evieheartsmilo

The Natural Sweetener Debate

2010-01-29T17:55:00.003-07:00

I know I haven't posted for a while. I didn't even have a chance yet to post about my daughters 2nd birthday(!). But this I kinda wanted to put out there. I haven't done any extensive research, but I guess we'll see how things go.

I guess what I'm looking for is 'the best' natural sweetener for our family/situation. We are a 1 income family and there's Type I Diabetes in our household. So something not too expensive and if it's good for the diabetes, all the better. I've been looking around online, and, of course, there's many conflicting opinions.

As far as I can tell, here are my options:

Agave Nectar
Maple Syrup
Sucanat
Raw Cane Sugar

The pricepoint for regular refined sugar seems to be best, but I've 'banned' it from our home. I know people who have gone to the sugar factory and seen things. I mean, it's just heaped in piles on the floor and people step on it and spit in it. Yuck. This is what's in the package at the store. I'm not naming names/companies. I'm just sayin'. It could be the same for the sweeteners in the list, for all I know.

I'm not including Stevia because I don't like the aftertaste. I've bought it before and no one uses it.

Agave Nectar:
I've read lots of conflicting articles on this one. That it's just as bad as high fructose corn syrup, that it's super processed/not processed, that it's processed like maple syrup, that it's processed like corn syrup, that it is good for diabetes, that it's NOT good for diabetes. I'm not really sure what to think on this one. If it really has a low Glycemic index, that would be a plus, and worth the cost. I'd be interested in baking with this one if that is the case.

Maple Syrup:
Delicious, but expensive.

Sucanat:
After reading some articles, seems like this is just fancy raw sugar? Also Expensive.

Raw Cane Sugar:
Like regular sugar, but unrefined and not super processed. I've been buying various versions of this lately. It's cheaper but it doesn't dissolve in liquids that great and it's grainy in baking.

This is definitely not a deeply researched topic for me, but sometimes it's hard to weed through the 'facts' that are out there. I guess I'll just keep searching. =)

My husband is so witty sometimes

2009-12-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

An exerpt of an email he sent in regards to a birthday dinner we were invited to (he misspelled my name wrong on purpose):

"I just spoke with Elaine and she said that we will not be able to make

it to the dinner but we would be up for activities. What do you guys

have planned for the activities? Are there going to be arm wrestling

competitions, balancing acts or just straight hanging out? Please let

us know so we can train accordingly. Cause I would hate to think that

I over trained for the balancing acts and we wind up with the arm

wrestling competition.....that would blow. Any hoo you're probably

very busy typing with your eyes closed or having explosive diarrhea to

read any more so I'll allow you to return to your business.

Cheers,

Brrrr...or Why do I Live Here?

2009-12-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

This is what my windows look like from the inside. Apparently it was
like -58C yesterday morning? It was recorded as the 2nd coldest spot
in the world at the time. Arg.

Please Ignore the Mess in the Background

2009-12-11T10:37:00.001-07:00

Sometime this week, at 22 months, Evie started singing. Out of the
blue. The most surprising song she's trying to sing? "C is for
Cookie". She's heard the song maybe 3 times.

Would have been less confusing if they were called Butt Blisters.

2009-11-27T20:25:00.002-07:00

Conversation with my mom today...

Mom: So there's a band at the party, they supposed to be pretty good. I think they are called Amroid.

Me: What?

Mom: Amroid.

Me: Hemorrhoid? You are going to see a band called Hemorrhoid?

Mom: No no. You know, Amroid.

Me: ???

Mom: Like the green.

Me: Oh, Emerald.

New(ish) Crayons

2009-10-09T13:54:00.000-06:00

Making crayon disks from broken crayons. Tired of buying crayons all
the time. We'll see how Evie likes them when they cool. :)

Todays Prize

2009-10-05T12:22:00.001-06:00

The last few times we've gone to the library Evie has found one item,
book or DVD, that she absolutely loved and knew she had to bring home.
This was todays prize. I let her wander in the kids section by
herself - me closely behind of course. She does her own exploring and
knows where the books are and where the DVDs are. I think pretty good
for a 20 month old.

Guinea Pigs!

2009-09-30T14:13:00.000-06:00

@ free admission day at Valley Zoo

Homemade chicken stock

2009-09-28T15:18:00.000-06:00

This is my first time making stock. I'm making it in the slow cooker
using the chicken parts/"garbage" I've froze when making other dishes.
I've been collecting parts for a while and now I have enough to make
stock. I used to buy stock - waited when it was on sale, but still $2/
L. This homemade stuff is essentially free. Well, less than $2/L
anyways.

Can I Have Some Eggos Pls?

2009-09-17T08:46:00.000-06:00

Testing email posting

2009-09-15T13:32:00.000-06:00

Just testing posting from my iPhone. :)

Meal Planning

2009-09-11T13:31:00.002-06:00

We are starting to get settled at the new house. I'm able to work again (evieheartsmilo.etsy.com) without it being scatterbrained or chaotic. This also means that I can get to meal planning again.

I am a big advocate for this because I can budget exactly how much to spend as I know exactly what I need to buy for the week. Especially when I am no longer contributing as much as I used to money-wise, this sort of budgeting is important to us. What I do is go through flyers on Friday for 'Loss Leaders' - ie, the really good deals, and then base my menu on that.

This week, for those of you who are interested:
Monday - Rotisserie Chicken, oven fries
Tuesday - Chicken Ceasar Pitas (from leftover chicken Monday)
Wednesday - Pizza (handmade/scratch)
Thursday - Meatloaf, mashed potato
Friday - Hot dogs w/ fries

There is a little leeway - sometimes there are good deals at the store that aren't in the flyers, but this is my guideline for the week.

Now if I can stick to it this week, I know I'm well on my way. =)

New house.

2009-09-05T22:56:00.000-06:00

We've moved. Again. This would be the 4th house we've moved to in the 6 years we've been married. Hopefully that's it. I hate moving. Hopefully I can get a routine down where I will be updating more often. Stay tuned.

Another Potato Creation

2009-06-23T12:56:00.001-06:00

IMG_1119
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

Evie's potato head creation at 17 months. At least she's leaving the pieces in longer so I can take a picture.

Not what you think.

