tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238845192024-03-07T16:14:19.997-05:00The Knittin' Kitten<b>Sarah's happy things...</b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.comBlogger676125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-15237064073179060412013-08-14T22:50:00.000-04:002013-08-14T22:50:03.589-04:00RIP Silas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Gu2XG0Xe6L31wDyLxl4Yb1oPxeNEWB55abL2uTjRXbPC6btT1uM2-pn5PQUzGeaydM-1nauZVRz5EgkGbBIE23tCL38OHkIrckF-82zI7UqwpRUbhNN2nBQIzMmyfMAxM3Zd/s1600/4837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Gu2XG0Xe6L31wDyLxl4Yb1oPxeNEWB55abL2uTjRXbPC6btT1uM2-pn5PQUzGeaydM-1nauZVRz5EgkGbBIE23tCL38OHkIrckF-82zI7UqwpRUbhNN2nBQIzMmyfMAxM3Zd/s400/4837.jpg" /></a></div>
We lost our Silas on August 9th. The picture above is from August 5th. He became ill not long after we lost Saffy and it soon became clear that he had nose cancer. We kept him as comfortable as possible on antibiotics, steroids and pain killers. We made the most of the time we had left. He kept trying so hard. He was so happy to spend time in his paddle pool near the end.
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We miss him so much!!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-22685541962626750342013-01-08T13:19:00.000-05:002013-01-08T13:19:44.840-05:00RIP SaffyI'm so sad to say that Saffy died yesterday. We had a scare last February, so we were lucky to have an extra 11 months with her. Here are a few of the last pictures I took of her, from after a snowstorm on December 30, 2012.
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-43624980844173806012012-06-20T09:42:00.001-04:002012-06-20T10:37:16.440-04:00SweetsI've continued to cook from issue 61 of Donna Hay mag, most recently trying the spiced stewed plums. They are so good over vanilla ice cream, but have other uses too. I'm actually tempted to glaze some grilled chicken or pork with the plum syrup!<br />
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James has begun to eat small portions of banana, so I will need to make things with banana so none goes to waste. This morning, I made The Domestic Goddess's (Nigella) banana muffins while feeding James. It was good to do some baking first thing as the temps will be soaring to the 90's later. Summer is here!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxcPAWa4WTmOHSFYgA5BoObJJIEFnnhxZGMQn51zbRZfYkEwXTqrtpMiU6HIGLjGvgBZFiiJO5wVmQ4bVUHNaceCSr7hCih2tn0DAkE_yA_lF3sGh3WvgX6oTvC68JmxN-Nju/s640/blogger-image--84209619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxcPAWa4WTmOHSFYgA5BoObJJIEFnnhxZGMQn51zbRZfYkEwXTqrtpMiU6HIGLjGvgBZFiiJO5wVmQ4bVUHNaceCSr7hCih2tn0DAkE_yA_lF3sGh3WvgX6oTvC68JmxN-Nju/s640/blogger-image--84209619.jpg" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-10222265605003384282012-06-18T14:13:00.001-04:002012-06-18T14:13:27.045-04:00New Favorite DishesIssue 61 of Donna Hay is sure a good one! I've made the Spiced Lemon Chicken also shown in my last post a couple times now. Most recently, I made Donna's Black Bean and Tomato Salsa to go with it and love the flavors of it. I've had it with the chicken, Greek yogurt and avocado as pictured and for leftovers had the same combo just without the chicken. I think I'll be making it all summer!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5M3EE1ZZf6-r4zhNoJNvREw6HLri29c28FWHYYCQJChIazyOod7rnkQB93FqLp16K8iJRpZxoWxJtLfhYGNeP6YShOeyLE2nfFtnN1bokeXpOSRI8MyPvIPJbzZnIA9cuZnA9/s640/blogger-image-1089501041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5M3EE1ZZf6-r4zhNoJNvREw6HLri29c28FWHYYCQJChIazyOod7rnkQB93FqLp16K8iJRpZxoWxJtLfhYGNeP6YShOeyLE2nfFtnN1bokeXpOSRI8MyPvIPJbzZnIA9cuZnA9/s640/blogger-image-1089501041.jpg" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-1106390040508011092012-06-15T22:05:00.001-04:002012-06-15T22:05:32.737-04:00Summer CookingOn a recent trip to the bookstore I bought Issue 61 of the Donna Hay magazine as I was excited to try a number of the summery recipes that are so beautifully presented. Tonight, we had Spiced Lemon Chicken with rice pilaf for main course and Plum Clafoutis for dessert with a dollop of vanilla ice cream melting over it.<br />
