News from the Petting Zoo

What we've been up to...

2010-04-22T09:13:00.004-05:00

Trying to spend more time alone in the mornings, getting up before the boys, has given me a bit of time to try to blog. I'm just doing a picture post for now. Here's what we've been up to:

Here's Sprout and Macaroni in the tub at Kate's house in NOLA. They were so cute. We went down for Kate & Eldon's housewarming/anniversary party. It was a crazy weekend, and Shawna and I decided that we might just have to move to New Orleans.

This is the chicken coop my father-in-law and I have been building in our backyard. It is built totally out of stuff I got out of alleys. I love spring blitz month in St. Louis! I know it's kinda crazy looking, but I love it. We don't have chickens yet, we are waiting to finish the coop and fence first, but we will be getting four Australopes. Sprout is so excited about the chickens.

I also painted the fence blue. Just because. Best comment I've gotten was from Shawna, who helped me paint. She said "It's like the freakin' Mediterranean out here!"
That's all for now, going to wake up the boys.

Three

2010-04-08T09:57:00.003-05:00

photo by Emily Thenhaus

Sprout is three. I cannot believe how quickly this day came. I love being his mama.

2009-12-09T22:16:00.002-06:00

The Christmas knitting is coming along. I have three projects started and one finished, with maybe two more to go. We'll see. Most of the gifts I'm giving this year are homemade, of the edible variety and were canned this summer. I also have plans to bake about seven thousand cookies and to make use of the skills I learned in the candy making class I took with Gretchen. Hope you all are hungry.

Customer service: response

2009-11-14T12:35:00.005-06:00

My friend Rachel recently blogged about a horrifying experience she had at a Fashion Bug store in Alton Mo. Here's the link, go read what happened to her. I'll wait, and we can continue afterwards.

That's disgusting, and I'm so sorry that Rachel got sick. What I cannot believe is that no one apologized to her. I've been working in customer service my entire life and the first thing you always do when there is an incident is apologize, no matter what happened. If you messed up, you apologize. If it was someone else's mistake, you apologize. If it was an act of God, you apologize. EVEN IF THE CUSTOMER IS AT FAULT you apologize. Common decency, people.

I am appalled that no one has called or contacted her after her letter. Those who know me, know that I am a great believer in writing letters to companies, both when I've had great service and when it's been crap. I like to think that taking the time to actually put something on paper, something people can see I took time to write makes an impression; and I usually get a response, even if it is a token form letter, but perhaps those days are over.

My sister has worked in clothing retail for the past six years and recently posted on her blog about the failings of customer service in retail stores of late. We both think that the corporate downsizing many of these companies have been doing to reduce their payroll has resulted in crappy service. When retail companies downsize the highest paid managers, those who train other employees, the business starts to show it.

I do a fair amount of hiring and training at my job, and one of the things I tell employees is to always say "I'm sorry." Even if it's not your fault, you apologize to the customer. Then you try to fix the problem, or find someone else who can, or even ask the customer, "Please tell me how I can make this a more positive experience for you."

The other thing that pisses me off about what happened to Rachel is that the clerk made a comment to the tune of "Well, I don't know how we are supposed to clean that!" This attitude falls into the category of "It's not my job, blame someone else." I HATE THIS ATTITUDE. It's my opinion that if you are working, if you are on the clock being paid, and something needs to be done, THEN IT IS YOUR JOB. Too many people refuse to take responsibility when something like this happens. Too many people want to do the minimum amount of work possible. I know that when you are making a crappy hourly wage, getting no benefits and having to deal with public in general, motivation is tough. But when a business offers great customer service, word gets around. I drive out of my way to the Old Navy by South County Mall because the sales associates in that store are friendly and helpful and always go above and beyond to find stuff for me.

I know how poorly paid retail positions can be, and I know that the hours are long and the job is often thankless, but I'm sick of managers (and district managers and so on up the corporate ladder) not giving a damn about how customers are treated in their stores. This is one of the major flaws of big businesses.

I don't want to get up on my soapbox about buying from small, independent locally-owned businesses, (because like Rachel said, she just wanted a long-sleeved t-shirt, and those are easiest to find at chain stores) but I've found that one of the many things that the little businesses are doing right is focusing on customer service. I'd just like to tell the HR departments of these chain stores that maybe taking the time to focus on customer service training really is worth it. I browse for books on Amazon.com, mostly because they have an amazing database, but I order and buy the books I want from Left Bank Books here in St. Louis. They get me what I want swiftly, and usually can recommend something in the same vein for next time. That (and Spike the pettable cat) is what keeps me coming back.

Okay. Enough. I might have to go write a letter to Fashion Bug. I'm sure it'll go into the circular file with no response.

2009-11-09T07:02:00.002-06:00

I woke up this morning at six-thirty. Starving. When I came downstairs, the back yard was foggy and the neighborhood smelled like the brewery. I love living in south city on days like this. When I smell the brewery I can imagine what the city was like a hundred years ago, when our house was built. So I'm making breakfast, drinking my coffee and enjoying watching the last of the fog burn off. I've got cheddar-green onion biscuits in the oven, bacon on the griddle and fried green tomatoes, leftover from Saturday. I'll slap some eggs on those tomatoes and maybe a squirt of horseradish mustard aioli and have my self a huge, unhealthy breakfast before I start the day.

The boys are still asleep and I can't start making phone calls to all of the assorted doctor's offices that I need appointments at until nine, so I'm just going to gorge myself and relax on the porch.

I'd forgotten how much I love getting up early. I won't resist going to bed before eleven again.

Eating habits of the free-range southside toddler

2009-10-09T15:43:00.003-05:00

I'm wondering if I should be worried that my son, who is now two and a half, has started requesting that we go to certain restaurants. About a month ago, he woke up one Saturday morning and said "Get up now Mama. We go the Rooster with Verona and Shawna. I eat French Toast and bacon." When asked this afternoon which Vietnamese place he preferred, Lemongrass or Mekong, he responded "I like Mekong. They have my tofu noodles. And baby corn. I like baby corn." He even has an opinion about pizza. A true St. Louisian, my boy loves Imo's. For those of you who are out of town, Imo's is the epitome of St. Louis style pizza, once described by a friend from New Jersey as "tomato paste and processed cheese food on a cracker." People either love it or hate it. I think pizza's pretty good, even when it's bad, so whatever. Joss loves Imo's, and picks it over my favorite, which is Joanie's. Joanie's has every vegetable you can imagine, and they don't bat an eyelash if you ask for no cheese. (I eat with a lot of vegans.)

So anyway, the question is, am I raising a food snob, and if so, is that a bad thing?

2009-10-03T05:21:00.001-05:00

I'm so sorry Bean. I wish I'd been able to get to know you better. When you go back into that great cosmic stew pot from whence you came, know that I loved you with all my heart, and will forever cherish having had the chance to be your mother.

Jam Sessions

2009-09-12T11:06:00.003-05:00

I'm up to my eyeballs in summer fruit this year, I'm getting good deals from all the local farmers. In June I canned strawberry jam for the first time, and all but four jars of that are gone, given away to friends and family or eaten by the boys here at the petting zoo. In July, Barrett brought me ten pounds of blueberries from Michigan, some of which were frozen and the rest went to make blueberry jam. Yesterday Mom and I made white peach jam and canned nine jars of fresh peaches.
I bought ten pounds of concord grapes at Soulard market this morning, and this week, I'm attempting jelly for the first time. From what I've read, it is a bit more labor intensive, and takes longer to make, but I just can't stop myself.
Maybe being pregnant has addled my brain, but I feel like I HAVE to can all this fruit for the winter this year.

A short rant, with no point, really.

2009-04-30T09:17:00.001-05:00

I read a lot of knitting blogs. I don't knit as much as I used to (you try making charted lace socks on dpns while chasing a feisty two-year-old), but I do enjoy ogling the work of others. One of my regulars is Dr. Steph's . (that link isn't working. sorry.)She's interesting, and she doesn't write just about knitting. Recently, for instance, she wrote about television. This is something I've been thinking and talking about quite a bit lately.

For years, I refused to pay for television. I grew up in a house without cable. When I lived with an ex-boyfriend in Chicago we had cable, but I was working and going to school full time, so I didn't watch much then, also, he was a nazi with the remote so I never got to pick anyway.

When I moved back to St. Louis, I don't think I even had a t.v.

We watched a ton of videos at the Cleveland house, but television didn't factor into the equation. It was easier to get five or six people to agree on a movie than a show.

When Matt and I bought the Petting Zoo we were young and unmarried, child-free, had less debt, yadda yadda. Long story short, we got the digital hookup. I was IN LOVE with cable. It was one all night DeGrassi marathon after another. I was addicted to the DIY channel, the Home Improvement network, Adult Swim and the power hour (John Stewart and Stephen Colbert, Monday thru Thursday, 10pm central.) I watched the Sopranos, Big Love, Entourage, and Flight of the Conchords. I saw every episode of BSG. I adored BBC America, SciFi, Nick at Night, Sundance, IFC, The N, and the stupid network whose name escapes me that played all the old Star Trek episodes in the afternoons. I watched miniseries, "made for Lifetime movies" and (cringe) VH1 exposes. Basically I wasted a TON of time.

Now, t.v. can be a good thing, educational and helpful and all, but I was having too much of a good thing. It did its job, got me through the first six months of nursing, since Josser would not let me read a book or knit while he was eating. But when we finally couldn't afford it anymore, I wasn't so sad to let the cable go. I figured if I really needed to watch television, we still had the networks, right?

Then came the announcement that all television was "going digital." Anyone hooked up to cable already was fine. The rest of us had two choices; get cable or buy a "box." Since our government knew that the American people might actually riot in the streets if their beloved teevee was taken away, we all have been issued "coupons" by the government to give those of us without cable a discount on a digital converter box.

I refuse to get cable, and I refuse to buy a digital converter box because I don't want to let television back into my life. Mattie and I decided to cancel the cable service to save money about nine months ago, and I will never go back. We can watch whatever we've "missed" on Hulu, making it more of active entertainment-seeking than passive. I know we watch less of it. Every show, cable or network, seems to be available on DVD immediately after the season ends, so Netflix and collector friends are providing us with hours of entertainment.

I really feel that television can become controlling. It is too easy to veg out in front of the idiot box when you have nine billion channels to choose from. Even if there's nothing on, there's still something on. So I'm sticking to my guns. No teevee.

I have made a few observations. People I don't really want to talk to, have nothing to talk to me about. Once we cover the weather, we have nothing more in common to discuss. It may sound evil, but I'm fine with this.

Since The Sprout doesn't watch teevee, he doesn't recognize all the "marketed at kids" crap that is out in the world. My son doesn't know Dora from Adam. He doesn't ask me for fruity-oaty-bars or super-sugar-puffs at the grocery store. He knows not the Disney.

I'm sleeping better. I don't stay up late watching movies, or reality shows or whatever.

I get a lot more done around the house. I don't put off doing something "until the commercial" or "after this is over."

So basically, I don't miss television. I feel better about myself for not buying into the government coupon opiate scam, and I think I'll go spend the forty bucks I would have wasted on the box on a Botanical Gardens membership. That's all now.

Rooster with Kate and Eldon

2009-04-26T08:19:00.003-05:00

Hmmm. It seems smaller than I wanted it.

Thinking about it

2009-04-23T15:40:00.002-05:00

I think I need to learn to spin. On a wheel. Not on a bike.
Any of you enablers ( I mean, nice local spinners) out there have any suggestions? Like class recommendations? Wanna let me try your wheel? Want to trade baked goods for spinning lessons?

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-05T21:25:00.000-05:00

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

If I win this I'm totally giving it to Sylvia for her birthday!

On turning two...

2009-04-03T07:33:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is Mr. Sprout's second birthday. Festivities are planned, nothing major, just family and a few close friends for food and drinks in the afternoon.

While I'm getting ready for the party, I'm thinking about what I was doing two years ago today. I remember being very uncomfortable. I had been very uncomfortable for about two weeks. I remember telling Rosemary that I wasn't going to let this baby make me wait much longer. I remember Rosemary laughing at me. I was a little scared, very excited and anxious to meet our baby. I kinda thought we were getting a girl.
I remember checking into the hospital. I remember the snotty nurse I sent away, and the looks on Mom and Kate's faces when I did.
I also think I remember Matt eating dinner, like three times.
I wish I would have expressed more thanks to Jen, our labor and delivery nurse, who gave up baseball tickets that night, and settled for watching the game on television with us while I contracted. She was so sweet, and made it seem that she really didn't mind missing the game, like she wanted to spend what was supposed to be her night off with us. A true professional, she made me feel like one of the most important nights in my life was one of the most important ones in hers, too.
The pain of labor, the stress of birth, the excitement, the joy, the blah blah blah. I mostly remember Matt and Kate's eyes and mouths, round and getting rounder when I pushed the final time, and my son was here.
I remember my mother, with me through it all. She took his first pictures and didn't leave his side. I swear to you, he KNEW her from minute one.
I remember everyone who came to meet him in the hospital, and visited us at home, dealing with the jaundice and that stupid bilibed. I was so confused, because every fiber of my body was telling me to hold and nurse Sprout, but the doctor said he had to stay in that stupid contraption for 8 to 12 hours a day. I ached to hold my son. I remember Shawna asking me why I was doubting myself. She looked me straight in the eye and told me to go with my instincts. Because of that I will always trust hers.
His first birthday was everything it was supposed to be. He got a bike. He ate cake naked. He fell asleep shortly afterward.
I hope he has fun tomorrow. I've had the most amazing two years of my life.
Now I gotta go finish cleaning the damn house.