2009-06-19T06:39:00.002-06:00

It's been nuts around here - sell house, buy house, banking stuff, selling stuff, tshirt orders...and I'm moving back to my mom's for a month because the sellers of the new house haven't even started looking for a new place yet. We don't get in until end of August.

Anyways, I had a few minutes before Evie gets up so I thought I'd share this.

My relatives are having a garage sale today. A couple of days ago, my aunt asked her 16 year old son (my cousin) to go into the basement to see if he can find more stuff to put for sale. So he goes into the basement and comes across this box.

It was marked 'Adult Toys'.

And he opened it.

Inside was a chess set, some checkers, monopoly, scrabble, etc...

Yipes. That was close.

Stuff I find on my camera.

2009-05-20T13:59:00.001-06:00

IMG_0658
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

Or I should stop putting my camera anywhere Evie can reach it. There will be a series of these in the next little while. She apparently is more into taking pictures than I am.

Someone got a hold of my camera.

2009-05-14T12:24:00.001-06:00

IMG_0533
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

Now there's yogurt all over the lens.

Rainbow Cupcakes....but you would never know.

2009-05-13T06:53:00.002-06:00

IMG_0556
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

Made some rainbow cupcakes using this idea. It wasn't diet style. Just full fat goodness. For some friends we were visiting who just had a baby and didn't have time to celebrate his birthday. I guess I should have took a picture of the final product, but I forgot.

Potato of the Day

2009-05-12T12:47:00.001-06:00

IMG_0553
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

By Evie at 15 months on May 8/09. I try to take pictures of her creations if I can be fast enough. She likes to pull the appendages out as soon as she puts them in.

Mailing List is Up.

2009-05-04T12:55:00.000-06:00

I think I got it coded correctly. Hopefully.

Featured!

2009-05-04T12:23:00.002-06:00

Our company (E&E Hobby and Gift) was featured in a local free newspaper today. Not sure if anyone will try to find our shop - which we don't have yet, but we have an online shop concept in development. I'm hoping to have it up in the next couple of months.

Originally I was waiting until we moved to the new house (which we haven't bought because we're still trying to sell our house), but I might just start it earlier now.

We'll be featuring collectible toys like DC Universe, Muggs, cool stuffies and other neat things.

I'm going to set up a mailing list for those who are interested to know when the shop will be opening.

Hopefully, I'll be posting a little more often from now on....

12 months olds don't really colour

2009-02-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

IMG_2368
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

They just like to hold the crayons and carry them around. Sometimes they line them up on the table, or they pretend to colour while holding the crayons wrong. But that's okay. She at least knows what they are now and when we go out to eat, she's excited to see the restaurant provide her some crayons and a colouring-in book.

New Fabrics!

2009-02-06T10:13:00.001-07:00

IMG_2366
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

Here is a pile of the new fabrics I've recently aquired for wet bags. The bottom 2 are my first bolts of fabric. It's starting to get a little ridiculous to buy fabric at retail, so I'm slowly building my fabric by the bolt stash. Now that I have the bolts, I don't have to limit what/how many items I can make.

My Techie Baby

2009-02-02T08:06:00.001-07:00

IMG_2320
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

Hmm..is she even a baby anymore? I know she's only 1, but I don't want to be one of those parents that call their kid baby when they are 10....

Anyway, Evie took this pic! I was teaching her how to push the button on the camera to capture the picture. She learns fast! I think now I'll have to get her one of those toddler proof cameras. She keeps poking the lens on mine. Probably not a good idea. Please ignore my foot. I was trying to hold Ninji up.

To other businesses...

2009-01-30T08:10:00.001-07:00

IMG_2273
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

Wow, 4 days posting in a row - must be a new record! =)

Besides my Etsy shops, we (my husband and I) attend comic/toy shows a few times a year. We sell action figures, dvds, games, that sort of thing. Mostly my husbands domain - stuff he likes. Recently, we started to expand our product line and offer stuffies. We just got in a huge order of Nintendo stuffies to sell at the next comic fair, which is in March.

We kept one of these Toad hats for a demo - obiviously not going to sell it once we've played/worn it. Thought it would be funny to have Evie wear it, but she wasn't going to have any of that.

Evie turns 1 (or where did all the time go?)

2009-01-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

IMG_2288
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

So, my daughter turned one last week. I've been just too busy to talk about it, but taking the time now. Lots has happened the last month, nothing better than a point list to try to cover it all:

:: She now has 4 teeth, finally! But all on the bottom. Where are those top teeth?
:: Her hair is long enough on top for a little pony tail. She looks like a girl! haha.
:: Big as ever. We got her weighed at the doctors, she is a whopping 29 lbs - WAY off the curve...
:: Walking! Yesterday she was determined to walk around the house without any help. I was of course there to help her when she needed it.
:: Gong Xi, Gong Xi! Taught her how to do the hand gesture - she can do it!
:: Says the following words: done, mom, daddy, daisey, milo, ninji, yah, wow...I might be missing some.
:: climbing up the stairs - still working on the climbing down
:: starting to get the concept of colouring. She likes to line up them crayons on her table though.
:: wearing size 2T and 3T.

So many things this month - I don't think I can remember it all. Oh and just a note: the dress she wore for her birthday - that's my dress! My mom kept it from oh so many years ago. Glad she can wear the dress I wore when I was 2, for her first birthday (big girl!).

C is for Cookie

2009-01-28T08:20:00.001-07:00

IMG_2284
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

I haven't had a chance to blog about my daughter first birthday yet, but I thought I would put up a little bit of a sample. She LOVES Cookie Monster. So nothing more appropriate than Cookie Monster cake (pic coming soon), and Cookie Monster cupcakes. The cupcake part was easy enough to make/decorate, but it took me a couple of hours to get the royal icing right to make the Cookie Monster 'candies' - not perfect, but I think not bad for my first time.

Today's Photo - Waiting for Breakfast.

2009-01-27T11:17:00.001-07:00

Untitled 4
Originally uploaded by Elaina B

I'm going go try to post a photo a day...or maybe every couple of days. Here's the first one. I know the photo isn't too clear. It's taken on my new pink netbook, complete with builtin webcam, so it's not high megapixel quality...

I'm Back!

2009-01-27T08:43:00.001-07:00

Ignore that last post...I just imported from the old blog, and here is my new blog! Sit back and enjoy -- I hope to be posting a little more regularly, but I always way that.

Sadly...