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I have ingredients ready to make another sweet, the Pineapple Coconut Loaf, but intend to make other things too. I will let you know how they turn out. Is anyone else cooking from this issue? Let me know your recommendations!<br />
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I definitely give five stars to tonight's recipes!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WyjMNzdkItG4pavHQyhrf4ihUwGmWwDvtV9rZzvWgyv5-DwLJzAXiiM8OHb22-c0C6cMp2uJNFUFYTpELa64QYIMgYgJ62cMiiKGV9RMpBRf8sR-ZrV5doBDvKvDsaFy7tfy/s640/blogger-image-1293620190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WyjMNzdkItG4pavHQyhrf4ihUwGmWwDvtV9rZzvWgyv5-DwLJzAXiiM8OHb22-c0C6cMp2uJNFUFYTpELa64QYIMgYgJ62cMiiKGV9RMpBRf8sR-ZrV5doBDvKvDsaFy7tfy/s640/blogger-image-1293620190.jpg" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-46276050870027881992012-06-06T16:15:00.001-04:002012-06-06T16:40:15.747-04:00A Mobile Test and an FOI managed a knitting project this week, Mini Jubilee Bunting, but I'll actually use it for the 4th of July. There are 7 little flags, each about 4 inches long. The inspiration is from Let's Knit mag and The Flitter Knitter and a free bunting pattern.<br />
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I strung the flags with attached I cord which is something I've been wanting to try for awhile and worked nicely here.<br />
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I'll have to edit this later to add links. I'm not sure how and James wants to touch the screen too which is making this tricky!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcheCGqeUhLs4rEiN1kL0HPvJ6sU_bTfWFid5mR8-7XEiK5ExSIW1cjihAKo0TF1C-afeJuH1fDrkDl4nU5P2ZMbxAYI0anO8D8IZWN_8CKJd9NGonFHQgTxznNStECc43kvC/s640/blogger-image--2039338543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcheCGqeUhLs4rEiN1kL0HPvJ6sU_bTfWFid5mR8-7XEiK5ExSIW1cjihAKo0TF1C-afeJuH1fDrkDl4nU5P2ZMbxAYI0anO8D8IZWN_8CKJd9NGonFHQgTxznNStECc43kvC/s640/blogger-image--2039338543.jpg" /></a></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-63322377526081250442012-04-30T09:01:00.000-04:002012-04-30T09:02:12.104-04:00Indoor Seed StartingHere are many of my small sized seed packets, somewhat organized. I am not good at keeping seed packets neat, but must try to do better so I know what I'm saving from year to year and use up older seeds first. Fortunately, nothing is older than 2011 at the moment. <br />
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I am so late starting seeds this year. Normally, I start them around March 15th and I had been thinking about starting some of the slower peppers a week or two earlier than that. This year, I sowed on April 29th! I know I won't have early harvests, but I think they will still grow and have plenty of time to mature. They should get a quicker start since the basement is warmer this time of year. In fact, the heat mats probably won't even be running much (they have a thermostat). And, I won't be tempted to put seedlings out too early and have the usual concern about cold nights.<br />
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Peppers (sweets and hots). I'll probably plant some of these in the hoop house so they have a longer growing season. From past experience, the habs, lemon hots and hole mole peppers will probably need the extra time and warmth.
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Tomatoes
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Eggplants, raab and room for more...
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I keep thinking that I should have managed to start the seeds on time despite having a new baby, but it's easy to say that now that I am getting sleep again. With feedings every two hours around the clock, I couldn't manage much else at the time!<br />
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I may sow some greens and herbs in the remaining space indoors, but most of my next sowing will be in the prepared pots waiting in the hoop house. Also, I need to do some direct sowing in the hoop house!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-26894687427769555352012-04-28T18:00:00.002-04:002012-04-28T18:06:06.163-04:00Hoop House UpdateThe hoop house easily withstood the only significant snowfall of the season. Here it is pictured on January 22nd.