Whoa! What happened to February?

2009-03-16T14:57:00.005-05:00

And most of March for that matter?
Yeah, that was quick. Huh.
I'm running around like a headless chicken these days, chasing my almost-two-year-old. The Sprout really is a full time job, which means I have two full time jobs now.
I've been working a lot at the restaurant, mostly off the floor, which has been a nice change. We've installed a point of sale system and I've been helping with the programming of it. That means I spend a lot of time in the office during the day, in addition to my regularly scheduled wait shifts at night. This seems like a ton of time away from home, but since Sprout is bigger now, and since Matt isn't working as much, it really isn't too difficult to swing. It just means I have very little time for anything else.
In knitting news, I finally finished Zach's Knucks. They were supposed to be a Christmas gift, but I just finished them last week. Pitiful, I know. In order to prevent something of this sort happening again this year, I have decided to start my Christmas knitting for December '09 on April 1st. This is not an April Fool's Day joke. I am completely serious.
In house news, we are now officially one house. Matt knocked a vaguely door-shaped hole in the back of the kitchen wall, and VOILA! we now have access to the upper levels of our house! Yay! We plan to be sleeping on the second floor by April 4th.
Okay, I had a ton of stuff I wanted to blog about, but Toni just pulled up in front of my house and gave me a very ripe black truffle and I really must go make some truffle butter before the thing turns.

What they don't tell you

2009-02-08T08:33:00.002-06:00

The worst part of having a sick baby is not the worrying, the loss of sleep for everyone in the family, or even the clean up.
The worst part of having a sick baby is when the woman behind you in the grocery store peers into your cart and says "Sick baby, huh?" as she hoists her only purchase (a gallon jug of generic vodka) on to the belt and proceeds to tell you, in gory detail, about the time her son had the rotovirus and vomited thirty-three times. Seriously.

February, and back to knitting

2009-02-05T15:11:00.005-06:00

So I haven't posted any knitting pictures since I started blogging again, mostly because I haven't really been knitting. I've almost completed my poor brother-in-law's Knucks, which were supposed to be a Christmas gift, but I didn't finish in time. I'm lucky Zach is patient.
I'm back on the horse now, inspired by the Sprout's recent growth spurt. All of his hats seem to have gotten too small in the past week, so I have taken it upon myself to make him a new hat and some matching mittens.

I've made about eighty-four thousand hats since I started knitting, from the wee to the enormous, so making a hat wasn't really a big deal. I headed to Knitorious, grabbed some yarn (with Rachel's help), made a swatch, measured Sprout's enormous head, did some math and cast right on. We picked some Mountain Colors 3 ply wool in Alpine, a nice blue and green blend with some rusty colors every so often. Now, I know most people would say "Skate, are you crazy? What kind of fool makes a baby hat and mittens out of WOOL?" Honestly folks, it's washable. Woolite + cold water = clean hat and mittens. I am not so lazy that I can't hand wash a few things. It's not like his entire wardrobe is hand wash only.
Anyway, I like a roll-brimmed beanie, so that's what we made. It took me two nights of down-time to finish. Then I decided to give mittens a shot. I've never made mittens. I've made wrist warmers and fingerless gloves and gloves with fingers, so I figured, how hard can mittens be? I'm a good knitter, I don't need a pattern. I know all about putting in scrap yarn as a place-saver for the thumb. I just figured I'd decrease at the top the way I do for a sock toe. So far it seems to have worked out well. I made the first one at breakfast this morning. I cast on for the second while Sprout was down for his nap, and I plan to finish it tonight while I'm waiting for Matt to get off work.

Here we have my little dumpling, modeling in the sunshine on the back porch. So yeah, knitting again. Yee Haw.

Too Much Time on my Hands

2009-01-31T16:49:00.003-06:00

Five tiny snowmen, outside of Soulard Market, made by yours truly, while the boys played in the snow. I like to think of them as line dancers.

Snow Day!!!

2009-01-28T15:07:00.000-06:00

This was the view out my front door this morning. Don't worry, Sprout wasn't alone. Matt was just to the left, shoveling. They played in the snow for an hour, I think Matt enjoyed it just as much as the Sprout did.

Blast from the past

2009-01-20T22:27:00.002-06:00

Facebook.
It is addictive, we all know. It awakens our inner voyeur, lets us spy on each other under the guise of "keeping updated" with what our friends are doing. I'm just as bad as the next guy, I'm on it all the time, I even have the damn thing as a application on my phone.
But today, someone I haven't seen in a decade, someone I really missed, someone I truly regretted losing touch with contacted me on facebook. And it was a bold move on her part. I'm sure she was a little bit apprehensive, it's been ages. She couldn't possibly know if I'd even want to give her the time of day. But I'm so glad she found me.
So here's to facebook. Thanks for letting Violet find me.

Just for fun

2009-01-13T11:25:00.002-06:00

Saturday we went to Soulard with cousins after we had pancakes with the activists at Black Bear Bakery. We had many tasty breakfast items, were invited to a protest, and met a crocheter with a love of Noro yarns.
That was the highlight of our week. I'm making bean soup in my crock pot and mapping out a plan for my garden. I'm finishing a late Xmas present and dealing with a toddler who thinks he's outgrown his afternoon nap. It could be worse.
Toni got a call this morning from her daughter's teacher because some little girl put glue in said daughter's hair. J.J. is dealing with a toddler and a possibly colicky newborn. I am counting lucky stars and going to give J.J. a call today. See if I can offer any suggestions with the colic. Toni's on her own though, I don't know how to get glue out of hair.

25 things about me from facebook

2009-01-06T20:44:00.002-06:00

I know this is a cop-out, but I haven't had time to work on the photo loader. Take it from me, this will be more fun than reading about how much I love my floors and how they glisten in the sunshine.

1. If I have to choose between mopping the floor and cleaning the toilet, I'd take the toilet.
2. I dislike the way nail polish feels on my fingernails, but it doesn't bug me on my toenails.
3. At one point I had seven cats.
4. I now have one. Her name is Mashumaro, which is Japanese for marshmallow.
5. I went to culinary school, but refuse to work in a restaurant kitchen.
6. I was a vegetarian for fifteen years before I started eating meat again.
7. I have an amazingly awesome family.
8. My son is named after Joss Whedon, creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly."
9. I don't believe in baptism, but I do believe in Godparents.
10. I'm scared of thunderstorms.
11. I was married in a purple vintage kimono.
12. My first crush was on Harrison Ford. He was Han Solo AND Indiana Jones! What more could a girl want?
13. The first boy I ever kissed was Jess Jacobs. I have no idea what happened to him after high school.
14. No one can make me laugh like Juliana Biondo.
15. I love my iPhone. Irrationally.
16. I have been unable to convince my husband to join facebook.
17. I would never move back to Webster Groves, even if you paid me a million dollars.
18. I am allergic to shellfish.
19. I love the smell of gasoline.
20. I'd rather be caught dead in a whorehouse than wear khaki pants.
21. I've never cheated on my husband.
22. I've been told I have a mean right hook.
23. I don't believe in God.
24. I do believe in faeries.
25. I think the sweet potato may be my favorite tuber.

Enough. back to more productive things, like knitting.

tech difs, again

2009-01-05T21:55:00.003-06:00

So I still haven't figured out what the problem is with blogger loading my pictures. I have pictures of the floors upstairs, pictures of the crazy Sprout doing crazy things, and pictures of things I have made in the past few days, but alas, I cannot post them. Maybe on Wednesday when "Graunty" takes the Sprout for a few hours I will be able to fix "el problemo photographica," but for now you'll just have to trust me. My Sprout is precious, I made tasty food and did some knitting, and my floors are almost finished. I snuck upstairs twice today to peek at the progress and let me tell you, it is amazing.

Sick day

2009-01-05T12:04:00.002-06:00

Well, here we are. The first week of 2009 and I've already managed to get sick. I haven't taken off work, I've just been really sleepy and slow for three days. Sprout spent most of last week with both sets of grandparents due to the fact that Matt and I were both working over the New Year Holiday. I also let him sleep over last night at the In-laws because Matt was working again and I was too tired,sore and congested to take care of him. Needless to say he's been really clingy this week whenever we are together, asking to nurse all the time and throwing random mini-tantrums. I'm getting a glimpse of what two will be like this week, I think.
In home rehab news, the floors upstairs are almost finished. I have pictures from a few days ago that I couldn't get blogger to load, so I'm going to try again this afternoon, with a bunch more added.
Ok, I still can't get the photo uploader to work. I'll see if I can figure out what's wrong and try again later.

Short Recap of 2008

2008-12-31T15:12:00.003-06:00

Okay here we go:
Since you last heard from me I've been very busy. Sprout turned one, and I've been chasing him all over the city. I'm of the "take the kid everywhere with you" school of parenting, so we go and go. I had a brief reprieve in May when I took a trip to New York with my mom and sister to celebrate Anne's birthday. We stayed just outside of Times Square, saw Jersey Boys on Broadway, went to the top of the Empire State Building, spent a day at the "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" exhibit at the Met and shopped in SoHo. It was Anne's first trip to NYC and I know she had a blast.
I spent most of June picking berries all over the St. Louis Area. There are a ton of berry farms, and this year was really good for blueberries in particular. We are still eating the ones we froze this summer. I saw Tom Waits live at the Fox Theatre and major rehab got underway on our second floor.
July was super busy. We worked on painting and stripping woodwork upstairs, and I had to hire a bunch of new assists at work. We still found time to go to all of ARRG's roller derby bouts this season.
In August we all went to Florida and stayed with Patti and Julie. Sprout learned to swim, Matt ate a ton of shellfish and I learned to harvest sand dollars and sea urchin tests. It was an amazing trip.
In September we spent a lot of time reconnecting with friends, including Rosemary, my father's former secretary. It was great for Sprout to meet someone who meant so much to me while I was growing up. I also spent most of September and October volunteering for the Campaign for Change.
On October 18th, Barack Obama came to St. Louis and for a rally under the arch. Approximately one million people came out to show their support for him. I was unable to be there, but many people I know were there and even just hearing about the event gave us hope and really helped the campaign. Sprout really enjoyed Halloween this year. He went trick-or-treating with his god-brothers. He was dressed as a cow and said "moo" at every door. Matt and I ate most of the candy ourselves, with Gretchen and Gabe during one of our Trivial Pursuit nights. He didn't need all that sugar anyway.
November came, and with it, history was made. We watched the election coverage together, and I was thrilled when Obama was elected president. I am optimistic about his plans for improving our country. I can't wait for the inauguration. Thanksgiving was especially nice, since Anne got to come home and spend it with the family.
December has been mostly a "focus on Christmas" and knit like a maniac month. I made three pairs of socks, two pairs of knucks, a scarf and some mittens in two weeks. We baked two gross of cookies, shopped and wrapped and went to a couple of parties. I'd say that's fairly impressive for someone who was chasing a toddler around as well.
As the year comes to a close I am anxiously awaiting the completion of refinishing of the floors upstairs, which will be happening sometime next week. We plan to move our bedroom upstairs as soon as the floors are done, and for the first time ever, Sprout will have a room of his own. This will be a major step for us, something we have been planning since we bought the house five and a half years ago. We're also going to try to have another baby this year, so we will really need the room.
Okay. That was 2008. On with 2009!

Year's End

2008-12-31T11:59:00.002-06:00

I realized this is my last chance to post to my blog this year.
I've been so busy chasing the Sprout around that I have totally neglected my blog and all two of my readers. I doubt they are even around anymore. I'm making a conscience decision to take up the blog again in 2009.
I'm going to drive Mattie to work, and when sprout goes down for his afternoon nap today, I'll do a short recap of 2008.
I'm starting the new year right this time.

Sneaking on

2008-04-10T14:32:00.003-05:00

I'm at Mom and Dad's house for a few before i go in to work and I just wanted to let my one reader know that I am still alive. We are in the process of firing our ISP and getting a new one, so my time online is very limited these days.
Sprout is doing great, he had his first birthday and it was a smashing success. He attacked his birthday cake feet first and received many lovely gifts, including a kilt, a trike and a recliner. He says "Dada" and "Dog" all the time. He's said "Mama" once.
Knitting is at a standstill. I have been working a ton lately.
We're going to prep the garden this weekend, hopefully with pictures.
oh well, can't stop the signal, right?

technical difficulties

2008-03-12T10:42:00.002-05:00

The internets round these parts keep fading in and out at random times. I have an awesome post in draft form that needs a ton of editing and to have the pictures added, but I am unable to hold a connection long enough to do it. Today I'm calling Earthlink on the phone to holler at them until the connection is solid as a rock.
Matt is going to Target to buy a bath mat. Since this is our big plan for the day, we are officially no longer cool.
I am knitting a dropped stitch scarf of my own pattern. Right now it is just a plain old boring stockinette strip, so no pictures. I finally ripped back Toni's second sock and will hopefully have some time to finish it soon.
Josser is cruising all over the house and will probably start walking before his birthday. I was worried that once he starts walking he'll no longer be a baby, but will be classified as a toddler. My lovely Aunt Patti, who works in the baby industry, informs me that he is not considered a toddler until he is two years old. This is satisfactory.