2008-11-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

I will no longer be up dating this blog. It'll still be hear until my service runs out, but I will concentrate on updating my other blog. There will be Evie updates there. In fact, I just posted one last Friday.

But here's a bonus for today that I'll post here:
Evie at 3 separate occasions yesterday took 5 steps! My daughter is walking. She can't even crawl, push herself up to sitting or pull herself up on furniture properly...but my daughter can walk. Yay!

Month 9

2008-10-27T10:21:00.000-06:00

We've been busy. We're thinking about selling the house. I got my first wholesale order for onesies from a baby boutique, and also been in contact with another boutique owner that is interested in buying from me as well. I haven't even been blogging at my other blog. It's mostly been updated with my exported twitter posts, but at least its something.

Now onto Evie:

:: Evie got pretty sick this month. It included a 104 fever and a trip to the emergency room. That was the scariest thing I have ever done.
:: She waves! To everybody! Even to nobody.
:: It's her job to turn the pages when we are reading a book, and she knows it.
:: We are down to 2 naps a day - one at 10am, one at 2pm, and down for the night at 8pm.
:: We've started dairy. She LOVES yogurt and cheese.
:: And Cheerios. My girl LIVES for Cheerios.
:: Only 2 bottom teeth so far. We're waiting for the top ones. They have been due to come out for the last couple of weeks but apparently have stage fright.
:: Still no crawling. Just rolling.
:: She all of a sudden this month discovered that the most comfortable sleeping position is on her belly.
:: Just starting to pull herself up to her feet on furniture.
:: Her new favourite thing? Offering you some food, and then taking it away laughing. She does this to the dogs on a regular basis.
:: We thought the bald spot on the back of her head would be gone forever. It's made a second appearance.
:: She is as tall as a 2 year old. We stood her side by side a 2 year old. They are about the same height.
:: She is wearing size 4 shoes.
:: When she is done playing her piano, she applaudes herself. Every. Time.

Month 8.

2008-09-23T07:39:00.000-06:00

Just a quick little update. We've been very busy preparing for a toy and comic fair that runs this Sunday.
:: We started Cheerios last week! I was using them more to help her with her pincer grip, but she seems to like them very much. She gets excited when I ask her if she wants some.
:: Log rolling from place to place. Still no crawling, but like I said before, I don't think she's going to be a crawler.
:: She wants to walk everywhere! When we are sitting on the couch, she'll grab my fingers and slide of the chair so she can walk. She's now using my hands more for balance than support.
:: Evie had a reaction to tofu. She had some rashes and belly aches (we think). We're going to stay away from that. She seems to really like her fruits (sweettooth, like her dad). What I find interesting is that she has the same tastes that I had when I was pregnant: sweet tooth, fruit, chicken aversion. Does this mean she'll like spicy food?
:: As mentioned in a previous post, I've been making her pants since she is so tall. I've made her 4 pairs so far. Also, I find the 18-24mos size of the Karate American Apparel pant fits well.
:: 2 teeth! She has quite of bit of trouble when the teeth want to come in. So exhausting. But I love to see those teeth!
:: My daughter is silly.

Near the End.

2008-09-13T20:08:00.000-06:00

I think my time at this blog is near ending. I've cancelled my subscription, and although there's still a few months left here, I'll probably be spending more time on the new blog.

I started this blog as my crafty blog. Knitting, sewing, spinnning...all the things that I wanted to do lots of. But now, with Evie, it's become my report of Evie blog. There has been no knitting or sewing or spinning to report of. Okay, there's some sewing, but nothing really to report as it was not for self consumption but as inventory for the sellings.

Now we are focused on other things: Trying to make it work for me to stay at home means that I have to try to supplement income. More of the sellings. Most of my merchandise is in the form of wet bags and buttons, but there may be some screenprinting of shirts on the way. It's a far cry from the original knitting and sewing of dog clothes.

I still will probably post a thing or two here, but you can catch me more at http://pumpingalrights.livejournal.com/. I've been twittering, so you can catch my daily tweets on the blog as well as the progress of screening shirts and trying to break into the indie craft shows...*fingers crossed*

My tall daughter...

2008-09-02T13:55:00.000-06:00

...can't fit any pants I buy. Although they 'fit', they are all TOO SHORT. There is no choice but the make her pants. Winter is coming. I don't want her shins to get cold.

Working on my own pattern. I've made 3 test pants so far.

Month 7

2008-08-24T09:54:00.000-06:00

2 days ago, I turned 30. That's the same day that the girl turned 7 months. Here's a small update:

:: She's pretty good at sitting up now. Doesn't need much support anymore...except when she's excited and bounces all over.
:: Started egg yolk on the food front. I think we are going to start fish next week. I also have started giving her little chunks of food off the table: watermelon, cantelope, green beans. She's pretty good at chewing now.
:: Her first tooth finally started to show about 3 days ago. That night was a gong show.
:: My daughter is as big as a 1 year old. We are in the process of getting rid of her 6-12mos and now wearing the 12-18mos.
:: She can turn both directions belly to back and back to belly.
:: She is not interested in crawling for the sake of trying to get things. She's happy where she is. I think she's going to be a sitting to walking girl, skipping the crawling step.
:: Evie can clap her hands. She does it whenever she's happy/excited about something.
:: Learning to walk! She'll use my hands to pull her self up then hold on and take steps. We can go from the bed room to the bonus room, probably about 10-15 of my steps...she's getting faster.
:: Finger gasping is getting better. We practice while me and the hubs are eating dinner. I break little rice crackers for her to try to pick up.
:: Lazy girl! she knows how to hold stuff for her self, but once someone touches it, she doesn't want to hold it anymore...
:: Milo likes to be around her more now. Before he would just remove himself from the situation, but now, I'm finding that he sits closer and closer to us. Someone is warming up!

29+1

2008-08-22T09:39:00.000-06:00

But I'm okay with it. *sigh*

Month 5+6

2008-07-22T09:25:00.000-06:00

So, we skipped a month. I meant to post. I really did. We've been pretty busy here. Working on some re-org at the Etsy shop. I've split my shop into 2 - one for baby stuff and one for other stuff. We've also been preparing for some Swap meets, toy fairs, and other venues to sell our wares. Not to also mention eBay. Busy busy! Now for some Evie updates...I'll try to remember them in order, but no promises.