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I was too busy with the end of the pregnancy and then my new baby to do anything with the hoop house, but plants overwintered well even though I ignored them. I never did get a thermometer for it to record highs and lows, but next year I want to try that.
Today, Jeff helped me with cleaning up the hoop house to ready it for planting. We left some flowering plants like kale for the honeybees that were happily buzzing around them. There are carrots, beets, Swiss chard, parsley, par-cel, dill, fennel and scallions to eat.
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I filled pots with potting soil in preparation for starting winter and summer squash, cukes, pumpkins and zinnias in the hoop house. The trays with the shallow channels will be used to start seeds indoors. I intend to have them sowed and under the grow lights by the end of the weekend. I will be starting my tomatoes, eggplants and peppers very late, but expect they will still do ok with our fairly long growing season. We just won't have them very early like other years. A few of the longer to ripen peppers I'll put in the hoop house so they have a chance to fully develop.
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It is exciting to be starting the garden for the season! I think James was interested in all our activities. He was outside with us in his stroller.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowaUWWYZGR_J3-1VF_CeVX18ZMCsodGar8gGKPhP6YMqkuRb_0Js-NBlEeSSsCScvIWEfRL2pxPMw4vkfvg53Tpp0uxcj6_CS9QzKfLgu9wo1B0wM0AR8njNBL2Wh0H_W5XnC/s1600/2067a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowaUWWYZGR_J3-1VF_CeVX18ZMCsodGar8gGKPhP6YMqkuRb_0Js-NBlEeSSsCScvIWEfRL2pxPMw4vkfvg53Tpp0uxcj6_CS9QzKfLgu9wo1B0wM0AR8njNBL2Wh0H_W5XnC/s400/2067a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Soon, Jeff will till the garden and the peas will go in. Not only will Jeff and I be enjoying the garden produce this year, but James will have homemade baby food from the garden when he starts on solids in addition to breastfeeding.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-66466591638507819722012-04-16T09:16:00.002-04:002012-04-16T09:21:32.738-04:003 Months!James is 3 months old today! I keep meaning to update the blog, but am so distracted and busy with taking care of my wonderful little boy.<br /><br />Labor and delivery went smoothly and James was born alert and healthy, 7 pounds 3 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Here's James at 4 days old wearing a little knitted hat made by volunteers who donate them to the hospital for the newborns.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xJpQOi5WU-KXPgSw-mVjj1vjSGZgcM5XNGVX9td_thsbpaEOvo6SUzd2-0l6YAH84uM50c_lfj9wP9L5H7VKmaRetEW34Zho8SvX9MeypG17OPho_w2JuhUdxvdYhFi5Z_rn/s1600/0278a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xJpQOi5WU-KXPgSw-mVjj1vjSGZgcM5XNGVX9td_thsbpaEOvo6SUzd2-0l6YAH84uM50c_lfj9wP9L5H7VKmaRetEW34Zho8SvX9MeypG17OPho_w2JuhUdxvdYhFi5Z_rn/s400/0278a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731428385273159986" /></a><br />The sleep deprivation for the first 2 months was hard to say the least, but then James suddenly began to sleep through the middle of the night feeding giving us about 6 hours of solid sleep.<br /><br />We have been taking him on lots of little trips to see things. He likes going to stores because the sunlight outside is hard on his eyes and baby sunglasses and hats with brims are too big to be much help. He really likes the L. L. Bean store because there is a big fish tank with trout swimming in it and he watches them. I do take him outside in the yard with the dogs and he's been to the beach and a petting zoo on our travels. He was 11 weeks old in this picture.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S84IP98SrMHRFtuJhbYoymMitWaYPvAoaWJxIcyOexP4OSbNoxf6Wk7h3pdxRIgoWiERr8kQ_dXwW0vO4lQDvbM4x1maQmN1R3qYWqZt5Mqf9JpFjh1Xuc_Bhhj8_a2Dc6ZB/s1600/1728.