Did I mention...

2008-03-10T12:46:00.003-05:00

I love these boots. Love 'em. My birthday is coming up. My sister is trying to get me some with all of her super shopping powers.
I also love this little trinket and covet it with all my heart. No one is going to try to get this for me. I have come to terms with this and will wait patiently for the next (cheaper) model to come out.
Okay. Enough with the coveting.

Morning light

2008-03-05T10:30:00.004-06:00

The morning sun reflected off the snow in the backyard makes the window look like a portal to another world. Josser ignores all of this, and focuses on his blueberries.
Did anyone notice yesterday that the silver beetle is gone from my yard? On Sunday Zach and Joe came over and got it running. Zach sold it to Joe and then drove it over to Joe's garage, where it will now live happily ever after. Also, it was 72 degrees on Sunday. 72! You gotta love St. Louis, sunny and 72 on Sunday, six inches of snow on Tuesday. Looks like Wednesday will be sunny, with six inches of snow.
Kate comes to town tomorrow, Chris and Evie arrive on Friday and I can't wait! C-O-M-P-A-N-Y!

snowy morning

2008-03-04T11:04:00.003-06:00

This is the view from the porch this morning. The ground only had a light dusting when I woke up around 7:30. All this has fallen in the last 2 hours. Oh no, Joss is crawling out of the high chair. More later, with pictures!!

Intro/retrospective

2008-02-28T19:18:00.004-06:00

This is the photo I planned to post at the beginning of last week, back when I was excited about the snow. Now that it is all mushy and mostly melted, I'm over it. The snow, that is, I still like the picture. I've been introspective this month, sorry for not blogging. Josser has started crawling, and chasing a baby takes up a ton of my time too. I'm planning on knitting this evening after he's in bed, and I'm actually excited about it!
The end of February is upon us, lets take a quick look at those resolutions. A quick check up on how I'm doing, if you will.
1. Buy organic and local: Check
2. Choose recycled: Check.
3. Shop local/indie: With the exception of the occasional jaunt to Target, check.
4. Bike and walk: The weather has been a bit nasty for this, but this week I've gone for a walk almost every day, so checkish. I'll work on this one.
5. Vegan for February: Well, I did cut out meat this month. I've been vegetarian, mostly vegan this month. I'll try again in one of the summer months, when the fresh produce will make it so much easier.
6. Get cats chipped: Not yet.
7. Wax eyebrows: Avoid "cavewoman" look. I've been plucking. I did get a snazzy new haircut!
8. Knitting goals: Oooh boy. Matt's Knucks are the only thing on that list that's finished. I need to get my knit on.
9. Sewing machine repair: The machine is at the shop. Check.
10, 11. No one is getting or giving a hard time: Check.
12. Make gifts: Still working on that one.
13. Remember how lucky I am: Check.
14. Kiss the boys: Check.
15. Be gracious: Mostly check. Still working on this one.
16. Send thank-yous: Check.
17. No unproductive thinking. Mostly check. I'm doing really well with this.
18. Use the Library: Check.
19. Less time watching teevee: Check. I'm watching too many DVDs. Especially Heroes with Toni and My So-Called Life with Matt. I blame them, enablers that they are.
20. Work on upstairs: I'm giving myself a pass on this one, since we laid a new kitchen floor and this week. Matt's been working upstairs, can I rest on his laurels?
21. Weekly blogs: January was great. February, not so much. March will be better. I promise.
22. Take vitamins: Check.
23. Back down the driveway: Check.
24. Cloth bags: Check.
So I'm keeping about 15 of them. Not bad.
Now, here's the part where I distract you with pictures. Look at those cute boys and that awesome floor!

I love my kitchen!

2008-02-15T17:31:00.002-06:00

I have not forgotten. I've just been bogged down. Short recap... sprout is crawling everywhere and can pull up to staqnding by himself. whenever this is accomplished, he roars like a dinosaur. I've started one of the halves of the fron t of his toxic cardigan, I really need to get pictures of that up here. Tornado came over for a sock knitting lesson and will return next week. I went to the dentist and the chiropractor. the vegan project is going well, but tonight I am going to St. Joan of Arc to have fish fry for dinner. MMMMMM Jack Salmon! wow, i'm boring.

Snow day!!!

2008-02-01T14:54:00.000-06:00

St. Louis got a big blast of winter white last night!
I think the official call is eight inches.
That's eight inches of the fluffy white, snowball-ready, easy packing snow. The kind of snow you always hoped for when you were a kid. Beautiful, soft, wet snow. Sled-able snow. Widespread school closures snow. Total, all encompassing, snow day snow. We've got it today, and I even got up early to look at it and take pictures.
Joss had blast watching Matt shovel it off the front steps this mornig from the warm confines of our living room window. He loves to watch Daddy do any little thing. I wonder what he thinks happened. He seemed really excited this morning, but he might have just been picking up on my mood.

I'm looking forward to when he is older and we can go out and play in the snow together, like my dad and I did when I was little. I still remember building a snowman in the back yard with my dad one evening when he came home from work.
My boys were both so cute this morning, all bundled up against the cold. I dropped Sprout off at the in-laws' house and went in to work. I didn't stay long, we weren't very busy. Just stuck around long enough to take a couple pictures, of which this is my favorite. I know it's a bit crooked, but I love the way the snow looks on the banisters. I might go back and straighten it out in photoshop.
I'm starting my "28 days of Vegan" today. We are going out to dinner for Matt's grandpa's birthday tonight. I hope Frasier's is accommodating, but I think I may be having salad tonight.
On an unrelated note, Matt wants me to make him these for our anniversary this month. I'm fairly certain I can swing that, although I think they're more up Toni's alley than mine.
No knitting news, I have no time for such things. My house is a disaster area. I have to clean it. Now.

sick baby

2008-01-28T13:21:00.000-06:00

My Poor Sprout is not feeling so hot. The only solution is to take a nap on Daddy.
I know everyone goes through this, but it was the first time for me, so I didn't know what to expect. We got our first taste of the grosser side of parenting this past weekend. Josser had his first stomach virus. I have now witnessed projectile vomiting up close and personal. Saturday night after dinner, Mr. Sprout began to spout. Profusely.
He'd only eaten homemade organic sweet potatoes and Black Bear whole wheat bread. Normal, everyday things we all eat and love. What could be causing this outpouring of formerly beloved foods? I grabbed the bread and checked the label. Honey Whole Wheat. Damn it! No one under one year of age is supposed to have honey these days. Apparently the risk of botulism is too great. I thought I'd poisoned my child. I called the nurses' helpline my doctor's office gave me. The very sweet (and calm) Mary answered and informed me that cooked honey wouldn't cause a problem. It's raw, botulism-containing honey that makes babies sick. "What we probably have here is a virus." said Mary. "Let me tell you what to expect." and she went on to describe 12 to 48 hours of gushing, wet, sticky, bodily fluid filled hell. This is the hard part of being a parent. I know we've been really lucky, Sprout hasn't really gotten sick a bunch this past year. He had one head cold, and in the greater scheme of things, one head cold and one pukey weekend is a miniscule amount of sick for the level of "Eh, let 'im lick the floor." parenting I practice. Seeing your only child puke all over himself, and then trying to comfort him when it totally freaks him out, is upsetting. I was so much more upset by his tearful wails then by the second wave of baby puke that went down my shirt and into my hair.
Joss had two baths on Saturday night and I had one quick shower. After we were cleanish, we sat on the couch and nursed all night. Sunday we sat around and nursed and slept. This morning he ate a bit of active -culture yogurt and a cracker. We are sticking to the mostly-mama's milk diet for the rest of today, just to be sure. He never got a fever, and has been in relatively good spirits the entire time. He just seems a bit mellow. We're through the woods on this one. I feel like we've reached a milestone. I want to commemorate this in his baby book: Thursday, January 24th: crawled forward for the first time! Saturday, January 26th: puked all over Mama for the first time! Something tells me there isn't a little scrapbooking sticker for this occasion.
In knitting news, Toni's second sock is going to have to be ripped back. I turned the heel just fine, but I don't think I picked up enough stitches for the gusset. It's a 72 stitch sock and somehow I've only got 68 after one round of decreases. The gusset stitches are the only explanation. I was so happy with the progress I'd made too. Foo.

Visits, ceremonies and what's cookin'

2008-01-22T22:53:00.000-06:00

Sunday night we went over to Matt's folks house for Beth's birthday. She was in town from Chicago and just wanted a mellow dinner with the family. Carl (Matt's Dad) cooked all sorts of goodies (sesame mushroom pasta, oxtail soup, cheesy cauliflower, flank steak burritos) and we hung out with the entire clan. Mr. Sprout was happy as could be with all his uncles and his Auntie Beth there to spoil him. I cut out early to go the the ARRG 2007 awards ceremony at theWay Out Club which was a blast. Dee Rinkin', Mike Madison and Dr. Killvorkian did a great job of organizing the shindig and everything went super smoothly. Seeing Grave Danger perform interpretive dance to poetry about the Jeerleaders was the highlight of my evening. The league gave me a great sendoff, complete with a powerpoint slideshow and a trophy engraved with the words "Mary Manglin' We love you and will miss you! Arch Rival Rollergirls." I got a little teary, but managed not to cry until I got home. I am very happy to be moving ahead on my other endeavors, to be focusing on Sprout and the future of my own business, but it hurts a little to let go of ARRG. I am really looking forward to watching the games and I really don't have long to wait. The new season starts March 22nd!
Monday night we went to the Schlafly Tap Room employee reunion party. (Julie stayed with the Sprout, they were passed out on the couch when we got home. Very cute!) Both Matt and I worked for Schlafly back in the day and we got a chance to schmooze with a bunch of folks we hadn't seen in ages. I spent a lot of time talking to my friend Amy, who I never see any more. Matt and I also talked to an old friend, Mr. Joe Jackson, about his booming piano repair business down on Cherokee Street. He invited me to some sort of hootenanny on Friday and the Sprout and I are looking forward to going. I met Joe's lovely lady Morgan and I can't wait to meet their daughter. We let Dan Kopman know that we really enjoyed ourselves and he said he is planning on doing this again every year. I'm glad we went.
I made the Amish Friendship Bread that Toni gave me. This is my second attempt at AFB. The first starter that Carl gave me exploded before I could make it, due to my lack of attention to the bag. The bread is tasty, in a cake-ish sort of way, but I really doubt that any recipe that calls for a large box of vanilla Jello pudding was truly created by the Amish. I passed a starter back to Carl, who lost his at some point; one to Julie and one to Beth. I'm glad Beth took one. It's good to send these things out of town form time to time. I'll have four more starters on the 31st, so if you want one let me know.
I haven't been knitting, but I am weaving in the ends of Kate's fingerless gloves. I plan to felt them tomorrow night. I really need to finish them soon, I've got to get that package off to her this week.
So in my resolution post I mentioned that I might go vegan for February. Matt's totally down with the idea, so we're going full speed ahead with it. I've been working on meal plans, leafing through my vegan cookbook collection and researching Indian recipes online. I'm getting excited. If you've got any great vegan recipes I absolutely must try, email them to me and I'll give them a shot.

A finished project!

2008-01-18T16:38:00.002-06:00

Matt's knucks are at last complete. He likes them. He wore them to bed last night he likes them so much. Wanna see?

For those not in the know, "Thenhaus" is Matt's last name. He requested that the knucks say this, although "More Beer" was a close contender. I used cascade 220 for the glove part and black embroidery floss for the letters. I'm no embroidery expert, so I just did my best to make the letters look good. My pal Joe has requested a pair in the same color that say "TUNA MELT" on them. Joe actually has knuckle tattoos that say "HOLD FAST" so he is looking forward to having the option to mix it up a bit. I told him that I have a pile of unfinished things that have to come first, so he's being very patient.

Tonight I am going to finish Kate's fingerless gloves so that I can send her package off tomorrow. I am also going to work on Toni's socks. I'm up to the heel flap on the second one. If I could crank out two finished projects in one weekend I would feel really accomplished.

Okay, now for some eye candy.

Behold my Sprout. He said "dog" yesterday. While watching me pet the dog. I am so proud.
Okay. Back to the needles.

three more

2008-01-11T22:22:00.001-06:00

...resolutions that is. I know it is getting a tad late for these, I mean, its the 11th already, right?
Sorry.
21. I will remember to take my vitamins every day.
22. I will back down the driveway at my parents house, no matter how much it scares me. (The driveway there is at a 45 degree angle and I've been doing that stupid 17 point turn for too long.)
23. I will bring my own reusable cloth grocery bags with me for everything.

Sprout just polished off his second zucchini muffin of the day. Tomorrow I'm making him some pumpkin ones. Now we are going to bed.

keeping up...

2008-01-11T10:15:00.000-06:00

Last night I finished Sprout's purple Opal Gems socks. They fit great, my mom thinks they are really cute. I'm glad Sprout has some warm handknit wool socks now that the weather is nasty cold again. I also went through my stash a little yesterday, you know, to give the new ball winder a spin. I wound all eight of the Noro Kureyon balls I have for Lizard Ridge. I have ten squares made and I don't remember how many to go. It's next on my list, after mom's socks, which have been suffering second sock syndrome since before Sprout's birth.
Sprout loves zucchini muffins.
We're picking up the table and chairs tomorrow afternoon.
That's all.