Month 5+6

Evie's eating lots of different foods now - fruits and veggies of course. We don't plan on starting meat until 8 months. Foods include mango, pears, apple, avacado, carrots, peas, squash, sweet potato, apricots, nectarines, lentils, leeks, celery, banana, plums, and I bet there's more I'm forgetting.
She learned how to hold the bottle up herself.
She can sit up for about 1 minute by herself.
Everything she picks up is going into her mouth.
We did a 6 class session of Baby Yoga. Evie loves it. I highly recommend it.
Evie is learning to drink out of a sippy cup. She's getting better!
Loves to play in her activity saucer. She is in there all the time!
Another thing I recommend is Baby Signs. She can already sign 'change dipey' and 'milk'.
Learned how to roll over about a week after she turned 5 months.
Plays 'Peekaboo' with her blanket.
Getting better with people she doesn't see too often. I credit this to Evie's photobook. We go through it every day. We flip through pictures of people she should know, but don't see all the time.
Sleeps at 8pm, up at 7pm. I never take this for granted.
Doesn't sleep much during the day though.

Hopefully I'm not missing anything. I would love to post more often, but we'll have to see how that goes. I'm also thinking about moving my blog to a new title, that corresponds with the new shop. But we'll see how that goes. Cheers!

9:38AM

2008-06-19T09:39:00.000-06:00

And ALL my kids are asleep. It's nice and quiet.

I hope everybody is having a great day! Back to work for me now that I have a chance! =)

The Stinkiest Pooh Award Goes To...

2008-05-23T13:18:00.000-06:00

You would think it would be one of the dogs. Nope. Not even close. There's only one other guess. Here's a clue: Evie. There will be no pictures. It's not something I want to remember.

Month Four.

2008-05-22T07:08:00.000-06:00

So I guess the only time that I blog is to talk about Evie. Oh well. There hasn't been much crafting - or at least none for self consumption. I've been busy working on a couple of projects - a whole lot of buttons for the local zoo gift shop, and now I'm getting ready for a 'swap meet' for kids for the end of June. Gotta get those bibs and things ready. Other things this month:

Evie has started solids! She was having so much formula before she went to bed (10oz! After breastfeeding!) that the doctor suggested that it was probably time for the baby gruel. She's had that, apples and pears so far. She loves the fruit!
She can follow sounds now. When she hears the dogs bark or her daddy come home from work, she turns her head in that direction.
We taught her how to pet the dogs. Evie seems to love to pet Milo. 'Milo nice nice!'
Working on sitting up. She can maybe MAYBE balance for 10 seconds.
Working on rolling over too. She can almost do it...she just needs a little help/nudging.
She sat in her big girl stroller for the first time 2 days ago, we went for a nice walk with the dogs in the neighborhood. She must have thought it was comfy, as she fell asleep. Normally, we keep her in the car seat and click it into the stroller frame.
She's sleeping up to 12 hour nights...she's averaging about 11 hours+. We are very greatful. We know that alot of other babies don't do this. She goes to bed at about 830 every night and is up about 730 the next morning.
I taught her how to kiss mommy on Tuesday. It's not really like kiss, it's more like 'I'm going to devour your cheek'. And then it's covered in baby drool.
Speaking of drool, Evie is SO DROOLY.

If things ever become less hectic, which I doubt, I'll try to post more. I'm on 24/7, so the only time I can get away is when Evie naps. But with the swap meet coming up, I need to work on those bibs and wet bags ready asap. The next time you'll probably hear from me is for Evie's 5 month. Or maybe I'll start blogging about her new foods as she tries them? Avocado is next. I'm guessing she won't like them as much as her apples and pears. Anyways...

Month Three.

2008-04-22T07:32:00.000-06:00

There hasn't been much on the crafting front lately. We attended a toy show so I had to help prepare for that (button making fanatic!). Some other stuff that has happened the last month:

Evie not longer naps in the later afternoons/evenings. She's up from about 3pm to when she goes down for the night at about 1030. We are in the process of getting her to shift her bedtime earlier to 930.
She's sleeping 10 hour nights! Amazing!
She started playing with her toys. Evie will bat at the toy hanging from her car seat handle.
Evie went on her first trip this past weekend. We went to Canmore for a friend's wedding. She did actually quite well.
She smiles every time she sees her dad or me.
She can sit in her bumbo chair for a few minutes at a time.
Evie's getting pretty drooly. She gnaws on her fingers so much (we try not to let her as much as possible), that she's starting to get a little callus on her finger. Boo.
She's still too small for her activitiy center.

Now that she's up longer, there will be even less time to do any crafting...not that I had time before.

Month Two.

2008-03-22T07:26:00.000-06:00

Two months already. This month Evie:

Started to watch her mobile very intently, and gets excited when I put her in the crib and crank it to turn it on.

Have conversations (oohs and ahhs) with various people/things; of course me and her dad, her 'po po' and 'goong goong' (grandma/grandpa), but she seems to like to talk the most with her mobile as it sings to her and moves around...

Can hold her head up for about 10 seconds without anyone supporting it -- we're slowly getting there!

Seems to know (but maybe wishful thinking on my part) that it's time to try to make a pooh when I make the 'poohface' with her so I don't have to change her again after the initial pooh.

Watches the TV.

Looks at the pictures in the book when I read to her.

Can turn her head from right to left (but not the other way) during tummy time.

Grew into her 3m size and is starting to wear her 6m clothes.

Stuck out her tongue when I stuck mine out at her.

First Postpartum FO

2008-03-14T15:56:00.000-06:00

Patterns: Baby Mittens (Free Pattern)
Yarn: Leftovers of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock - Lightweight (Colourway: Pebble Beach)
Needles: US 3 DPNs

Now my girls hands won't get cold at night! Yay!

Cheek to Cheek

2008-03-12T12:55:00.000-06:00

One Month

2008-02-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Evie celebrated her one month last friday. We celebrated with her daddy picking up some take away from our favorite pasta/pizza place (very mom and pops) on his way home from work. Mmmm...restaurant food!

We went for her one month check up yesterday. She seems to be developing well -- growing 2 cm longer (making her 'off the charts' %-wise), and gaining almost a pound since we were at the doctor's last (just about 10lbs!) The doctor made a joke that she'll be taller than mom by the time she's 5. Haha. However, I wouldn't be surprised if she was taller than me by the time she's 12...