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1S84IP98SrMHRFtuJhbYoymMitWaYPvAoaWJxIcyOexP4OSbNoxf6Wk7h3pdxRIgoWiERr8kQ_dXwW0vO4lQDvbM4x1maQmN1R3qYWqZt5Mqf9JpFjh1Xuc_Bhhj8_a2Dc6ZB/s400/1728.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731431874343251554" /></a><br />On Easter, we took James on his first road trip to Maine to visit with grandparents. He wore his little 'road trip with Mommy' vest and I took this picture first thing in the morning. I was explaining to him what a road trip is and he was listening intently! He really enjoyed the big day out. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq8Lp6eJ6iskOHiLh352EgyXYBtpa-54pfwcZKyQLM_Cq1agoUPeNCnelO7U8ohbHgmzy7nRIidmqu3E3ithKXrFLUrOWxsn8zIvU6wL4q9Qr2jtLewrDbwtpRBrmXQKqVqWd/s1600/1745a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq8Lp6eJ6iskOHiLh352EgyXYBtpa-54pfwcZKyQLM_Cq1agoUPeNCnelO7U8ohbHgmzy7nRIidmqu3E3ithKXrFLUrOWxsn8zIvU6wL4q9Qr2jtLewrDbwtpRBrmXQKqVqWd/s400/1745a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731429958313638642" /></a><br />I'll try to post a little more frequently, but you can see I have my hands full!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-77128339321763907442012-01-08T20:17:00.011-05:002012-01-08T20:59:42.643-05:001 Week to GoI am feeling well! I have finally been able to wear my maternity jeans for the final 3 weeks of pregnancy without them totally falling down. Though, the most expensive pair just wasn't going to work at all and went into a donation bag for Good Will complete with tags on still. I have to laugh when I pull on my so called "skinny jeans" that are actually funnel shaped to accommodate pregnancy. Non maternity tees are still working just fine.<br /><br />I have still not packed my hospital bag! It will certainly be better if I do it rather than leaving it up to Jeff at the last minute--who knows what he would pack in there? I can picture it now, my bag would have the dog dishes and kibbles and the dog bag would contain my toiletries and clothes!!<br /><br />I have been out shopping again. I love the little Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore rattles I found at Barnes and Noble. They have a fun sound and can hang on the car seat. And, I couldn't resist the plush Eeyore. He is looking up from the playard here. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokV4yBnE7YlSSxeSqqjN0WQgnlKWu0PQNHwBwLjuohyOe-GfRNUW95lkJ-6LZtX8PHz9eOCkrgZrt6wHIkapwrM5foob8pBnTSFdmYI-R8e3TCBUN5AncENejdpPw3Eu2BOkB/s1600/0110a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokV4yBnE7YlSSxeSqqjN0WQgnlKWu0PQNHwBwLjuohyOe-GfRNUW95lkJ-6LZtX8PHz9eOCkrgZrt6wHIkapwrM5foob8pBnTSFdmYI-R8e3TCBUN5AncENejdpPw3Eu2BOkB/s400/0110a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695069880747094514" /></a><br />The Chicco playard arrived and Jeff set it up in the living room and it looks like it will be really helpful and safe. It isn't at all quick to collapse and move, so we decided to get a little bassinet for next to our bed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWDDztI0Kj1vCO3fEN1FeAr9bOjOKl1U9Sr-VaXYs-9ANYdi4mEFkk8iVSrZuWzfq_stG5s7eiA-GCwgpxPsblP43nxbHzW57abNaq7O8AcTt5IruPgDUzuLq2935IoqN-Dqs/s1600/bassinet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWDDztI0Kj1vCO3fEN1FeAr9bOjOKl1U9Sr-VaXYs-9ANYdi4mEFkk8iVSrZuWzfq_stG5s7eiA-GCwgpxPsblP43nxbHzW57abNaq7O8AcTt5IruPgDUzuLq2935IoqN-Dqs/s200/bassinet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695066867113281810" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(bassinet photo from Babies-r-us)</span><br /><br />When we were shopping for the bassinet, we finally got a glider and ottoman too. Everyone says we "must have one". I hope it will work out at least for Jeff. The one in the store seemed really comfortable, but what we now have set up at home seems too tall for me and the ottoman too low even though it is supposed to be exactly the same thing we tried out!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4i_dhOWAnrqO0iOydQ0k6aC6uT5uYha-8Eabu6JOejAZNw78yOhXX7ECoLLo2-okC9GXPNOrsKK0v4Fh8kqZhXo3iuBBu6hBfRVeQGTIo79BtBRSnAmaeQL-sxsZT4L1JqtZ/s1600/glider.