Bait and switch

2008-01-09T15:13:00.000-06:00

Well, not really. Matt and I went out today to Metro lighting to look at ceiling fans. The one in our kitchen is falling apart and we decided to start looking for a new one now instead of waiting for the one we have to fall on my head while I'm cooking. We saw several things that we liked, but we weren't crazy about any of them. On the way out we decided to stop at World Market to check out their sale. We walked in and saw this. We've been eyeing this set for about five years. We loved it, but didn't love the price enough to justify buying a dining room set when we didn't have a dining room yet. We are a bit closer to having a dining room, and now we have the furniture to inspire us to work faster.
I am aware that we will have to go back to Metro Lighting to find the perfect above-the-dining-room-table-but-not-a-chandelier light fixture now that we have the perfect table and chairs.

Working on the resolutions

2008-01-07T22:28:00.000-06:00

Okay, knitting news. Sorry for lack of pictures. In the post holiday mess, I cannot locate my camera. Mom's coming over tomorrow and I'll snag her camera and shoot some pictures then. Here's what's up:
I finished knitting and sewing in the ends of the first of Matt's Knucks tonight. I'm using cascade 220, I lost the label, but the yarn is a lovely charcoal color that is so guy-friendly its kinda scary. The embroidery will feature my hubby's last name, which has eight letters and will fit nicely. I was going to make these gloves for him for Christmas, but he found out and spoiled the surprise, so he gets them just in time for the 73 degree weather we had today. Hurrah for global warming.
I also am about halfway finished with the second of Kate's fingerless gloves. These are the fancy gloves I am making to match her fancy hat she got for Christmas. (They are fingerless and have no pattern, I just knit in the round, then leave a hole for the thumb.) I didn't give them to her then because I want them slightly felted. I also wanted there to be two of them.
I'm up to the heel on the second of Toni's socks. I'm done with the back of Sprout's toxic sweater. I'm up to the heel on the second of Sprout's purple socks. I haven't touched Lizard Ridge .
Saturday was the Arch Rival Rollergirls vs. Windy City Rollers derby bout. We lost, but by a much small margin than last time. Our skaters were super tough and awesome. We sold out of tickets and filled the joint. And I am officially retired from the league. Yep, It's true, I am no longer announcer for the league. I'm completely out of it. I'm a little bit sad, but I am really looking forward to being a fan. The new season starts on March 22nd, and I plan to be there in the crowd, cheering and hanging out talking derby with Toni and Helcat.
Sprout is 9 months old now. I can't believe how quickly he's grown. He can crawl backwards, say "Hi" and sleep for seven hours straight. The latter isn't something he does often, but he is capable.
Okay, I'm going to watch Stephen Colbert before bed. I'm curious to see how he does without his crack team of witty writers behind his little tele-prompter. Who am I kidding, Stevie will be fine.

Open Letter to Residents of the County

2008-01-03T09:37:00.000-06:00

Attention St. Louis Drivers:
Please keep in mind that the closure of Highway 40 (known as 64 to those from out-of-town) is not a personal attack on you. The roads were old, the bridges unsafe. MoDoT is trying to help us. Please keep this in mind while careening down Highway 44 (or Forest Park Parkway, Delmar, Manchester, or any other route you are using these days) like a bat out of hell, blowing your horn and gesticulating like a cavewoman. The highway closure doesn't have to cause de-evolutionary behavior. Perhaps you should consider taking the MetroLink. If you are going to continue driving, I sure as hell will be.

Resolutions 2008

2007-12-31T14:54:00.000-06:00

1. I will buy as much organic, locally grown food as possible and cook it at home for my whole family and whoever happens to stop by.
2. I will choose sustainable, recyclable, recycled, earth-friendly items whenever offered.
3. I will shop at independent, locally owned and operated stores.
4. I will ride my bike, walk and push the stroller instead of driving, thereby saving gas and getting exorcize.
5. I will eat less meat. I've really gotten out of hand with the whole ex-vegetarian thing. I think I'm going to go vegan for February.
6. I will get my cats chipped at the next Humane Society Chip-a-thon.
7. I will get my eyebrows waxed regularly. There is no excuse for looking like a caveman.
8. I will finish Lizard Ridge, Joss's Toxic Sweater, Toni's Socks, Mom's Socks, Matt's Knucks, Annie's Knucks and will knit a sweater for myself, something I've never done.
8. I will get the sewing machine repaired and actually use it to make stuff, not just for hemming and pocket repair.
9. I will not give my folks a hard time.
10. I will not let my folks give me a hard time.
11. I will make gifts for people or purchase them from etsy.com or from fellow crafty folk I know.
12. I will remember every day that I am lucky to be happy, healthy and loved.
13. I will kiss my boys (the big one and the little one) ten thousand times.
14. I will say "thank you" graciously and "I'm sorry" sincerely.
15. I will always send a thank you card. Always.
16. I will not get bogged down by unproductive thinking.
17. I will spend less time watching television and movies.
18. I will make better use of the library.
19. I will work on the upstairs at least once a week.
20. I will, I will, I will blog weekly, if not more.

November, where did you go?

2007-11-24T23:43:00.000-06:00

October too for that matter.
I'm so busy with sprout, the house, work and a couple of secret projects that I haven't had any time to blog. I have a bunch of posts in draft form that I may edit and repost next week when I have time off work. Knitting pictures makes up for lack of knitting progress, right?
ARRG season championship was tonight. The M-80s walked with the championship trophy. The crowd was great, the skaters played hard, so many people came out for the game. I skipped the afterparty completely cuz sprout and I are recovering from a nasty cold, but Matt is partying in my stead. I guess what I really meant to say was "no one parties like a rollergirl's husband."
Promise to post pictures soon. No more of this once a month stuff.

knitting news...

2007-10-03T23:18:00.000-05:00

...but no pictures. Sorry. Didn't have time to take any.

#1 I have finally found a baby sweater pattern that I love for the awesome "Toxic Avenger" Sock yarn Rachel made. Thanks to Sandy at Knitorious, I am well on my way into a charming, no-frills, manly cardigan for the Sprout.

#2 Toni's green socks are almost half finished. These are the socks formerly known as "vacation socks" being that I started them in August on my Florida vacation. They are very pretty and will make Toni very happy. I will not suffer from "second sock syndrome" with this pair, I swear.

#3 My mom has claimed the regia self-stripers that ARE suffering from "second sock syndrome," pushing me to finish them, since it is a tragedy that my beloved mother doesn't have a pair of hand knit socks.

#4 I plan to spend tomorrow afternoon assessing what I have and what I need to finish Lizard Ridge. I mean, the boy will be six months old tomorrow, and though he has several handmade blankets, the one his mother started for him should really be completed before his first birthday. Really.

#5 I really need to get a move on with those daffodil toe-ups. Don't ask.

That's all.

Wednesday night at home

2007-09-26T23:28:00.000-05:00

The boys are both asleep. I am contemplating folding some laundry. Ooh! Wait! I could catch up on my blogging!

I have four posts saved as drafts for this month. Four. That's really sad. Especially since I have only posted twice this month.

I've been going thru the stash and counting my UFOs, deciding which yarns I want to use for holiday gifts, ripping back bad idea projects and trying to decide if I have anything for a swap.

I'm really boring right now. Sorry.

Sprout's vacation time with Nonna.

2007-09-06T07:56:00.000-05:00

I'm so in love with this pictue of my sweet baby with my mom.

What are you doing this Saturday?

2007-09-05T13:41:00.000-05:00

Sprout and I will be here:

The Rock 'em Sock 'em Roller Derby Hop!!!

Back to school student discounts....

Halftime Entertainment by the one & only CLOWNVIS!!!

www.myspace.com/clownvispresley

So should you. And by you I mean Rachel, Annie, Mrs. Rabbitt and all you other local yokels who stop by. Come on down and I'll give a little shout-out to you all.

It's a Sock Hop, so bring your sock knitting!

Vacation Post!

2007-08-25T09:26:00.000-05:00

Just look at this cute baby! All dressed up in his little guyebera and his white linen pants. We are staying on Siesta Key, in Sarasota, Florida. Siesta Key has the whitest sand beaches in the world. Seriously. They won a contest. Want to see the view from the Lanai? Here you go...

There is a hot tub off to the side that you can't see in the picture. I love a hot tub. I soaked it that hot tub.
The condo building is almost empty. Almost no one comes to Florida in August (maybe because of hurricanes?) so we have the whole place pretty much to ourselves! Aunt Patti was so sweet to invite us down to share her vacation.
We are on the fifth floor. The condo has everything, gourmet kitchen, big screen teevees, two bathrooms, washer and dryer, shower massage, huge Lanai (porch-type space with enormous windows overlooking the ocean). Sprout and I are sharing a room with my mom and Aunt Patti has the other bedroom. Every morning we get up and have breakfast on the Lanai. We then go for a walk on the beach. When we come back, we sit in the shade of the cabana for a while and watch the waves come in and out. Sometimes we look for shells and creatures. We usually go have lunch in the condo, and then come back down for a bit of swimming.

Aunt Patti, Mom and Sprout on the beach! Yes, my mother actually went in the ocean. I am very proud of her.

This is a sea turtle nest. We saw this on one of our walks. There is a team of volunteers who come out every morning before dawn and check for nests.
When they find one, they rope it off, call in the scientists and preservationists who make their observations and take all sorts of notes and measurements. The turtles are an endangered species and there is a huge fine for disturbing the nests. There are posters all over the Key about turning off your lights at night so the baby sea turtles don't get confused when they hatch. If there is too much light coming from the buildings, it drowns out the natural glow of th gulf, and the turtles head the wrong way on the beach. They don't make it to the ocean by morning and die. Terrible. The staff at the condo office comes down to the beach every evening and folds up the beach furniture, moves it out of the way and cleans up any toys, junk or debris left by the guests, so the turtles have no obstacles to climb over in order to make it to the water. I am impressed with the efforts everyone is makin to help these creatures come back from the brink of extinction.
Thus ends our science lesson.

We are having such a great time, check out my flickr page (link is in the sidebar) for more photos.

2007-08-07T08:19:00.000-05:00

I still haven't been able to get my pictures to upload. I spent about 45 mins last night messing with it, but oh well. I'll try later.
Sprout ate his first strained banana last night. He really enjoyed it, and in the ten minutes it took him to work thru half a banana, he got much better at eating from a spoon. Most of the banana did wind up in his mouth. My boy really likes to eat.

Here I am!

2007-07-26T14:02:00.000-05:00

Note: due to some technical difficulties with the camera, this post is picture-free. As soon as I can get the difficulties sorted out, I will edit this post to include the photos I originally intended have.

Sorry for the long absence folks, there's tons of stuff going on here at the petting zoo and I have been super busy. Taking care of the Sprout is a full-time job in and of itself. I hardly have time to sleep, let alone knit, go to roller derby, keep up with the laundry, garden, or blog.
Okay, so here's the last month's updates:

I quit my job at Blueberry Hill. I really miss my co-workers. I have only been in once since my last day. I talk to Jessica and Em on the phone, I see Jonathan at Derby, I occasionally will run into Maggie, but everyone else I just miss.
I don't miss the smokiness of the place. I don't miss coming home smelling like an onion ring. I don't miss late nite or the Elvis Room.

I've become the utility infielder at Duff's. I have actually been able to pick up quite a few shifts this summer, waiting and as the maitre d'. I'm working two days a week regularly and usually picking up at least one other. I love being back at Duff's and I love the support I get from my co-workers with the whole breastfeeding situation. I am able to pump when I need to, and Matt can bring the Sprout up to work for me to feed when he really needs me.

I have not been skating with ARRG. There are several reasons for this, the biggest being that I don't want to spend that much time away from Sprout. I haven't decided yet if and when I will attempt to skate again. Part of me just wants to stay in the position of announcer. I am in a position now where I can step completely out of all administrative responsibilities and just be a volunteer. (not that any of our volunteers are JUST volunteers. They work just as hard as the skaters do to keep this league running) When I founded the league, I wanted to play roller derby. I'm not sure if I still want to play roller derby, but I feel like I haven't really completed what I set out to do. I accomplished something different, I helped to start an organization in this city that fills so many needs, and I am really proud to have been a part of that. But, I need to re-assess my goals. After two injuries and nine months of maternity leave, I haven't skated in over a year. I have to decide if I want to play again, if I'm really ready, if there is even a place for me anymore. I've been on the other side of the line for so long, I don't know if I'll still fit. I'm doing a lot of soul searching on this topic right now.

My knitting is slow and not very productive. I have four socks in progress, a sweater for Sprout (made from dyeabolical yarn!), and a hat almost finished that was supposed to be KIKI's X-Mas gift. Yeah, I know. I'm a bad friend.

The garden is really small this year, just tomatoes and peppers. My father-in-law planted it for me when I was hugely pregnant, or I wouldn't have a garden at all. So far everything to come out of it is fantastic.

My neighbor across the alley is growing sunflowers. They are probably about 10 feet tall. I smile every morning when I see them. I am insanely jealous and plan to plant a wall of sunflowers next year.