All through her first month, we had trouble getting her to sleep more than 1/2 hour at a time. Turns out, the secret weapon is a binky. We couldn't give it to her before her one month in fear of causing her 'nipple confusion', but now that she's able to use it, she has slept much more soundly.

I'm starting to get used to her schedule, but still don't really have any time to myself where I can sew or knit, and actually find myself with a list of things that I need to do (taxes, banking, making appointments, etc). She sleeps at almost exactly midnight everynight and sleeps for anywhere between 5.5 - 8 hours (yay!). I would love for her to sleep a little earlier, but I guess 'baby' steps -- I'm more than happy for her to be sleeping at a 5 hour stretch. I just have to resort to my university days where I was going to bed at midnight and up at 7-8 in the morning...

I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead where she will start to be more aware of her surroundings, play with toys and maybe even hold up her head by herself!

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Not much here on the front. Still trying to get Evie into a schedule. She sleeps somewhat during the night - I normally have to get up only once, but she doesn't really sleep during the day -- she cluster feeds. We are waiting for that to pass before I can get into anything crafty or sane/normal again. Poor Milo and Daisey want to hang out with me, but since Evie doesn't really sleep, we don't get to hang out too much even though I make an effort to talk to them any chance I get while I'm carrying Evie. At least it's slowly getting better...but I'm still exhausted. and hungry.

I can't believe how Evie has grown! She's already filling out her 3m size clothes. I'm going to have to pack away her newborn sized ones. Good thing I didn't buy too many -- I knew she was going to be big. I have a feeling she's going to be tall like her dad (who's 6'5"), and not like me (4'11"). She's 100% in length so far.

The Rundown

2008-01-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

**times are approximate

Sunday, January 20
5am: I get up to go pee (again), but find some hemorraging.
6am: We get to the hospital
8am: It's no big deal, so we get sent home.
noon: What I think are contractions, start. They are approximately 20 minutes apart. They continue throughout the day.
10pm: Contractions are 10 minutes apart.

Monday, January 21
4am: Contractions are 5 minutes apart and pretty intense.
5am: We get to the hospital.
5-9am: I am constantly monitored. Only 1 cm dialated, but I am on the inducing list today so, they decide to induce me since I'm this far along.
9:30am: Inducing stuff is administered.
9:30 - 11:30am: I am monitored, an am supposed to be sent home after.
noon: Contractions are 2-3 minutes apart. They decide to keep me. Still 1 cm.
noon - 4:15pm: Many mutterings of why they can't they just knock me out and cut the baby out. Contractions back to 5 minutes apart, still 1 cm. New nursing shift is wondering why I didn't get sent home.
4:30pm: I ask to go home. We go home.
11:30pm: My water breaks.

Tuesday, January 22
midnight: Back at the hospital again. Contractions are still 5 minutes apart and they are even more intense. This time they decide to keep me.
4:30am: 3 cm. At this point, I've had maybe 5 hours sleep in the past 3 days. I opt for the epidural.
5-7am: I have the best sleep I've had in months.
7:30am: 6 cm. We hope to have this baby by noon.
noon: No baby.
1pm: 6cm. No progress.
3pm: 7cm. Not much progress.
4:30pm: Instead of thinning, my cervix swells. Plus baby is facing up. No good. We opt for the C-section.
4:30-6pm: Mutterings of why they couldn't just knock me out and cut her out on Monday when I wanted.
6:20pm: Baby is born. Comments made about Evie when she came out: "It's a girl!", "She's big!" (8lbs 6oz), "She's LONG!" (56cm), "Man, she's got some BIG feet!" (she gets that from her dad.)

Her feet are so big, that she is wearing socks sized for 6mos. All the socks that were newborn size are being used as mitts. I hope to get back into some sort of routine by the end of this week.

01.22.2008

2008-01-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

Evie was born January 22, 2008 at about 6 in the evening after a long labor at 8lbs 6oz. We just got home from the hospital today. More pics to come as we start to settle in.

Can't wait to meet you...

2008-01-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Seems Daisey and the baby are already best of friends...

Waiting and waiting and waiting and...

2008-01-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday and New Year's. Ours was full of the usual family gatherings and etc.

Still no baby. We are now at 39 weeks. Still waiting. Even the dogs are tired of waiting, I think.

For now, we are passing the time with downloads of Amazing Race Asia and Kitchen Nightmares UK Season 5. Hopefully there will be something to announce soon.

I'm still here...

2007-12-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

...but not much is going on.

At 48 inches around, there's really not alot I can do that won't put me in a super uncomfortable state. There hasn't been much knitting (a tiny bit of baby socks...), and definitely no sewing, and I have to take sitting breaks when making a meal that takes only like 1/2 to make. How many times have I been stuck in the middle of the stairs while going up because I run out of energy. BOO! So, with 3.5 weeks to go, I really hope that the baby comes early. I think he/she wants out too. When the baby moves about in there, he/she is so rough, that it seems like he/she is trying to break out of there. It makes for some uncomfortable-ness.

The husband and my brother are planning to attend a Popculture Fair in March in our city, so in anticipation, I've been making buttons and mirrors to sell there. Many of them are posted in my Etsy shop for the time being. There might even be a plan to set up an Ebay store for buttons and mirrors after the baby is born and we're set into a routine to help supplement some income while I'm on my maternity leave.

Salted Eggs

2007-11-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have a craving for congee (jook). My husband doesn't like it at all, so I don't get to eat it all that often. Now that I've bought a new rice cooker that makes the congee for me (I don't make congee very well), I know I will have it more often. One of my favorite things to eat with the jook is salted egg. However, I've read that poisonous red dye has been found in the yolk of the eggs from China to make it look more vibrant. So I decided to make my own salted eggs. Recipe adapted from here.

6 eggs
kosher salt
chinese cooking wine

Roll each egg in the cooking wine to coat, then roll in the salt to completely cover. Put the egg in a ziplock bag. I didn't want to waste the salt or the wine so atthe end I combined the two to make a kind of sludge and added it to the bag to help coat the eggs. Put the bag in a container and place the container in a cool spot that is not in the fridge (I put mine in the basement). Let sit for 20-30 days. I also smooshed the salt around in the bag every few days to make sure the salt coated the eggs properly.

Delicious!