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4i_dhOWAnrqO0iOydQ0k6aC6uT5uYha-8Eabu6JOejAZNw78yOhXX7ECoLLo2-okC9GXPNOrsKK0v4Fh8kqZhXo3iuBBu6hBfRVeQGTIo79BtBRSnAmaeQL-sxsZT4L1JqtZ/s200/glider.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695067875572802642" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(glider/ottoman photo from Babies-r-us)</span><br /><br />I think what I really need is a new armchair and ottoman for the living room. I like to slouch with my legs out straight. The vintage chair I've been using is getting too worn and I've already moved it's matching ottoman up to the nursery to use with the new chair in there. Ikea has an Ektorp set which would probably suit me, but we'll see about that in a couple of months or when we have some time/energy for getting that sort of thing.<br /><br />Jeff's sister K sent an adorable selection of baby gear and a little board book. He's going to be one well dressed and entertained baby!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ9q9-ywgdKaF40Sk5EntsDfcv7KCFZy1kDmjUFpTUHFTzrgxoOAtp1xViMORlhsC1Vv6xLeQr29FCiNCHzDVYw4EV2XxMshg_fr_EID8-lH-jkOOh3fLm30uqG3ncbSVYXz7/s1600/0114a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZ9q9-ywgdKaF40Sk5EntsDfcv7KCFZy1kDmjUFpTUHFTzrgxoOAtp1xViMORlhsC1Vv6xLeQr29FCiNCHzDVYw4EV2XxMshg_fr_EID8-lH-jkOOh3fLm30uqG3ncbSVYXz7/s400/0114a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695069881687311554" /></a><br />This past week, I was a bit disappointed to find out that I am not eligible to donate cord blood to the public bank because I spent more than 3 months in the UK back in 1992! I am really surprised that they would refuse a donation of otherwise eligible cord blood for such a low risk seeming reason--the possible exposure to mad cow disease. It could have been a match for someone or useful for research! Plus, I was on a student budget at the time and I hardly even ate any meat and can only specifically remember having beef one time (a gorgeous pub lunch on Ilkley Moor of beef stew in Yorkshire Pud)! For meals, I ate a lot of jacket potatoes with beans, cheese and Branston pickle sandwiches or cups of tomato soup. And, a shop directly on my way home from classes sold individual pieces of Baklava and Turkish Delights that would fortify me for my walk home in the cold and dark Scottish winter afternoons. I wish when I set up the appointment over the phone that they had asked me about my travels along with the eligibility questions they did think to ask as it would have saved me a drive. On the bright side, I can stop feeling guilty about not getting around to donating blood as they consider me ineligible for that too. I was turned down years and years ago, but really thought the restriction had been lifted since.<br /><br />Fortunately, it was not a totally wasted trip as Jeff was with me and we went to Chipotle for an early dinner. I couldn't believe it when we got to the checkout and the crew of Chipotle workers told us they were "buying our dinner"! I've never had that happen before anywhere! Jeff was looking around for a hidden camera! They insisted and I can't find anything out about spontaneous free meals on the web, but they do draw business cards out of a pot for free lunches, so maybe it's just something they do sometimes? Anyway, that made us happy especially after the disappointment at the blood bank just moments before.<br /><br />I am going to make an effort to rest and relax a bit more this week. One way I can do that is by knitting, of course! I am almost done knitting the 12 month sized Easy Baby Cardigan with just a couple of inches of sleeve remaining. (You can see the newborn sized one in my Christmas <a href ="http://knitting-kitten.