Okay, now for the Sprout update. He's 16 weeks old, weighs about 12 lbs and is around 24 inches tall. He's getting all fat and healthy looking. I looked at Matt's baby pictures yesterday at the in-laws' house, and in profile, our boy looks just like his daddy.

still alive...

2007-07-02T13:47:00.000-05:00

...still kicking. Still gardening, still knitting. Still a rollergirl, even if in name only. Just quit my main job, still working at Duff's, first day as a part-time stay at home mom. Let's see how this goes, eh? Pictures tomorrow.

48 hour film project

2007-06-10T06:37:00.000-05:00

The Sprout and I spent yesterday working with Hempen Halter Productions on the 48 hour film project. I worked with Michael again on costumes. We drew "Buddy Film" this year, so it wasn't as creatively stimulating s last year. Winnie hated everything we did at first, so we had to go back and change it all.
I'm anxious to see how it turns out, it was fun and exciting as usual.
Sprout was very well behaved, he slept most of the time, and spent down time between shoots entertaining the cast and crew by being cute.
By a strange twist of fate, I worked with a girl I knew in high school this weekend. I hadn't seen Sara in years. She was one of the actors they decided to use in the film. We were too busy to really catch up, but she seems to be doing well. He cousin, who was on the crew, says she's been living in Japan. It was nice to see her again.
I need to get tickets to the screening. We're in Tuesday group two.
Sprout and I are going to take a walk now, then I think we'll meet Aunt Beth for brunch. I thought I would still be working on the film, so I have time off now!

Just some thoughts...

2007-05-29T10:48:00.000-05:00

I love the Tower Grove Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. It's small and all local, there's live music and we always run into someone we know. I still hit Soulard in the early morning, but TGFM has captured my heart.

I've become a morning person. I'm up between 6:30 and 7:30 every morning now, and there is nothing on earth like taking a walk through the neighborhood when the sun is just coming up. Sprout loves it too.

I'm really lucky to have the family I was born into. We went to a smallish reunion yesterday. It was my mom's side of the family, the Sicilians, and it just shocks me how easy everyone is with eachother. I have to give my cousin Scott kudos for pulling these reunions together.

ARRG's season opener went well, I haven't got the details of attendance yet, I'll post a short recap later.

Amish tomatoes taste like summer, even in May.

The strawberry crop this year is pitiful, due to all the rain we've had, and the late frost in April probably killed off all the peaches. This depresses me to no end.

Knitting while nursing is much more difficult then I thought it would be. I held V all the time and knit, so I figured sprout would be the same, sleeping on my chest while I knit him little hats. Not so. I smell like milk, and that just gets him all worked up. I should have knit more before he came.

Some things

2007-05-21T18:17:00.000-05:00

Due to some small problems with blogger, this post went up without text and is now a week late. Sorry. Thanks to Lucinda and Rachel for commenting anyway!

First off, this is my brother-in-law's VW Beetle. It is sitting in my backyard. I want it out of my back yard. If you are interested in purchasing such a vehicle, here's the dirt. It's a 1966, it's got a dual carb bored out 1675 engine that is fairly new and has about 3000 miles on it. He has done a lot of work on it and is a mite picky about who it will go to. If you are interested, and understand what a "dual carb bored out 1675 engine" means, please email me at sarahk8queen at yahoo dot com and I'll pass your info on to him. I will be eternally grateful to the person who removes this thing from my parking pad.

Here we have the sprout, swaddled in all his glory. I put the mobile up on his crib this week. He is now old enough to see it, and he seems enchanted.

Here's a bunch of weird novelty yarn that my sister-in-law brought me from Chicago. She got it at the dollar store. I'm thinking: crazy hats, with fuzzy trim. Baby sized of course. Also, I may make some scarves and hats for the stuffed animals I'm making. Pictures of them soon!

Here's a shot of my garden for this year. My father-in-law planted tomatoes and three kinds of peppers for me right after the sprout showed up, since I was in no way going to be able to get anything in the ground. I need to weed. I also need to start planning for changes in next year's garden. I'm thinking raised boxes so I can navigate them better, and so our little sprout will be able to help a bit. he's already very interested in whatever mama does in the morning with the dirt.

Last but not least, here's my current knitting. On the left we have some Regia in a double blue colorway that I am trying to work out a simple cable pattern for. I'm not sure if I'm going to just rip this out and start over, I can't concentrate on cables yet. On the right is the first of my summer socks for this year. I haven't cast on for the second, this is the first time I've experienced second sock syndrome. It stinks.

See the boy?

2007-05-20T22:23:00.000-05:00

Pictures taken on Auntie Beth's MacBook Photo Booth.

updates from the zoo

2007-05-16T15:27:00.000-05:00

I went to the OB today. All is well. I am healed and recovered from childbirth, hooray! I am also cleared to start practicing with ARRG again. That's right people, Mary Manglin' is back on wheels! Or rather, she will be next Monday night, if Mama Manglin' is intersted in watching the Sprout for a few hours.
I am also back at work at Duff's. Unfortunately, my new work schedule conflicts with Wednesday night knitting group at Knitorious. Sniff. I will no longer be able to attend, which is something I was looking forward to doing on a regular basis. Perhaps I can stalk the knitting group, as I am fairly certain they go to IHOP or some other breakfast related place after the shop closes.
I am starting a pair of toe-up socks and a small hat and sweater set for Sprout this weekend. Everything is ready to go, I have yarn, needles and patterns, I just need time to use them. I would like to say that I am being realistic and making the 12 to 18 month size sweater and hat for my six week old son. I'm no fool. I can see how little knitting time I have right now.
I also have very little sleeping time, so I'm going to catch a few minutes while the baby is down.
Now.

BLACK EYE AFFAIR

2007-05-11T10:18:00.000-05:00

What the sprout and I will be doing tonight, form 7-10. Then we will be sleeping.

Just some quick photos...

2007-05-04T22:01:00.000-05:00

Here, eye candy. I'm knitting again, but I'll show you all later. For now, here's my boy!
Here he is with his Grandpa, Daddy and Great Grandpa.
Here he is just looking cute.
Okay.
More later.
Goodnight.

Up at odd hours

2007-04-25T04:14:00.000-05:00

Having a newborn totally throws off one's sleep schedule. When I was pregnant, everyone said "sleep when the baby sleeps." This is the best advice I received. I try to catch the winks whenever the Sprout is out cold. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Its 4am and I'm up because he's up, and we are both pretty happy right now. We had a good day.
My dad came and took us down to his office this morning so he could meet the ladies. Joss, like his father, is quite the ladies' man. He slept through the visit, but he did get to meet Margaret, Christine, Mary and Kathy (all of whom were quite charmed.) He was so worn out from all that sleeping that he took a nap with his daddy when we got back to the house. I chose not to crash with them, I instead used the time to throw in some laundry, load photos onto the computer, and straighten up the living room a bit. When Matt went to work I fed the Sprout and put him down again. (It really is amazing what I consider getting things done these days.)
I had some computer work to do, a bit of research for beer school. When that was finished it was time to go to the staff meeting at BbH. I dropped the Sprout off with Mom and headed out baby-free for the first time. The meeting was uneventful, I picked up a few shifts next month. Sprout was very good for Mom and Dad. I got a couple hours of sleep after we got home. I'm doing surprisingly well with the whole "taking two hour naps throughout the day and night" thing. When Matt called at 2:30 needing to be picked up from work, I was awake enough to go get him.
On the way to pick him up, I was listening to KDHX, as I am wont to do in the wee hours of Wednesday mornings. My girl Ashley has her show from 2-4am. This week is pledge drive, so on the way home Matt and I decided that we needed to stop by the station and help our girl out. We signed the Sprout up for his first KDHX membership and Trashley played him a Cramps song and said all of our names on the radio. As of today, my little philanthropist has donated his cord blood for stem cell therapy and contributed to keeping community radio alive in St. Louis.
Tomorrow he' going to solve the whole global warming fiasco.

It's my birthday, and I'll eat cake for breakfast if I want too.

2007-04-20T09:46:00.000-05:00

So that's just what I'm doing. Shawna dropped off a piece of Limoncello cake from Cheesecake Factory yesterday and I am now having it for breakfast. With strawberries. Cause that makes it healthy.
My sister is in town this weekend. She says she's here for my birthday, but I know the real reason she came was to meet her nephew. I really can't blame her. He's the best. They hit it off right away.
Annie is usually the one with her hand in front of her face refusing to be photographed, but as you can see, Sprout was the camera-shy one last night. I guess Annie was too overcome with Aunterly love.
We are going to the Bottleworks for lunch, and then I am going out to purchase new shoes with Mom and Annie.
When I get back, I will post new shoe pictures and pictures of my new yarn. Yay! Yarn!

This is what I wake up to.

2007-04-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

Why bother getting out of bed, when this is what is in with you? My two boys, snoozing in the morning. Too bad I have errands and housework that will drive me crazy if I don't get it done.
Sprout is two weeks old today. I can hardly believe how much he has changed. I was looking at his "just birthed" pictures this morning and he looks like a completely different kid to me. For one thing, he is not all squished anymore. Yesterday he was two ounces shy of his birth weight, but considering how much he ate yesterday, I'm sure he's back up there today. He also grew three-quarters of an inch. In two weeks. That is very impressive, in my humble opinion.
I just sigh every time I look at him. It is a bit embarrassing how quickly I go from intelligent conversationalist to blithering idiot when he is around. I just cannot stop staring at him, he's so cute! And cuddly!
Okay, enough. I'm off to take care of business in the real world. I will not sit and stare at the cute baby all day when there are bank deposits to be made an coldcuts to be purchased.

The First Week is the Hardest

2007-04-12T18:01:00.000-05:00

Or so they say. I certainly hope they are right.
Sprout left the hospital with us on April 6th. He was jaundiced and they sent us home with this thing called a bili-bed. It's basically a tanning bed for phototherapy. The blue light it emits helps break up the bilirubin in his system, to flush it out and kickstart his liver. If the weather had been better we could have just taken him naked sunbathing, but it was cold and cloudy all week, so he had to use the bili-bed.
Here is the sprout in the bili-bed. Gypsy gave him that fancy pacifier.
The doctor said he needed to be in the bili-bed whenever he was not nursing. So I'd nurse for a while, then lay him in the bed and he'd stay there til it was snacktime again. Easy, right? Yeah. No. Let me just say, I hate the damn bili-bed. Every time I put him in it he screamed and cried, then I screamed and cried, then I picked him up and we rocked eachother to calmness. Then I felt guilty for depriving him of his medical treatment because I was so selfish and needed to hold him. I could not leave him in the bed at night. I would feed him, lay him in the bed with me and Matt, and then get up once he fell asleep and put him in the tanning bed. He'd usually wake up after half an hour and then we'd repeat the process.
This continued for three days, until I was a quivering mess. He was still a little yellow and we had to go to the hospital every morning so they could poke his tiny precious foot and bleed him for a bilirubin level test. I was starting to doubt my suitability as a mother. My folks and Matt's folks were all very supportive. All my friends came over and kept us company. Shawna and V. basically never left. On the 10th his levels were down and they came and took the stupid tanning bed away.
So that was most of the first week.
The second week hasn't been as bad. Sprout sleeps for three hour stretches and is much more alert when his is awake. He notices his surroundings now. He has grown a bit and gained some weight. He went to his Uncle Zach's for a crawfish boil on Saturday, to Duff's for brunch on Sunday and on Monday we visited the kids at BbH. He slept through most of these events, but he was admired by everyone who saw him.
Here he is with his Nonna. Sprout just adores my mom. She is an amazing Grandparent.
We are going to the doctor today for his two week check up.
I am looking for a pattern for some knitted pants for him. It seems that all the babies in the knitblogoverse have cute knitted pants, and I don't want Sprout to feel all left out. There are several I am considering, I just don't have the energy to link to them all right now.
In other knitting news, I am suffering from second sock syndrome on two pairs. I may have to go to Knitorious tomorrow to finally pick up all that yarn I have held there and start some new footwear. Or babywear. Who knows.

SURPRISE, IT'S A BOY!!!

2007-04-07T16:17:00.000-05:00

Joss Mathais Sprout
arrived Wednesday night around 10pm
7lbs, 12oz.
21 inches long
tons of dark hair, daddy's nose, long fingers and toes. I think his upper lip looks like mine.
absolutely perfect.
More pictures and details later. Yes, I made that hat he's wearing.

Last Tease

2007-04-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

Induction 9:30am tomorrow, per Dr.'s orders. Hell or High Water, we will have a baby by tomorrow night.

sigh

2007-04-01T01:25:00.000-05:00

On Thursday the OB said that if Sprout isn't here by Monday, he is going to recommend an induction.
On Friday his office called and said they have no open spaces on the hospital schedule for me, but not to worry, they'll figure something out. Kate and I went to St. Pius for fishfry friday.
On Saturday I went to Duff's and saw Margaret, Nuni, and Karen. They all want Sprout out too.
It is now officially Sunday. I do not want to be induced, but I really do not want to be pregnant either. I am torn between my ideas about childbirth and my desire to be able to move about in a normal fashion.
I missed an awesome ARRG fundraiser this morning and a really cool party tonight because I can hardly walk.
My dad wants an April 1st baby, since it is Opening Day for the Cardinals. I would really like to help him out. REALLY.
I can't sleep.
I can't knit.
I can't believe all of you haven't given up on this blog. Thank you for your supportive comments, suggestions and threats. All of them have made this eaiser. I'm not going to post again until I have pictures of an actual Sprout to share.
Let's hope it's not too long.

