’t know.  At first, I was working from a pattern in Pretty Knits.  I knew my gauge was off, but I didn’t realize how off.  I decided to make a ruffle to slim things down, and now I don’t know what this is anymore.  But it started as a bag.  Hmmm…

Speaking of Barton Fink, Evan is doing a Coen Brothers Month over at Movie Zeal.  He talked me into watching all 12 of their films sequentially with him.  I’ve never studied a director (or two) in this way before, and it’s very interesting to see their work evolve.  I find that I feel strongly about every film–I either love it or hate it.  But then I also think Perhaps this will be better upon a second viewing…  I don’t know.  I’ve always loved Raising Arizona.  Since I was about 8 years old.  Knowing the quirkiness of this film helped me appreciate Blood Simple.  I couldn’t help but notice similar themes, camera angles, and even a splash of their Coen humor.  But when we got to Miller’s Crossing and Barton Fink, I was pretty disappointed.  But like I said, maybe if I watch them again?

Last night was The Hudsucker Proxy night.

And The Brothers redeemed themselves.  At least, for now.

[That’s some kind of geek-speak that will be funny to my husband if no one else.]

Yesterday, I did FAIL–twice, in fact–in my attempt to make myself slippers. I got this grand idea from the hospital’s list of items to bring for labor & delivery. Funny source of inspiration, huh?

I have lots of great slipper pattern ideas from Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion and the Martha Stewart Holiday Handmade Gifts (special issue 2006). I eventually settled on the pattern in Sew Pretty Homestyle.

Things didn’t work out as planned. Perhaps because I didn’t have enough wool and thus used other materials. Or perhaps because I got carried away and sewed the sole on wrong-side out. OK, I made mistakes every step of the way, but they were still pretty cute in the end. Just a little flimsy.

So I pressed on, altered my pattern, added some bulk, and used stronger fabric. I even put a little felt on the bottom. Things were going swimmingly. Until I tried my second pair on.

Quite unfortunately, these must be a size 5 1/2 or something close. And I wear a 6 1/2 to 7. So they are snug. Very snug. Busting at the seams snug. My advice to anyone using Tone Finnanger’s pattern is to add to the seam allowance. Oh, and measure your feet before you dive in.

And that’s how I managed to FAIL twice in one evening. I think I’ll be wearing socks or flip-flops while in the hospital.

They are cute though. Don’t you think?

If I decide to make another pair of slippers (just the thought makes me a bit weary right now), I will knit or crochet some Mary Janes. If they’re too small, they’ll stretch. And if they’re too big… well, it will be hard not to realize that before the project is complete. I found what looks like a pretty cute pattern here. And here’s another pattern complete with tutorial. Would you expect anything less from Purl?

In other news, Dear Julia has offered to care for Emily, and I am ecstatic! I can’t think of anyone in a better position to help us with this. Thank you, Julia!

Today, I will (yes, I will!) clean and install Brother’s carseat. For some reason, I’ve been putting this off. Perhaps to make silly slippers that don’t fit? While I’m at it, I plan to vaccuum out the car. This hasn’t been done in, oh, about a year. (And another thank you to Julia for the Dust Buster… it will be put to good use today!)