While Mom does some sewing...

2007-11-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Who Wants a Cookie?

2007-11-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

Too cold for a walk outside with the dogs, so I made some cookies for them! Of course it was to flurry on my first weekday on my early maternity leave...

Dog Cookies

2 cups Rye Flour
1 1/4 cups Rice Flour
1/2 Tbs Cinnamon
3/4 cups water (plus more if needed)
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

Combine rye flour, rice flour and cinnamon in a working bowl. Combine water and apple sauce. Add the wet to the dry to form a dough. They dough may be a bit dry, add little bits of water as necessary until the dough comes together. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick and cut cookies.

With egg wash (1 egg + a little water), brush each cookie. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes I normally just turn off the oven and let the cookies sit to let it crisp up more - Daisey seems to like them better that way.

I tried to take a picture of them enjoying the cookies, but none of them were clear. Boo. They were a little over zealous while eating them. An oven picture was the best I could do.

Happy Halloweenie!

2007-10-31T20:49:00.000-06:00

Green is my New Favorite Colour

2007-10-14T20:42:00.000-06:00

Well, not really. Finally, after 2 weeks of main colour (4 coats), accent colour (3 coats) and 2 hours of hand painting (x3) the baby's room is finished. I wasn't really sure if I wanted to bother to paint the baby's room, but after some deliberation, I thought that it would be nice. I browsed through the internets and found exactly what I was looking for. Thanks to design dad to pointing me in the right direction.

Before:

Nothing special about the room before. The colors in our house are pretty dark, so it wasn't really 'baby ready' or anything like that.

After (but before the furniture came in):

After again (with furniture this time):

The other wall:

The room is pretty small, so that's pretty much the whole room. I was going to give the baby the bigger room, but I have so much craft stuff, the baby will just have to live in the smaller room until he/she needs the big room. We came to the conclusion that the baby will either grow up loving giraffes or hating them.

On the other side of things, I've completed a pair of baby socks and have started another pair. I'm not sure how many pairs I'm going to end up with, but socks seem to be my project of choice for some reason.

Satisfying the Cravings

2007-10-01T10:36:00.000-06:00

I purchase these puff wheat squares on a regular basis from the coffee shop when I'm at work. They are kinda like rice krispie squares, but...different. They are chocolately and gooey. So delicious. I figured it'd be a good idea to make a batch and satisfy the craving instead of paying $2 per square. It probably costs me less than a dollar to make the whole batch. Adapted from The Casual Baker's recipe.

Puffed Wheat Squares

1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
6 cups puffed wheat

Measure out puffed wheat in a bowl. Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking pan. Set both aside. Combine butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa and salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon (I used a silicone spatula) for 2 minutes before removing from heat. Add vanilla and stir briefly to combine. Pour measured out puffed wheat into the pot and quickly stir to coat evenly. Pour the coated cereal into the greased baking pan and use a damp spoon or hands to press the mixture evenly into the pan. Cool and slice.

Finally, Some Baby Knitting Done

2007-09-30T17:19:00.000-06:00

Pattern: Slip On Booties from 50 Baby Booties to Knit
Yarn: Socks that Rock - I forget which colorway (I think pebble beach)
Started: September 26, 2007
Finished: September 27, 2006

I used the left over yarn from here. It was a pretty easy knit, about an hour a night. I do need some practice with the seaming though. I hope to knit a few more items for the baby, even if they are easy booties/socks, but our next big project right now is painting up the baby's room. We did the first coat this morning, and even it it was only about an hour's work, at 25 weeks, I felt pretty tired after. But it's all good. I just took a nap. =)

The Big 5

2007-09-11T18:36:00.000-06:00

Happy 5th Birthday to my boy, Milo.

I had always wanted a pug. It got to the point where I finally convinced the husband (bf at the time) to get one. Milo was supposed to be small, like pugs are. Instead we got this giant of a pug, 40 pounds when he's trim, 50+ when he's not.

At first look, Milo looks so menacing. So many people were afraid of him...until they got to know him. They all concede that he's the most gentle dog anyone has ever met. He doesn't like when people put on masks, he doesn't like Yoda on the TV but he does like rotisserie chicken, roast beef and spam.

He's good with kids, good judge of character, and gentle to those who he knows are good people. After 3 years of living with Daisey, he's finally able to protect himself and hold his own. No more getting pushed around by little Daisey, now he's doing some pushing of his own.

So Happy Birthday to Milo. Sorry there's no cake for him this year, Mom just wasn't able to make it with the heavy belly, but we did get to go for a nice walk in the neighborhood and I'll be sure to give him that extra cookie...

A Popular Conversation

2007-09-05T22:00:00.000-06:00

"So when are you due?"
"January."
"Really? That's still a long ways away. How far along are you?"
"About 21 weeks. So just over half way."
"Are you having twins then?"
"No. There is just one in there."
"Are you sure?"
"Yep."
"But you are so big."
"Big babies run in my family."
"Um. Yah. Good luck with that."

Repeat conversation with several people.

And One Makes Three.

2007-08-19T11:09:00.000-06:00

I guess it makes 5 if you include Milo and Daisey. This would be the main reason as to not posting in so long. The first 3 months were mostly full of morning sickness and lots of fatigue. I have never felt so tired. Ever. Once I got into the 4th month, I graduated from nausea and phantom gagging to constant indigestion. We're into the 19th weeks (almost half way!), so I'm pretty aware as to what foods will make me sick and whatnot. I heard from friends about food aversions, and wasn't sure what mine would be. Turns out it's chicken, beef, and eggs. Blech. Just thinking about it makes me want to gag. So as long as I avoid those, it's pretty much okay. Baby's due date is January 13th. We tried to find out what the sex of the baby was at the ultra sound, but the technician really couldn't tell. I guess we'll have to keep waiting. I'm finding that the baby is sensitive to sound. Crappy players at guitar hero seem to make the baby restless (All I feel is random thumpings in my lower abdomen), as well as my friend's 20 month old playing the drums. He/she also doesn't like any pressure on my belly. He/she was really upset at the ultrasound technician when she was pushing down on my belly with the ultrasound wand. LOTS of movement there. The tech was having a hard time getting the pictures she needed to get.