Sorry about yesterday.

2007-03-29T10:18:00.000-05:00

Boy, was I a whiny little brat. Sorry about all that.
Last night we had an impromptu barbecue in the back yard and broke out the firepit forthe first time this season. Clancy, Tara, Shawna, V, Joe and Kiki were here. We ate grilled things, hummus, homemade salsa, salad, baked beans and fruit. They all drank beer. We made s'mores after dinner. It was a wonderful way to celebrate great weather.
I have an OB appointment in about an hour. Lets see how amazingly dilated I am this week wothout progressing any further into labor. At this rate, I will be fully dilated and the kid still won't come out. My sister was three weeks late. I am begining to think that this child may take after her.

Housebound

2007-03-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

I have been doing something kind of stupid. I've been shopping online. I haven't bought anything, I've just been looking at stuff. Unfortunately, it is mostly stuff I can't afford, no matter how much I want it or need it. Take for instance, these shoes;

and these ones too:

I want these shoes. They are cute, inexpensive and totally something I would buy if I had money. There's the problem.
I haven't worked all month, because my doctor said the Sprout would come early, so I have no money. Matt has worked a whole bunch, to make up for the fact that I am not working, and to pay all the bills. I would feel really selfish asking him for money to buy cute shoes.
I want cute shoes right now because all my clothes are old, ratty maternity things that I have been wearing for the past six months. All the cute, non-ratty maternity things don't fit anymore. But shoes, shoes will fit! Shoes will make me feel like a new woman. Shoes will make me feel like I have retained some modicum of personality in light of becoming a waddling pregnant mess.
I know that soon I will have a new baby and shoes will once again become slightly less important. I know that I will go back to work at some point and be able to purchase my own shoes. I just feel lousy right now because I can barely justify spending money on a weekly visit to the chiropractor, let alone on things to adorn my feet.

The Return of Self Portrait Tuesday

2007-03-27T16:40:00.000-05:00

I used to be really good about these. I did them every week, tried to follow the theme and had fun with it. It has been months, so before it's all over with, I give you the obligatory baby belly shot for Self portrait Tuesday. Let me preface by saying that it is really hard to photograph your own belly.

Obviously I haven't had this baby yet. I'm a bit peeved at my OB for pushing my due date up and making me all anxious. I think I'm going to go for a long walk and treat myself to something really spicy for dinner. I'm giving up on labor and have decided to remain pregnant for the next few years.

No baby yet.

2007-03-25T18:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay. I'm trying.
Mostly I am just frustrated. I spent most of Friday night having contractions. They were strong and 45 minutes apart. I thought I was gearing up for a long labor, but after eight hours, they just stopped.
Saturday my mother-in-law and Matt's Aunts threw me a sweet shower. I had a great time, it was very chill. I was uncomfortable all day long, but still no baby.
This morning I had Brunch with Mom, Annie, Toni, Alan, Shawna and V at MoKaBe's. Matt and I are just hanging out at home, I'm eating pineapple and thinking about getting some Mexican food for dinner.
I am so sick of being pregnant. Sorry if I sound like a whiner.
I finished that one sock I was knitting. Instead of starting to knit its mate, I started a different sock. I know that's not cool, but I was bored. Don't report me to the knitting goddesses, please.

Almost four!

2007-03-22T21:47:00.000-05:00

I went to the OB. I'm almost 4cm dilated. He says everything looks good and ready to go. He said "Be ready to call me when you are having regular contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart." I'm having them, but they aren't that regular or that close together. All I can do now is wait.
I am so ready to have this baby.
Today I finished all the laundry and vacuumed the house.
Kate did the dishes.
I had pizza for dinner with Stan and Rosemary, Kate's folks. Yum.
My sister-in-law will be here tomorrow, my sister will be here Saturday.
Tonight I'm going to make Kate poke at my pressure points while we watch Firefly.
The hospital has WiFi. I promise not to blog the entire birth, but I will put up pictures of Sprout as soon as he or she is photographable.
Oh yeah. I started another sock.

Ready, Set, Sprout!!!

2007-03-21T17:31:00.000-05:00

The Yarn Harlot believes that babies do not come until their kinitting is finished.

I give you the matching socks. Let the labor begin.

Socks that Rock

2007-03-19T14:23:00.000-05:00

Color: Socks That Rock, Highway 30, Blue Moon Fibre Arts. Thanks Ann!
Pattern: Just your basic stockinette roll top with flap heel. Nothing fancy.
Comfort level: Squishy.

Now to make some for the Sprout.

We are now at 38 weeks

2007-03-18T23:39:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone for the encouraging words and supportive comments. It helps.
Okay, I had breakfast at Soda Fountain Square with Toni and Alan today, then Alan and I went back to the house and played Katamari Damacy for a while. I love that game. Alan loves the part where the winner of the round gets to drop bottlecaps on the loser's head.
I attended the ARRG board meeting and left with my derby bag literally and figuratively empty. I am very confident that everything will be taken care of while I am out of commission. Now I just need to have the actual baby so I can get on with my life.
My sister has informed me that she will be coming to town next weekend for three days. I am so happy that Annie will be here, I almost don't care if the kid comes before or after her visit.
Kate will be arriving tomorrow night. I really feel like everything is falling into place.
I am almost finished with the Socks That Rock socks for me and plan to start immediately on the baby version as soon as they are done. I will put up pictures of the socks tomorrow.
Okay. I will now attempt, once again, to sleep.
Et, voila! For your derby enjoyment, the ARRG Season 2 Schedule!

urg.

2007-03-17T23:52:00.000-05:00

I didn't sleep last night. I didn't ride on the ARRG float in the St. Pat's parade this morning. I sat on the couch, laid in the bed, walked around the house and felt like so much poo. I finally got to sleep around 12:30pm. I'm all backwards and sleepy still, but I can't seem to stay asleep for more than a couple of hours, I feel really crazy and anxious. I've watched at least one Star Wars movie everyday for the past week. I'm getting wiggy. This baby better come soon, or I'll lose my mind.

Three Centimeters!

2007-03-16T13:43:00.000-05:00

Note: this post was supposed to go up yesterday, but due to problems with blogger I just got it fixed and up now. sorry for the delay.

Yep, I'm three centimeters dilated. My OB doesn't seemed too concerned, which baffles me. I mean, this is the man who told me at the begining of the month that he didn't think this baby would go full term. He said Sprout would probably be here between the 12th and the 24th. When I went in this morning for my check up he informed me of the advances in dilation and then told me HE'S GOING TROUT FISHING THIS WEEKEND! I'm sorry, WHAT? Who does he think he is, Richard Brautigan? This kid could (as Casey loves to put it) fall out at any minute, and my OB has decided to go trout fishing. I'm a bit peeved.
I guess I'll just have to hold out until he gets back on Monday. Which will work. Kate gets to town on Monday, so I would have had to wait for her anyway.
Maybe I'll just have the baby tomorrow or Saturday morning. That will work. Doc's not leaving til Saturday afternoon. Oh wait, I forgot, I'm not in control here, the Sprout is. What was I thinking?
So, you want some knitting progress. I can deliver that at least.
Here's block #10 on Lizard Ridge. I finished it on tuesday and decided to take a short break from the blanket.

I've come to terms with the fact that this blanket will not be finished before the Sprout is born. I still have 15 blocks to make. I am okay with this.
To break the monotony of multi-colored backand forth short row blanket blocks, I decided to make a pair of socks.

The yarn is Socks That Rock: Highway 30, courtesy of Annie. I love this yarn! I'm almost done with the first one and looking forward to #2. If I have any leftovers (I usually do) I will make a pair of matching ones for the Sprout. Mattie thinks this is an excellent idea, and has already planned how he will photograph our feet on matching socks.

having trouble

2007-03-15T23:05:00.000-05:00

I have a lovely, witty post with knitting pictures and an ARRG season schedule flyer all lined up and ready to go, but I am having problems getting Blogger to behave right now. So you'll just have to wait until the morning.

Missed one.

2007-03-14T21:08:00.000-05:00

Sorry. I'm not in labor, I just haven't slept well in ages. I've been trying to catch an hour or two whenever I can, so I missed knitting group tonight. Sorry Rachel, hold my yarn for me, okay? I'll be in asap.

I finished block #10 on Lizard Ridge. I started a sock with the STR that Annie gave me last week. I tried to buy some Lorna's Laces and Dyeabolical sock yarns, I will be successful in that tomorrow.

I went to the Chiropractor today and got some acupressure for labor. I'm going to the OB tomorrow for another check up. I really want some sesame tofu from Lemongrass, so Matt went to get it. He humors me. I love him more than life itself.

Tomorrow I can officially announce the Arch Rival Rollergirls Season Two schedule, which will make everyone happy, no doubt.
I'm going to try to refrain from going into labor for a few more days, but I'm not promising anything.

Eight, nine, ten.

2007-03-12T14:09:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the pictures from Columbia didn't turn out so great. Luckily we had such a good time that it really doesn't matter. The Destruction Junction Derby Dames were great and I can't wait to see how they come together as a league. The folks at Empire Rink were wonderful to host us again and we look forward to having other bouts there in the future. I think our rookies enjoyed their debuts and I'm very proud of Fraulein for blocking her butt off.
Now, knitting.

Three more blocks for Lizard Ridge. This whole not working thing makes for lots of knitting time. I finished two and a half blocks in the past two days. Number ten, on the right there, is being knit with the leftover ends from the previous nine blocks. It is not a new Noro color combo available. Sorry. I am enjoying the garishness of the blueish-purple against the peachy-yellow. I think I'll do the next repeat in a turquoise-to-orange shade I have left. This blanket is going to be so colorful that the Sprout's eyes will be permanantly crossed. Just kidding. Sprout will have perfect eyes and no vision issues like Mama and Daddy.
Speaking of Sprout, I have been having irregular contractions (totally normal, do not panic), and am suffering from ever-shrinking-bladder-syndrome, so you all know it is just a matter of time...

Quickshot Weekend Update (without Pictures)

2007-03-11T19:26:00.000-05:00

On Friday night Jill and the boys came over with Catholic fish dinner. The only time I get religion is when it's Lenten Fish Fry time. I will do just about anything for one of those styrofoam containers full of greasy fishy goodness. Jill went to a St. John the Theologian Serbian Orhtodox church, which is one of my mother's favorites. The fish was good, the fries were tasty and the sampling she brought from the dessert table was awesome. Next week we're gonna hit St. Joan of Arc, whch is famous throughout south St. Louis. We hung out here afterwards and watched an Austin Powers move (I confess, I did more knitting than watching, I'm not sure which one it was) and then early to bed.
On Saturday morning Jill and the boys came back and picked me up for soulard market. We did our produce shoppingm went to Forest Park and fed the ducks, ate lunch at the Imo's where Sara works and then spent the rest of the afternoon at the little playground by my house. Miles and Jasper had a great time and were totally worn out by the time she took them home at 3:00.
Saturday evening, Toni, the Hel-Kat, the Fraulein and I piled into the Subaru and high tailed it down to Columbia for the ARRG second annual CoMo Demo Bout! Once again the Pink Vixens battled the Black Angels in an "almost too close to call" game that ended with the Angels winning by only one point, 74-73. I got to announce with Grave Danger, who looked so incredibley hot (it's becoming a common occurence) while I waddled around the rink like a beach ball with legs. Toni said she overheard one of the spectators say something to the tune of "Man, if that girl with the pigtails sneezes we are all in for one hell of a halftime show!" Danger kept asking me if I would please have the baby right then and there. Luckily I did not. Sprout did kick throughout the entire third period, right along with the crowd cheering like crazy folk. Hel-Kat was exhausted and was seriously wiggy on the drive home.
I got up this morning and had Brunch with Joe, and then came home to take a nap. I missed Big Al's birthday party at the Sky Zone, but I'm sure that jumping on trampolines all afternoon would have been bad for me. Must watch Rome now. Pix of CoMo later.

Saturday Only!

2007-03-09T15:31:00.000-06:00

That's right ladies and gentlemen, ARRG will be holding our second annual Columbia Demonstration Derby Bout this Saturday, 3/10 at the lovely Empire Roller Rink. Tickets are $12 and the doors open at 9pm! I'll be announcing with the lovely and talented Grave Danger as the ARRG Pink Vixens take on the Black Angels for down and derby action!

In knitting news, I had tea at Shugga's with Ann this morning and she gave me yarn! I love Ann! She is also making Lizard Ridge, but wants to stick with earthy-non-yellow tones so I gve her one ball of Kureyon I had and she generously gave me two. And some Socks That Rock Highway 30! Thanks Ann!

On the baby front, I went to the OB today. Everything is fine and normal. Sprout is healthy and strong and coming soon. This baby is very active, recently started getting hiccups, and takes after Daddy in his or her preference for acting in a night-owl fashion. I am just about ready to pop. Many of you have offered suggestions on how to get labor jumpstarted. I am taking them all to heart. Here is a brief list:
eat something spicy
walk up and down the street with one foot in the gutter, one on the curb
jump on a trampoline
climb stairs
lift furniture
plan to do something you've really been looking forward to and will never have the oppurtunity to do again

It looks like I'll be busy for the next couple of weeks.