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas.html">post</a>.) I need to order some zippers online since I couldn't find the right type/size at JoAnn Fabric. I haven't tried machine sewing on knitting before, but I'm hoping it will be pretty easy to do. I'll try it out first on some swatches. I also have to think about what to cast on for next! If you have any good pattern recommendations for classic sorts of boy sweaters, do let me know! I'm often going to knit ahead by 1-2 years or so in the hopes that they will fit by the time I finish them. <br /><br />I am also reading a Bill Bryson book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/At-Home-Short-History-Private/dp/0767919394/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">At Home: A Short History of Private Life</a>. It's been on my list for awhile and I recently bought the paperback copy when I happened to see it at the bookstore. It's very entertaining so far.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-23310948589750087862012-01-01T20:47:00.002-05:002012-01-07T21:30:39.502-05:00A New Year and Only 2 Weeks to Go (Maybe!)Happy New Year!!!<br /><br />It's a pretty exciting start to the year for me. Today, I am 38 weeks pregnant which means 'full term' from this point on, though the due date is calculated to 40 weeks.<br /><br />This week, I'll do some final organization of the nursery and house, pack hospital bags for myself and the baby and do whatever last minute shopping I can think of. I will have the usual doctor appointment and make arrangements with the blood bank to donate/publicly store cord blood. I will also relax and do some knitting.<br /><br />Lately, I have been busy cutting tags off of baby clothes and washing everything. I managed to order the Chicco playard online in our first choice of color (blue) and on sale, so I'm excited for that to arrive. It also functions as a 'gym' mat, changing table and bassinet. I think we will use it downstairs when we don't want to be going back and forth to the nursery upstairs. Although, I've been thinking about using it next to our bed too...so there are some decisions to be made still. Fortunately, it's supposed to be quite portable.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOIC9SCkNfd12leoRKX6Qt7-TgX0aw0wRbmPiw5oCKxgGQpuhvDPjmnNUNFVj4AATbZY5OfaE1fb2UbIVVUjxrSPDuxd2ONsGbvQs82pKrAbizvrchzGTx5llBq3ra4lEdIkc/s1600/playyard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOIC9SCkNfd12leoRKX6Qt7-TgX0aw0wRbmPiw5oCKxgGQpuhvDPjmnNUNFVj4AATbZY5OfaE1fb2UbIVVUjxrSPDuxd2ONsGbvQs82pKrAbizvrchzGTx5llBq3ra4lEdIkc/s200/playyard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692769071505662338" /></a><br />On a trip around to the stores, we got the Baby Einstein soother which is now hanging in the crib. It lights up and plays music or bubbling water sounds while the fish 'swim'. It can be operated by remote from the doorway too. It might be very handy when the baby is ready to start adapting to sleeping longer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7Zl7UgraLMeiCcSyv2RxpT-Opx4U1xdsNhN-zwvAMjz35VDMUvnpSl82W_Zi496P5G9GJgHCSMwcpoANmse6owtrKI_RcFlODX3LTY2RiGXE1jeUF_kIBV-BPW1Pm51nmgB8/s1600/soother.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7Zl7UgraLMeiCcSyv2RxpT-Opx4U1xdsNhN-zwvAMjz35VDMUvnpSl82W_Zi496P5G9GJgHCSMwcpoANmse6owtrKI_RcFlODX3LTY2RiGXE1jeUF_kIBV-BPW1Pm51nmgB8/s200/soother.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692769069715614898" /></a><br />Also on a recent shopping trip, we got a new compact camera that also does HD video at 1080p! It's better than any other camera I've had except, being compact, it has less zoom capability than my former best camera. It was on sale too!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ0eGWhqKlvyTWcHWXAS-z02bfkBl_mg03xzsdNZB5DSc02vwuewkJpPL1axCmlMd5XfwqmuivKLZRqHce1dywOtfiLC34TBxhxV2FfaWGMflC5Rc0L8OpzRlHP4-rBnseCuX/s1600/camera.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ0eGWhqKlvyTWcHWXAS-z02bfkBl_mg03xzsdNZB5DSc02vwuewkJpPL1axCmlMd5XfwqmuivKLZRqHce1dywOtfiLC34TBxhxV2FfaWGMflC5Rc0L8OpzRlHP4-rBnseCuX/s200/camera.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692769081956071794" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(shopping photos from Amazon.com)</span><br /><br />I still need to get the video baby monitor and a humidifier soon, but a lot of other things are not urgent at this point, thankfully!