So, there hasn't been too much on the crafting front. I practically even stopped cooking supper. I hope to start some crafting soon -- sweater, some socks, a quilt (even if it's a cheating one). Now that I'm feeling a little better, hopefully I'll be able to do more and post more. Speaking of the bun in the oven, it seems to be up and doing his/her morning exercises, ie, kicking me in the gut with it's tiny feetsies.

Inspiration...for perogy making.

2007-07-03T10:20:00.000-06:00

While browsing garage sales a few weeks ago, I came across 3 of these perogy makers. They are like my perogy maker shown here, but they were for smaller/mini perogies. She only wanted 50 cents for all 3 of them (although I only need one). How can I say no to that?

So with my perogy making inspiration renewed, I made 200 perogies the next afternoon.

Then the husband and the brother ate like 50 or 60 of them perogies I slaved over...

It was a Secret...

2007-07-01T14:06:00.000-06:00

I was lucky enough to be able to catch the White Stripes Secret Show held at a inner city youth center before the offical concert yesterday. I sat front and center, about 5 feet from the stage. It was awesome! WOO White Stripes!

The 'stage' before the 150 people showed up.

White Stripes in action!

Do Do Do Da Da Da

2007-06-03T01:31:00.000-06:00

Went to the Police concert tonight. Had fun. But regretted not bringing my camera. The ticket said no recording devices/cameras, and I didn't want to get in trouble so I didn't bring one. Everyone brought one except for me, and no one cared. Dammit. At least I got a nice concert tshirt.

Mini Post

2007-05-27T22:21:00.000-06:00

Things are getting a little crazy here in the household. Landscaping, getting some finances in order, computer problems, not to mention some other stuff that I can't get into yet.

So for the time being...

Daisey likes to eat her hands before she goes to bed when she's having an allergic reaction. This was my solution to stop it...

Socks are from here.

It happens to everybody...

2007-05-07T20:12:00.000-06:00

Computer problems. This might take a while...boo.

Icky Thump.

2007-04-27T08:30:00.000-06:00

Woot! The White Stripes are coming! I don't think I've ever been excited for a concert before. I guess that's due to my extreme selectiveness of music. I can't wait!

Delicious!

2007-04-10T09:32:00.000-06:00

#97 of my 101 in 1001:
Take a Pasta Making Course.

Taken at NAIT on a Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago. It was pretty fun. Mostly full of older retirees, so I probably was the youngest one. We learned to make pasta dough, tomato sauce and al fredo sauce.

Now I can make it at home and kinda know what I am doing...

Daisey and her Funny Noises

2007-03-27T09:28:00.000-06:00

Daisey doesn't like to be bothered when she's concentrating on eating her bone...

ETA 04/23/2007: The last video was too dark and you couldn't see anything. I took a new one!

The Nerd...

2007-03-26T20:44:00.000-06:00

...that is my husband. 24 wrestleman figures thrifted at goodwill for about $1 each.

Best Hello Kitty Product Ever.

2007-03-23T14:01:00.000-06:00

Now, if only I can find a set somewheres...

Time for Night Night

2007-03-21T09:19:00.000-06:00

Milo and Daisey's cousin Dukes in some PJs I made but didn't fit anyone until now...

Pika Pika!

2007-03-20T08:13:00.000-06:00

I made my little brother a birthday cake. He turned 23.

Toe Ups!

2007-03-19T19:21:00.000-06:00

My first pair of toe up socks. My apologies for the crappy picture.

Pattern: Toe up socks from Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook/Modified Jaywalkers
Needles: US 3
Started: February 7, 2007
Finished: March 12, 2007
Yarn: Socks that Rock, I think the colorway is 'Pebble Beach' (but don't quote me on that one)

Notes: These are the fastest socks I have ever knitted. They look fuzzy in the picture because I've already worn them a few times. I wanted to try some toe up socks but didn't want the boring stockinette so I took the basic idea of the Jaywalkers and adapted them to the number of stitches. I like these socks, but not as much as my original Jaywalkers. But I really do like knitting socks from the toe up. I'll just have to keep practicing that hourglass heel...

Peh heh heh heh Rogies, Peh heh heh heh Rogies...

2007-03-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else seen the feature on Sesame Street all those years ago where they show a perogy factory and sang a song with the words "Peh heh heh heh Ro-gies, Peh heh heh heh Ro-gies..." over and over? Maybe it was just the Canadian version.

Anyways, #98 on my 101 in 1001 list: "Learn how to make perogies"

My husband (being of ukrainian/polish descent) loves homemade perogies. We go, regularly, to a shop where they sell authentic kielbasa and homemade frozen perogies, amongst other things. Tired of spending $7 on like 15 perogies, I (of Chinese descent) vowed to learn how to make them for my husband.

I used this recipe, but instead of following the techniques for 'making' the perogies, I found this handy dandy tool that makes 18 perogies at a time.

I wanted to make the following types of perogies:
1. Cottage Cheese and Potato
2. Saurkraut
3. Cheddar Cheese, Potato and Bacon
4. Dessert Perogies -- Apple, Blueberry

Unfortunately, I only got to the first 2. I think the problem to getting more out was that my rolling pin wasn't heavy enough. That's what I get for buying a $5 one.

I plan on making more, since I had made all the fillings and didn't get to use it all.

But I think they turned out well...

101 in 1001

2007-03-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

Gak. It's been a little while....

I've got a few projects that I can post, and will get to those soon. They include a pair of socks and the startings of an afghan.

I've also decided to joing the 101 in 1001. It is described as follows:

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on your part).

March 1, 2007 – November 26, 2009

Now, I'm not going to be posting the whole list here. But it does include things like:
17. Pay off my car
20. Put down total of $XX on the principal for the mortgage
29. Apply for my passport
35. Visit Mann's Chinese Theatre
43. Sew 5 skirts
78. Flood the backyard one year for a back yard ice rink
87. Go curling
98. Learn how to make perogies

However, I would like to post about some of them as I complete them, so hopefully it's not too confusing when I do. But you never know. Maybe I will post a link to my 101 list.

Happy Valentines Day

2007-02-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here Fishy Fishy Fishy!

2007-01-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Centerpiece setting for a friends wedding we attended last night.

Cuddly McCuddleson

2007-01-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

No More Clunky Containers in My Purse

2007-01-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

What I have been coveting recently. At $69Cdn, I'll have to save up my pennies for it.