P.S. Hey April, we will announce our second season dates next week. We are finalizing our contract with the venue on Sunday. You don't need to use Derby as an excuse to visit, just tell Ryan you are racking up frequent flyer miles.

Six and Seven!

2007-03-08T11:11:00.000-06:00

Moving right along with Lizard Ridge, here are blocks six and seven!

I went to Knit Night at Knitorious last night. It was really good to see everyone and to meet some new folks. I wish I could have gone to the Pancake Extravaganza afterwards, but duty called and I had a board meeting to attend. I plan to continue to go knitting until the Sprout comes, then I will attend as soon afterwards as possible. It is really nice to be around other knitters for a couple of hours. Also, Rachel brought in some samples of the yarn she has been dyeing and let us all fondle and admire. I cannot wait until her business is up and operational. Wait until she announces the company name, you'll want her yarn just so you can say where it came from!
I bought some more Noro Kureyon, most of it is in colors I already have. I plan to start making blocks from two different colors to mix it up a bit, instead of just waiting for the Noro order to come in at Knitorious. Am I a bit impatient? Possibly. I want to have this blanket as close to finished as possible when the Sprout arrives, and I still need 18 blocks.
I may have to swing by Knitorious again today. I really want to go back and get the Lorna's laces Dafodil sock yarn I was lovingly fondling last night, but didn't have the cash to purchase. I would like to make some new socks for myself and that colorway is so beautiful. See? So I really want to go back to the shop and grab some to make a pair of spring socks for myself. I think I actually might attempt some toe-up socks.
What's that you say? Sarah Kate has never made toe-up socks? And she calls herself a knitter! What a fraud! Here we all thought she was fancy and daring and cutting edge.
Confession time: I am a wimp. I have knit about seventeen pairs of socks and all of them have been from the ankle down on dpns. I have experimented with different heels and different patterns, but they have all been knit in the same basic way. But as of today, I promise to stop allowing monotony to infiltrate my sock knitting. I declare from here on out that I will be more adventurous! I will try to branch out. I will knit socks from the toe up! I also have resolved to put down the dpns and try at least one of the circular needle methods of sock knitting. I'm not going to go overboard and try to knit two socks from the toe up at once on two circular needles blindfolded with one hand behind my back or anything super fancy like that, but I am willing to embrace new methods.
See, I am flexible in my knitting.

I have been neglectful.

2007-03-07T14:22:00.000-06:00

But that all will change now. I am officially on maternity leave! I have tons to do still, but at least now I have a bit more time to do it in. I feel like I have replaced working with going to the doctor. I was working four days a week, now I am at various appointments four days a week. In short, I have more time to blog. So starting today, I resolve to make a concerted effort to post every day until the Sprout arrives. You charming readers are going to be bored out of your heads by my mindless prattle, I promise.
So without further ado, let's get caught up, shall we?

My mother (left) and her sweet friends Beth (center), Chris (right) and Marbie (not pictured), threw me an absolutely georgous baby shower on the 24th.
It was at Chris's house, which is just the most beautiful Victorian rehab in the Shaw neighborhood. I hadn't been there since I was a kid and let me tell you, this woman has done an amazing job. I would kill for her kitchen. They spent so much time on the decorations and the food, everything was beautiful and delicious! Here's a peek at the desert display. I ate most of that. Heh.

And what's a party without fancy out-of-town guests? That's right folks, the amazing and talented Kiki was in town for the weekend from NOLA and graced us with her pressence, (she graced Sprout with an awesome set of crocheted Wizard of Oz finger puppets.) and for once actually let me take her picture without making a snarky face. You may also notice the elusive Annie Buckles in the background there, she too came to town for the weekend and brought her future niece or nephew a bunch of beautiful, thoughtful gifts. It's gonna be no contest, Princess Anne will be one of this baby's favorite people. She did bring Penny the Peanut with her, but I was unable to photograph Little Miss Pugsalot due to my father's utter and total hogging of the dog. Daddy loves him some Penny.
All in all, it was a wonderful shower, the Sprout and I were spoiled beyond belief, and I was once again reminded that my mother has the best girlfriends anyone could hope for.

On the 5th, Melicious of the Texas Rollergirls came to St. Louis to sign her new book Rollergirl and ARRG was in attendance! The Hel-Kat was my date for this event and she had a blast. Melicious was so sweet to her, answering all of her questions and posing for pictures with her after signing her copy of the book. I truly believe the Hel-Kat was star struck. Not only did she get to meet a famous out-of-town rollergirl, but she got to sit next to Miss Lippy during the signing. She wasted no time getting down to business.

She started reading while waiting for her mom to come pick her up!

The rollergirls threw me a really fun shower on the Saturday the 3rd. We conviened at Cid's house for treats and pressent opening. This little Sprout now has an amazing wardrobe, complete with tons of cool socks. I got so many beautiful gifts, I'm going to be writing thank you notes until my fingers fall off. I didn't take any pictures. I was too overwhelmed by the generosity of the women in the league.
On Sunday I worked my last shift at Duff's. I said "goodbye til May" to my regulars, ate some banana pancakes and promised to bring the Sprout in as soon as s/he gets here. I went home and got ready for the First Annual ARRG Awards Banquet at the Venice Cafe. We had a good time, everyone got all gussied up and brought all kinds of great food. Pictures? Sure, I got pictures! Some of them are slightly inappropriate for this blog, so I will just post the cute ones and leave the drunken Rollergirl shots for our private photo collections. Don't want to slander anyone.
As you can see, we all were dressed to the nines and having a great time. Polly Lop made one of here famous ice cream cakes
which didn't even have time to melt because it was scarfed so quickly.

Many awards were handed out and drinking and dancing continued to the wee hours. You should have seen Grave Danger slinking around in that dress she had on, it was like she was an entirely different person. A scary, super sexy, vampy person. Magnum actually lost the power of speach when she said "Hi" to him.

This week hasn't been very blogworthy, I've mostly been washing and putting away baby clothes

that sprout got from the showers. I have knitting group tonight and I am going to post pictures of Lizard Ridge's progress tomorrow morning. I should have two new blocks to show you by then. Whee! Okay, enough for now. Back to writing thank you notes and folding baby blankets.

coming later this afternoon

2007-03-02T10:05:00.000-06:00

Er... make that "coming sometime tomorrow" Work went long, my last shift at BbH before Sprout arrives. Too tired to get into detail. Look for more on Saturday.

The week in review. Knitting, rollerderby, gestational updates, possible food news, and musings on the passing of a really tough chick. With photos.

pretending it's spring

2007-02-25T20:04:00.000-06:00

I have half a row on block #5, I'll be done with it tonight.

lizard ridge, plodding along.

2007-02-22T10:40:00.000-06:00

Don't get the wrong idea. I love knitting this blanket. Each skien is a surprise, the colors are beautiful and amazing, the yarn is so soft. I'm just not knitting as fast as I should be. Here is the begining of block #5.

I think this may be my favorite color of kureyon yet. Don't worry, I'm keeping notes of which colors I used and when I started and finished each rectangle.

Here's the other four pieces, all together. I love them.

I originally wanted to use a different color for each block, but now I'm thinking that I may do some repeats, with variations. More on that to come.

A Visit with Bekah

2007-02-19T21:59:00.000-06:00

Letting Sarah's picture do the talking. I love you Bekah.

Updates.

2007-02-15T15:18:00.000-06:00

Since this is actually a knitting blog, or at least that's what I intended when I started it way back in 2005, here is the latest knitting progress. What you see here is my fourth completed segment of Lizard Ridge, and the skein of Kureyon I will begin on tonight. I am loving knitting this blanket. I had to take a hiatus for a few weeks while I recovered from the nasty abraded (abraised? braised?) cornea, but I am back on track and moving right along. I don't know if the blanket will be finished for the Sprout's arrival, but I am optimistic.
I am so glad that my eye has healed. My doctor ended up putting a contact lens in my left eye and leaving it in for five days. This helped the abrasion to heal (Doctor actually used the words "tissue knitting together") and protected the scratch from becoming irritated by my incessant blinking. I still have to put non-medicated drops in my eye three times a day to prevent this from happening again. I hope none of you ever has to go through something like this, and if you do, you have my sympathies. Tearing a ligament in my ankle was less painful and less of a pain in the behind. I am once again fully capable of reading, knitting, driving and emerging from the house during daylight hours.

Here's a new shot of Sweet V, with her Mama. They came to visit this week. V is laughing and smiling all the time now.
I cannot believe she is almost 4 months old. The changes she has made and growing she has done in such a short time is incredible. People always say "Oh, they grow so fast!" but it is true. I know the Sprout will be the same way once he or she gets here.

Speaking of Sprout, I wanted to share with you the adorable burp cloths Miss Enya Nightmare had made for me. Aren't they cute? I love that she had them trimmed in the league colors too. This baby is going to be such a spoiled derby baby.

And speaking of Derby Babies, here we have Prima Basherina and her daughter G. I've known Prima for years, all the way back to when she was a Ballerina, not a Basherina, and was called Bean. When she told me she was joining up I was so excited to have her back in my life I almost squeaked. I am so happy she is a part of the league and I love the fact that she brings her daughter to practice. We seem to be growing an entire crop of next-generation derby girls already. If you go to my myspace page and look under comments for the one Shortkick left on February 14th, you can read how she feels about the famous Hel-Kat. I love that our league is somewhere the skaters feel comfortable bringing their children and that the kids I know have the chance to see female athletes in such a positive and supportive environment.

Okay, that's it for now. I need to take a nap. Sprout kept me up half the night with the rolling and kicking and playing bongos on my bladder. Maybe this kid will be a drummer like his or her Nonna. Only 6 1/2 weeks to go!

Snow day

2007-02-13T23:22:00.000-06:00

snow day 049
Originally uploaded by archrivalrollergirls.

We skipped out on our obligations and skidded into the Royale. We holed up all afternoon and ate warm toasty things and drank yummies with the Rollergirl/Royale Snowday Commandos. I decided against sledding, since I plan on an April baby, not a February one. Many team names were bandied about, pink plastic religious icons were misused and a good time was had by all. Thanks to Sleaze McQueen for the pictures!

New Sprout pictures!

2007-02-08T13:25:00.000-06:00

We had our last ultrasound today, everything is fine. The baby is healthy and big and has a normal heartbeat and everything. Wanna See?
Check out the schnoz on that sucker! Definitely takes after Daddy in the nose department.

Last but not least, here's the "3-D" picture. The reason the baby's skin looks all wavy is because the texture of the interior of my uterus is showing up. Sorry. I couldn't help it.
That's all for now. Exterior photos will be featured in 8-10 weeks.

Holiday Party

2007-02-04T23:24:00.000-06:00

Mattie and I attended the annual BbH holiday party. This is the fifth year I have attended the holiday party. I had a really good time, considering that I am 32 weeks pregnant. Rachel and Dan did a really good job of planning and everyone made tasty food. I had three kinds of chicken!
Tasha was my secret santa and she bought me yarn! I have three new skeins of Kureyon for Lizard Ridge. Also, in the package was a special surprise from Rachel at Knitorious. Thanks Rachel. I should be back this week for Knit Night.
The baby kicked all thru karaoke (I treat it as a spectator sport) and I especially enjoyed Africa Jacket and Monica's Mariah impersonation.
Mattie, however had a few too many shots and isn't feeling the best right now.
I'm wondering if I would be a lousy person if I decide to make him sleep on the couch tonight. He snores something awful when he's drunk.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who commented and sent me emails and called me with condolences about Louis. You are all so kind. Annie O. put it best. He was a stellar individual.

Why is it that the little lives hurt so much when they end?

2007-02-01T11:39:00.000-06:00

My sweet kitty Louis died in his sleep this morning. He was around fourteen years old and was my first cat. He was a tough guy, raised in an alley in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago. He moved in with me on my birthday in 1995, after my friend Rachel "adopted" him from a neighbor who had been feeding him in the alley. When we lived in Chicago, he would often sneak out the window and down the fire escape to catch rats in the alley and bring them back to me. Anyone who has seen a Chicago rat knows that this is quite an accomplishment for a ten pound cat.
He was sweet and smart and very affectionate. Everyone who met him thought he was special. He was a yellow tabby, his fur was almost blond. He had big green eyes and wore a black spiked collar the entire time he lived with me. He was both a tough guy and a lap cat. In short, he was perfect.
He was a prolific hunter and a terror to small urban wildlife when we moved back to St. Louis. As he got older he mellowed out a little, restricting his hunting forays to the backyard where he continued to half-heartedly terrorized the sparrows and cardinals in our tree. This past summer he managed at one point to take down a squirrel, which is an incredible feat in and of itself, but he did so without a single tooth in his mouth and with rather thick cataracts. I'm not positive, and I wouldn't want to insult his memory, but he may have had some help from one of his adopted sisters.
Louis was my first pet. He was a huge comfort to me the first year I was living away from my family. He was cuddly and wonderful and I will miss him terribly.
We had noticed this week that he was getting a little thin and Matt bought some fancy wet food to try to tempt him to eat more, but he just sniffed it and went back to the office to sleep on the heating vent. When I woke up this morning he was laying on his side and breathing heavily. I called the Vet's office and moved our appointment up to this afternoon. I moved Louis to the bed and was petting him while I called around for a ride to the appointment. He died right there, while I was with him, with no fuss or commotion, just as sweetly and quietly as possible.
I am glad that he didn't seem to be in any pain, and that I was with him at the end, but my heart is a little bit broken. I will miss his sweet face.
I'll find a picture later.

