A stitch in time...

So this is the time of year that I usually have cramped hands from knitting and sewing. And with the little one basically getting into a new hazard every 30 seconds , it has been imposssible to finish , let alone start another project. I had a million things that I had wished to make for her and others and am quite sad to see how fast time has passed , and my inability to make any of the things I so badly wished to. I am so happy to finally have my own baby and wish that time would magically slow when I need it too , so I may continue to create the traditional hand made with love gifts I have always enjoyed giving so much.

I know that she won't remember the sweaters I made for her for those first few wintery months that she was born into. And I don't think she will remember , but to see them in pictures, her warm wooly pants and her first costume , or all the other little things I have been able to make for her thus far. But it still doesn't mean that I won't remember all the things I DIDN'T get to finish or make.

Excuse me for a second , as she is officaily in a hazardous situation that I must address....





Okay I'm back... where was I ah yes , my unfinished items. I have sweaters that are a pile of half finished sleeves and backs or fronts that wouldn't fit her now if I tried. And yes they would have been beautiful , so sadness hits me , again. I want her to remember her mommy as always making her little dreams a reality , even if it means she decides to be a fireman for the day and I could make her a closet full of play things to make it a reality. I just want her to be happy and content , and I hope that eventually the time will present itself for me to do these things for her effortlessly. So for now I suppose I should be happy that her latest sweater has only been on the back burner for 2 weeks and all it needs is 1 1/2 sleeves to be done. and it should still fit her if I can finish it before her first birthday :) Other than this I will have to think about all my winter day projects that I promise to complete in a timely fashion. All those dresses and pants and puppets and toys and so little time...

I've done my part...

Florida needs my vote , and I'm glad to give it. FiFi will make an important choice one day too and I was glad to be able to share my choice with her. This is a very important day and I hope everyone participates.

Fiona's First Halloween

So our little FiFi La Pew was a skunk for her first halloween. I spent the last few days before halloween constructing this masterpiece. I love halloween and love to make costumes and it was very important that her first and hopefully many more will be made by me. She has been stinky since her first few days home with us and we love her still. So a sweet little skunky seemed perfect for her. I don't like to use patterns so my things are usually hit or miss with a lot of tailoring to get it right . However , this was perfect right away . So either someone heard my cries for help , seeing as I gave myself 3 days to find the time to make it, or I am actually getting better in my old age at guestimating my projects.

She looked better than I anticipated , so it was definatly worth the stress. Next year however , I will give myself a bit more time to work on things. (hopefully no more fur though!)

Absentee

So my absentee ballot arrived finally. I will of course be voting for Florida even though I am back in NY. I am glad that I will be able to participate and do my part in this all too important election. For many reasons my choice of candidate I feel will finally make a difference. Not because of his age or color , but because so far he is the first person , in my lifetime , that I have actually heard speak his mind. He has made points about things that most people are afraid to even speak of. And i feel more than ever that there could possibly be a move in a positive direction in the country in which we live.
And on a sidenote , WHEN Obama wins ;) , besides too many americans getting out their warmest winter wear because hell will have frozen over , I will start my search for the 2016 candidate who will of course be a Black Lesbian Jew .

Winter knitting

So temperatures have plummeted, and that has awoken my knitting bug from hibernation. FiFi needed a new hat and what better than a specially made wooly earflap one from mama.


















As you can tell by the continued thumb sucking she is very relaxed and comfortable in her new head warmer.
















The hat proved most valuable on our outing sunday. It kept her warm and provided her with an even greater cuteness that we thought could only be achieved by adding puppies or kittens to a picture.











I thought that she made a perfect model for my fall/winter knitting catalogue. The leaves and the sun were just right for showing off two of my prized creations.
















She seemed to enjoy the new sensations that day. Wool and fall leaves , a perfect combination. A perfect day.

Annual Fly Creek Cider Mill Trip

Since I was teeny myself , my family has made an annual trip to Fly Creek Cider Mill and then to Cooperstown to feed the ducks on the lake , and then off to Brooks BBQ in oneonta. Sunday was a perfect day for starting the new tradition in Fiona's life.
So grandma & grandpa d and aunt Sara joined John , Fiona & I for her first official fall trip to the cider mill and foliage watching. The day couldn't have had nicer weather if we asked , and moods were good. She had a fantastic time, John & I took turns with the baby bjorn, and she was able to see all the sights and felt free and happy. I am still in amazement that I actually have my own child that I can make new traditions with or choose to continue with the old. And I have to remember that soon I will have to leave out cookies and milk for Santa.

Sad baby = Sadder mama

Both baby and mama are wondering when these new teeth are gonna come in so us girls can get some rest. I will stay up for a month if it means she won't hurt any longer. But it hurts me more to see her and hear her cry for hours on end , and then moan once she tries to sleep. Then the poor little thing cries in her sleep. And sometimes mama cries with her.

Don't think of it as going bald... think of it as gaining a mustache.

So for my first words here I need to address my scalp post baby.
I have long hair , very long hair. And I take pride in the fact that it's pretty , well most of it is now. Unfortunately I am in the 1991 stage of Micheal Bolton. From afar it still looks like lovely long locks , but the scalp is more visible the closer you get . I am scared that the normal hair loss that one may experience after giving birth may have exceeded in my case and now I may have to admit the problem and consult the hair club for women.
I have just started taking prenatals again , as I haven't taken any supplemental vitamins since she was born ( almost 8 months ago) and I am aware of the damage I have already caused. Being the dumb ass that I am I should have just kept taking the vitamins , but hindsight being 20/20 really doesn't make my mange any less of an issue. I solely breastfeed Fiona until she was 6 months old , and it has taken an obvious toll on me. And even though FiFi loves her mama , hair or not , mama is not so happy to see herself in the mirror at this time.
I am sure I am no where near the only person who has lost some hair after having a child , but am I the only person concerned about the fact that I have gained a thicker , darker more luxurious MUSTACHE ? Granted it looks awesome in theory , if I was say , a 70's gay leatherman. But since that will only help me out on October 31st , I really need a plan for maintenance and grooming of the , shall I dare call it a MISSTACHE.
Why couldn't I lose armpit hair , or some bikini line pubes , you know , something useful that would actually save me time instead of making things worse. You see there was a time years ago that I could actually get away with bleaching the few dark hairs that popped up from time to time. But if I dared to try that now I would so closely resemble Hulk Hogan that I really don't want to take the risk. Anyone understand how this doesn't exactly have a quick fix? I find it hard to find the time to brush my teeth now more than once a day , and showering , well thats 2 times a week if i'm lucky. So if I have to start maintaining a mustache , and well, dare I say a beard if things get really out of control , where do I find the time. I have been feeling guilty for not looking "pretty" when John gets home from work most days IE: unwashed face , dirty unbrushed hair , still in pjs etc, and even though he says nothing about what I look like , because he understands that our daughter is more important than being a fashion statement. I really do believe that he will have an issue with coming home to "Crockett" with the five o'clock shadow. Not a pretty picture.
Please make me feel better about myself , by telling me about your unwanted hair or lack of , in places seen or unseen. As this would make a poor hairy new mother feel like she can make it another day having the support of those hairier than she. And to continue to have the courage to shave and pluck during those few stolen moments alone. And for those of you who do , say a prayer for me that, years from now , a candid random photo of me will not give the world proof that Sasquatch does really exist , and it's a woman and she 's a knitter. I don't think the world is ready for this kind of revelation.