One, One Cake...Ha Ha Ha Cue Thunder and Lightning

2007-01-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Birthday cake made for a friend.

More Green Tea

2007-01-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight I felt like more green tea cuisine. I tried Mariko's Green Tea Muffin recipe.

Putting it together was easy enough. Love that shade of green...

The muffins came out nicely. The inside was a little more dense than the muffins I normally make, but the consistency was more like a velvet than heavy muffin.

Green Tea Cookies

2007-01-15T22:23:00.000-07:00

My brother's girlfriend made some green tea cookies for Christmas that were delicious. So. Delicious. I didn't want to have to keep asking her to make them yummy cookies, so I tried to make them on my own.

Adapted from Martha's Basic Sugar Cookies Recipe:

Green Tea Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) margerine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp matcha powder

1. In large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, matcha powder, and salt. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture; beat until combined. If the dough looks a little dry (because of the matcha powder), add a tsp of milk at a time until the dough starts to combine. Divide dough in half; flatten into disks. Wrap each in plastic; freeze until firm, at least 20 minutes, or place in a resealable plastic bag, and freeze up to 3 months (thaw in refrigerator overnight).

2. Preheat oven to 325°. Line baking sheets with parchment. Remove one dough disk; let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Roll out 1/8 inch thick between two sheets of floured parchment, dusting dough with flour as needed. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Using a spatula, transfer to prepared baking sheets. (If dough gets soft, chill 10 minutes.) Reroll scraps; cut shapes. Repeat with remaining dough.

3. Bake, rotating halfway through, until edges are golden, 10 to 18 minutes (depending on size). Cool completely on wire racks.

I'd have to say that they turned out pretty good. These were first batch of cookies I've ever made that didn't stick around for more than a day!

Cousin Nobi

2007-01-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

Milo and Daisey's cousin Shinobi (Nobi for short) came to visit today.

A Night of Over Endulgence

2007-01-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

From our family to yours.

Happy Birthday Present? Check check.

2006-12-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Baby to Toddler Socks from Mimknits
Started: November 16, 2006
Finished: December 5, 2006
Yarn: Left over from the Jaywalkers. Confetti Superwash Color number 03.006

Notes: I was 3 rows short of yarn. Luckily, I had another ball of Confetti in another colorway that had the same brown in it. So I used it to finish it off. Also being that it took almost 3 weeks for me to finish a pair of baby socks is pretty sad. This is why I have a hard time knitting stuff. I try. I really do...Hopefully the kid will fit them. Notice the shirt it is pictured with. That is also part of the gift.

I recently borrowed the Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook from the library. They have an interesting pattern where one is able to knit socks back and forth on 2 needles instead of the double points. I find this interesting and I wonder if I would be able to do this quickly on my knitting machine...I see some experimentation in the near future.

More Socks

2006-11-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

One finished baby sock. It's intended for a friend's baby's birthday present in mid December. Obviously, it's the same yarn as my Jaywalker. I'm just using the leftovers. However, I'm not sure that I have enough yarn for the second sock. I guess we'll find that out soon since I've just started on the heel flap. Looks like it's going to be close...

Next Best Thing...

2006-11-23T20:36:00.000-07:00

it's too cold to take him outside...

Smurfday!

2006-11-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

made this cake for my cousin from wilton cake pan circa 1983!

(Almost) Instant Socks.

2006-11-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

The smaller the socks, the faster they knit up. I like that. No recipient for these for now, as all the babies I know are bigger than 0-3m. Haha. We are hoping to start a family soon, so perhaps I'll just collect these for laters.

Pattern: Heel and Toe socks from 50 Baby Booties to Knit
Yarn: Socks that Rock - I forget which colorway
Started: About September 28, 2006
Finished: November 6, 2006

Notes: I mentioned in an earlier post that I ripped out the first sock because, stupid me, forgot the heel flap. No wonder it looked funny to me. But it's all good now. =)

Rustic

2006-11-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I got a pasta roller machine thing. So tonight, I got the chance to make my own pasta. I just used the basic pasta recipe that came with the machine roller. The pasta totally tasted homemade. And that's not a bad thing! It was quite a bit of work, but I'd have to say, it was definitely worth it! TASTY!

Homemade fetticine with scratch alfredo sauce (just cream, parm cheese, and margerine) and mixed greens. Almond Jello with fruit cocktail for dessert. DELICIOUS!

Itsa Mario!

2006-10-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

My Very First...

2006-10-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

...PAIR OF SOCKS!

I finally finished the Jaywalkers, just in time for Socktoberfest.

Please excuse the picture - it was taken 7:30 am just before I went to work.
Started: About January 15, 2006
Finished: October 26, 2006
Yarn: Confetti Superwash Color number 03.006

As for the other little socks that I have been working on, I've discovered a major flaw in the first sock (uh, forgotten the heel flap. Der.) so it's been ripped. But I'm almost done the second sock (which will be the first sock, since I screwed up the real first sock so badly)

Hmmm.....Twinkies

2006-10-27T09:06:00.000-06:00

Just won me one of these. YAY!

Ridiculous

2006-10-21T23:24:00.000-06:00

Great program description.

Project Number Thirty Four

2006-10-17T20:02:00.000-06:00

Wee Wonderfuls Put Together Book I.

Right after number 10: Nappy bag (in progress), and number 24: Ninja Turtle Sweater.

Cousins!

2006-10-12T21:39:00.000-06:00

Milo, Daisey and their new cousin Dukes (we call him 'Dukie')

Little Socks.

2006-10-04T13:22:00.000-06:00

I am really bad for finishing socks. I have yet to even finish a pair. With the arrival of Socktoberfest, I've decided to finally get a movin' on the Jaywalkers I have been working on since forever ago.

Also, since I am such a slow knitter and I like instant gratification, I've started on some baby socks; which will be kept away until there is someone to give it to. I'm actually done one sock. And it only took a week. Now to start the second sock.

And because pugs are nice to look at.

Making the Buttons

2006-09-20T11:03:00.000-06:00

I have been collecting old damaged books all summer in anticipation of 'eventually' getting a button maker. Much to my surprise, I got one for my birthday! YAY! So I've been making buttons like crazy -- ruined a bunch while learning how to use it too...

Just put some up on Etsy!

And not just buttons. More baby bibs too.

Looks like I'm going to have to restock my fabric soon! YAY online fabric shopping!