What have I become?

2007-01-31T18:39:00.000-06:00

All I ever do anymore is visit the doctor. Seriously. I had four Doctor's appointments last week and I have three this week and three next week.
Before last September I went to the Gyno once a year and that was about all I had time or inclination for. Now it seems like I have to spend every waking moment in an office, filling out paperwork and getting poked or prodded.
Now, don't get me wrong, it's not all that bad. I feel comfortable with all of the physicians I've been seeing. They are all kind, sympathetic, helpful folk. I'm just sick of spending all my time in their offices.
I go to the Chiropractor once a week now, and I truly look forward to that. Dr. Johnson has helped me immensely with every stupid little twist and twinge that pregnancy has thrown my way. I always feel better after an adjustment, and I like that he offers homeopathic alternatives and Chinese herbs. I've been seeing an opthamologist for the eye problems (still there, getting better slowly) and I went to the ear, nose and throat gal last week too. I'm going to the OB on Friday.
I guess the thing that really irks me right now is that I cannot drive anywhere. I'm still not up to snuff with the whole vision thing, so my poor mother and poor husband have been carting me all over the metro area to various appointments. I know they don't mind, and I thank them profusely every time I get in the car with either of them, but I am beginning to feel as if my illnesses, injuries and state of pregnancy are starting to infringe on their personal enjoyment of life. I'm sure that chauffeuring a blind, cranky, stuffy-nosed, hugely pregnant woman around St. Louis was not really on either of their "top-ten ways to spend an afternoon" lists. Not to mention the whole picking up of prescriptions and side trips to the health food store for homeopathic eye drops, which somehow end up rounding out the day.
I feel like I spend all my time in and out of medical buildings and I don't have any time to do anything even halfway fun. Not that I could afford it, I'm so broke from taking off work. I spent every cent I made last week on co-pays and drugs.
Okay. Enough. The pity party is over. No more venting. I will be fine.

I'm still alive...

2007-01-28T00:24:00.000-06:00

... but just barely.
We lost in Chicago, 74-11. Their blockers were amazing, the floor was atrociously slick,, our girls were tough and skated their hearts out. We'll get 'em next time. The rest of the weekend in Chicago with my sister was wonderful. I went out to eat, played with the pug and read a novel. Bliss.
I no longer have the pink eye. I have, however, managed to scratch my cornea. I still cannot see and tear up at any light stronger than ultra dim. My Opthamologist is really nice and helpful, but with the whole pregnant thing, he won't give me any antibiotics stronger than erythromycin or any painkillers at all. It hurts like, well, like a sharp stick to the eye. I feel really dumb and gross and look like something that should be hiding in a cave, crouched over and muttering about a "precious."
Alas, I have not been knitting. I missed knit night this week, but I plan to return next week. I have to order some more Noro for Lizard Ridge.
I left the house today, Matt and Zach and I went to see Adam (brother-in-law the youngest) in The Lion in Winter at the Kirkwood Theatre Guild. He was great, very regal, very loud. We were proud of him. It was one of the first out-of-the-house adventures for me in a long time. I rarely get out, what with the whole sensitivity to light thing.
Mostly I sleep. In fact, I think I'll get some sleep right now.

Knitting content only

2007-01-19T14:27:00.000-06:00

To avoid jinxing the league, I will refrain from discussing my hopes and fears for our upcoming bout in Chicago.
To avoid grossing you out, gentle reader, I will avoid mentioning my continuing battle with eye disorders.
Because I am constantly being kicked from within, you all will understand that the sprout is healthy and growing.

On to knitting progress.

This is block #3 of Lizard Ridge in its finished glory. I started it at Knit Night at Knitorious. I had a great time, met some nice folks and plan on going back next week. Shanghai Lily and Gypsi Curse came with me, and maybe we can get Strawberry Shortkick to join us next week. If we can, I think we'll have all the knitters in the league with us. Rachel's head may explode.

Here is Lizard Ridge block #4, just started last night. This is the final ball of Kureyon I have in my possession. I may look for some other colors while I am in Chicago. There are two yarn stores I'd like to check out, but I'm reluctant to venture into uncharted territory, since I will be running the risk of encountering strange and beautiful new yarns that will want me to buy them and take them home with me. I am on a strict budget for this trip, and I really do not want to risk it.

Just for kicks and giggles, here are three small, plain hats all knit from one skein of Kara soysilk. I bought this yarn to make a new hat for Sweet V, but ended up with enough for V, her new cousin C and a tiny one for the sprout! What a good deal. Hats will be handed out soon to V and C.

Now back to the regularly scheduled laundry change outs and baggage packing routine.

Lost my last post.

2007-01-18T19:17:00.000-06:00

It seems that blogger flushed the post I spent all afternoon working on. Sigh. Here's a couple photos to hold you over until I can dedicate another hour to setting up an interesting and informative post with lots of name dropping and links.

Come check out the Arch Rival Rollergirls travel team as they battle the Windy City Rollers at the Stadium, 1909 S. Laramie in Cicero Illinois on Saturday January 20th. Hopefully I'll be able to post from Chicago with all the derby info after the bout! Wish us luck as we take on the League responsible for our existence! If we can beat these ladies, we can conquer the world!

Here's my godson #2 wearing a hat that I made for him. He's cute.

Here is Lizard Ridge block #3, color 182. I was worried I would get bored with this project. Seriously, I plan on knitting twenty-five of the same pieces. Twenty-five! Talk about monotony. Fortunately, the amazing color changes in a single ball of Noro Kureyon are enough to keep me going. Still, just in case, I am planning on starting a sock tonight and finishing Penny the peanut's sweater on the plane on Saturday. If the sweater goes over well, I may write up the pattern and post it here. If.

Two down, twenty-three to go!

2007-01-15T17:05:00.000-06:00

I've made some progress on Lizard Ridge. Here we have my first two rectangles. I'm stubborn and picky, so I decided to make some slight alterations to the pattern. Instead of 24 squares, each 3 repeats, I'm doing 25 rectangles, 5 repeats each. I also decided that I'm just going to stick with the very bright colors of Kureyon.
I have used #40

and #159

Now all I need is more money to buy more yarn. I've been too sick and gross with the pinkeye to work, so I'm broke. Also I don't want to inflict myself on the knitters of St. Louis, so I sat at home last Wednesday iunstead of going to Knit Night at Knitorious. Sigh. I'm trying to get better so I can go this week, but If I'm still gross and contagious I'm staying at home.

Why me?

2007-01-12T12:55:00.001-06:00

So it is official, I have pinkeye. It is itchy and gross. I'm a bit perplexed as to where it came from, no one I know has been infected recently, and I haven't been around any small children in a while. This just may be the way the winter cold that is going around has decided to manifest itself in me. If that's the case I'll just deal with it. I guess it could be worse, I could have the cough and sinus stuff that everyone else seems to have. My doctor recommend a boric acid wash and that seems to be helping. The itching goes down when I rinse, but I am still contagious. I am trying to get someone to work for me tonight. Okay, enough nasty health stuff. On to the good news.

I saw my obstetrician today, everything is fine with the sprout. Sprout has a strong heartbeat, is very active and kicked for the doctor, which is more than s/he will do for Daddy. Poor Matt, whenever he tries to feel the baby kick, sprout freezes and refuses to move until Matt takes his and away. It's almost comical. I'm sticking with the whole "You have such a calming effect on the baby!" line. I'm trying to be patient with this kid, but I'm sure it's even more frustrating for Matt. Oh well. What can you do?

Now for knitting content.

Here is my first Lizard Ridge square, rectangle, whatever. I'm using Kureyon color #40 for this one. I have fondled Noro yarns in the store before, I've even considered making a cardigan from one of their pattern books, but this is the first time I'm actually knitting with this yarn. I totally understand why everyone is so in love with it. The colors are amazing, the yarn is soft but not delicate feeling, and I think I actually knit faster because I am so excited to see which color is coming next.

The pattern calls for you to switch back and forth from the outside of the ball to the inside, which helps create those awesome color changes. I can't wait to see how this ends up, I'm pretty sure that each square is going to be a surprise.

As promised, photos galore!

2007-01-11T13:38:00.000-06:00

Okay, lets get back on track, shall we? First , let's do Christmas.
It was a great year yarnwise for me. I got cash and gift certificates to Knitorious, my LYS. Take a look. Let's start with this Noro Kureyon. I bought three skiens for my beginning of Lizard Ridge, which I have been wanting to make for the sprout since I first saw it. I plan to get a skein or two at a time, and have the blanket finished before sprout's arrival. Let's see how that works out. I may be setting myself up for a crash and burn, but oh well. If I don't finish it before the sprout gets here I'll have something to work on during all those sleepless nights I'll be having.

Here is a skein of trekking xxl color 109. I'm calling it smoky heather, since trekking only numbers their colors. It is much more purply-grey than it looks on my monitor. This yarn is intended for socks for Mom. She picked it out, I just have to choose a pattern. I am open to suggestions. I was thinking something along the lines of Broadripple or the ubiqutious Jaywalkers. You know. Lacy, but not too lacy. She plans to wear them with her clogs and jeans. I love that my mom is planning an outfit around the potential of hand knit socks. I love that she is as excited about having hand knit socks as I am about making them. Mom, you are the kind of person a knitter loves to have around. I promise to make your socks by your birthday. (That gives me about five months, which I think is a fair goal, considering that in three months I'll be all busy with the whole breastfeeding routine.)

Here are two skiens of sock yarn, the blue colorway is Cherry Tree Hill's "Green Mountain Madness," the purple colorway is Bearfoot Mountain Colors (my favorite sock yarn) in "Wildflower." These are seen here posing with two of my other Christmas presents. I'm loving "I like you: Hospitality under the influence" by Amy Sedaris. I've been itching to try some of the recipes in this book, "Lemon Chess Tarts" in particular. The teapot belonged to my great grandmother. Aunt Darlene gave me the teapot, along with the family highchair for Christmas. I do not have a photo of the highchair. My mom is refinishing it. I am very excited about having this highchair. My Grandfather built the highchair before my Uncle Marty was born. By the time the sprout uses it, it will be seventy years old and have held, at least 17 children in the family, and countless others who stopped in for a bite. The teapot is considerably older, it sat on my great grandmother's kitchen table for as long as anyone can remember. I am lucky to have it. It will sit on my kitchen table now.

Here's my haul of knitting books from Christmas. I have been on a hat kick as of late, and quite a few friends and family members got either a hat or gloves or a set of hat and gloves from me. I am thrilled with the "Folk Hats" book and I actually plan to make the crazy Samurai Kabuto as soon as I can get Mattie to agree to wear it. When asked, he said "Um, oh wow. I'd wear it at some point." The itty-bitty hats book is chock full of cute baby hats, most of which I will be making asap. I figure between the sprout and all the other babies I know, there will be no cold heads in St. Louis next winter.
The Domiknitrix book was from the Ingley clan. Alan has asked for the mohawk hat already and there is a beautiful "Mod Coat" that I am really wanting to make, but I am balking at the prospect of shelling out the cash for 35 skeins of bulky weight merino yarn. I mean, it's the middle of January already and by the time I finished a merino coat, it would probably be August. I'm being realistic. Please understand that I still may make this coat. I did vow to refuse to go on a yarn diet in a public forum not too long ago.

Here's the sprout's haul from Christmas.
A super soft blanket from Grandma and Grandpa Thenhaus; the much coveted sushi outfit from Psychobaby, courtsey of Princess Anne; The Night Before Christmas with classic illustrations from Aunt Patti; finger puppets form Nonna and Buck; and a stuffed dog from the Hel-Kat. Not too shabby for someone who hasn't even been born yet. I can't even begin to imagine what kind of haul this kid is going to get once it is born. I realize that I am in for one spoiled child.

This is Penny the peanut, or, the dog formerly known as Dolly.
She is the same pug seen on the blog before, but now she is all plumped up. Annie is in love, and Miss Penny has managed to charm the entire family with her cuteness and snuggly tendencies. We were all sad to see her go when Annie took her back to Chicago. The reports I 've been getting state that she had become the ultimate city dog. I am working on a sweater for this city dog.
So that's all for now. Hope it can hold you over until I have more time.

I used to post every day.

2007-01-07T19:08:00.000-06:00

Now I'm lucky if I get around to it once a week. I have about fifty photos on the camera waiting to upload. I did so much gift knitting I got dizzy from cables. Did everyone and their mother make Fetching for their loved ones this winter? I am on my way to the ARRG board elections meeting and the sprout is kicking me all the time. My ObGyn says I should be happy that the baby is so active, this way we know that s/he is healthy and thriving, but I am starting to resent the rhythm section in my abdomen.
I resolve to get several picture-laden posts up this week and to keep them coming for the rest of this year. I will not be a slacker, I promise.

What kind of pirate am I?

2006-12-23T08:29:00.000-06:00

What kind of pirate am I? You decide!
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