<br /><br />I had Jeff snap some pictures of me today to celebrate and record reaching full term. I feel way happier and less tired than these pictures seem to show! But, here I am at 38 weeks with no makeup, bloated, maternity pants trying to fall down and a dubious expression that says I'm questioning whether I really want to be recording this!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KSA3rKKlJyQLjCeOJC_WKyyoj1lkPXpg1b23nLf8E8wudJGFn6-brW80qtcT6VrkY5iKE1bCOHg9WBwSS7AhcUC3wO73ZDr1xXJh9O8NW_b4_-_6nVzcZjD7VYbSnequGfMT/s1600/0035a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KSA3rKKlJyQLjCeOJC_WKyyoj1lkPXpg1b23nLf8E8wudJGFn6-brW80qtcT6VrkY5iKE1bCOHg9WBwSS7AhcUC3wO73ZDr1xXJh9O8NW_b4_-_6nVzcZjD7VYbSnequGfMT/s400/0035a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692776207524926562" /></a><br />At least the baby was centered for these...at times, he really lists off to one side or the other and I look really funny. Even the doctor stepped back and squinted at my stomach at my last appointment! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5bGVlpIBwoGXJThg2mEK76ZRogPXY-CYhwnHUWPC3hlDBdgjV7n7wN30LgtPwaj_JUVP8k5-6OcC1dE1nZ4yYRAwe3C3N6uoyzKxxCPBOUYXgaGq61bpA5uT95qiDWWZhrSd/s1600/0042b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5bGVlpIBwoGXJThg2mEK76ZRogPXY-CYhwnHUWPC3hlDBdgjV7n7wN30LgtPwaj_JUVP8k5-6OcC1dE1nZ4yYRAwe3C3N6uoyzKxxCPBOUYXgaGq61bpA5uT95qiDWWZhrSd/s400/0042b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692776202783221490" /></a><br />Incidentally, today was so warm here that I went outside in just a t-shirt! It's hard to believe it's January 1st when it feels like it could be the first day of spring!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-31957002340132764092011-12-27T18:45:00.001-05:002011-12-28T12:48:19.878-05:00ChristmasWe had a quiet, but happy Christmas. Although we were feeling very festive, we only put up a couple of strings of lights and a jingle bell wreath on the door. I was sure if we did the usual amount of decorating, the baby would come early and there would be a new baby and decorations to take down all at the same time. I didn't want to risk having decorations up until March or something!<br /><br />Jeff and I didn't do surprise gifts for each other, but I did get him a new video game (Uncharted 3) to play during his vacation and we had a few surprise presents to open from family. I got some Cascade Pacific yarn for baby knits from my mother. There were a few more things for the baby too, like a touch and feel farm animals book.<br /><br />Christmas afternoon, I cast on with the new yarn for the newborn sized <a href="http://knittingpureandsimple.com/products-page/free-patterns/easy-baby-cardigan/">Easy Baby Cardigan</a> and knit most of the body portion. Yesterday evening and today, I was able to finish up the body, complete the sleeves, seam the hood and weave in the ends. I may make ties to hold the front together as shown in the original, but first I am going to check some stores for other kinds of closures. I keep thinking snaps might be nice. It is such a good pattern that I might make the 12 month old size as well. I have plenty of the same yarn for that too. I might add buttonholes for that or possibly sew in a zipper.<br /><br />Front view of the Easy Baby Cardigan.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMVLJvslTwt4rF922k7In-oWCn3ijpVJL-mAnw-aPrXDO5W8qbMcz8LXMXewXaYE1vs5GT8A6Sq03JHOfIQzvxjAyGqbYSxpWKxQvfvt08HpMUY1lAY2Qa392Y8BRRQvHGSP0/s1600/9954a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMVLJvslTwt4rF922k7In-oWCn3ijpVJL-mAnw-aPrXDO5W8qbMcz8LXMXewXaYE1vs5GT8A6Sq03JHOfIQzvxjAyGqbYSxpWKxQvfvt08HpMUY1lAY2Qa392Y8BRRQvHGSP0/s400/9954a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690953640827089154" /></a><br />Back view showing the cute, pointy hood.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh6NF9W7mr1irRsAuHImCy6VHtVD0tk17APS_EZk8Co0vzOeWMozLc2o_ivN1sKM3kzxzBp67LQ9ZCErBcjo-zl5mxmRVVgIfKbfqD6VX7SSkqDnMWSgym_P3EpvqU4EHCj6D/s1600/9956a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh6NF9W7mr1irRsAuHImCy6VHtVD0tk17APS_EZk8Co0vzOeWMozLc2o_ivN1sKM3kzxzBp67LQ9ZCErBcjo-zl5mxmRVVgIfKbfqD6VX7SSkqDnMWSgym_P3EpvqU4EHCj6D/s400/9956a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690953638277806034" /></a><br />I haven't gone out shopping the day after Christmas in years, but planned on it this year. I had a $20 coupon to spend at Williams Sonoma (from spending $100 on presents there before Christmas), so I was excited to pick something out for the kitchen. I got a fun cake pan in the shape of a tree stump. It is a different take on the yule log. It is quite adorable decorated for Christmas with meringue or marzipan mushrooms, mice or other woodland things. I think it could be fun other times of year too! At Easter, I could decorate it with chocolate bunnies and a chocolate/coconut bird's nest and jelly bean or Cadbury eggs. For kids, I could make it with some gummy worms or bugs, LOL! We also got some hot chocolate which I may wait to open until February/Valentine's Day. I can make it up in the Breville Milk Cafe I got last year. And, we got a box of Peppermint Bark. That may not make it past New Year's as it is so moreish. Everything was at least half price before the coupon was even rung in! If only one could always do that much shopping for under $20 at Williams Sonoma!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0nsqC-FB0wQfhnNkBHJ2DNhSQo2QVBSpCnS45bNiWhu2fGY62zrMdPUGWJvr2IIY9fKtRWd1vDl9sVV5KyUrejROndg-sJY3xugYwvhAmyoTtcgZl47yahhGm2YQ3lAUraoB/s1600/9963a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0nsqC-FB0wQfhnNkBHJ2DNhSQo2QVBSpCnS45bNiWhu2fGY62zrMdPUGWJvr2IIY9fKtRWd1vDl9sVV5KyUrejROndg-sJY3xugYwvhAmyoTtcgZl47yahhGm2YQ3lAUraoB/s400/9963a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690953632057468274" /></a><br />We saw lots of good sales, but the only other shopping we did was at Baby Gap and Carter's. We found 3 of the cutest onesies at Gap marked down to $2.99!! We got 9 outfits at Carter's where everything we picked was between 40 and 70% off and then we were surprised with an additional 20% taken off at the checkout.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkTQTQA4CA6FQGCDUR08Q8E6f5Pmh45iMm0OjxO6N6feg-QgMtKPboMsAp2kthSD5kdCeckkLNBVNDly6mk3YLALiJ5PPTs2ssrQfYjMJ11tZQVI1H5LXp95oTlPvdxBIJaj-/s1600/9961.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkTQTQA4CA6FQGCDUR08Q8E6f5Pmh45iMm0OjxO6N6feg-QgMtKPboMsAp2kthSD5kdCeckkLNBVNDly6mk3YLALiJ5PPTs2ssrQfYjMJ11tZQVI1H5LXp95oTlPvdxBIJaj-/s400/9961.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690953639550793202" /></a><br />We topped off the day with lunch out at Chipotle and later had lattes too! I think I might be back into the habit of shopping on the 26th ;)<br /><br />Well, next year should be our most exciting Christmas ever, the first with our son. I can't wait to start celebrating holidays with him!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-7413825109075458692011-12-22T14:27:00.001-05:002011-12-22T14:29:48.684-05:00Today Was Bigger Than Christmas!As nice as it is to have some presents to open in a few days, nothing beats seeing my baby boy in an ultrasound today! It was hard waiting for the appointment day to finally arrive. It wasn't as easy to get a good picture of his face this time as he was chewing on his hands! The left one was in his mouth here and the right at the ready. He is in the head down position which is great, but can still change at this point. And, I was very relieved to hear that he is average weight, probably even a little toward the smaller end of the average range.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite0FbyR_2-8eyLWTt9oivRcqArqNpLSlWuHNzhvL0NrH18fL9glwq3DNmxvDi2GeEF8PX-VMsHgcySPJrcJSl4L8DRHy84Is9jmvro7gAvMZowtk0SJd9tBkDOjcUzY1lJosg/s1600/36weeks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEite0FbyR_2-8eyLWTt9oivRcqArqNpLSlWuHNzhvL0NrH18fL9glwq3DNmxvDi2GeEF8PX-VMsHgcySPJrcJSl4L8DRHy84Is9jmvro7gAvMZowtk0SJd9tBkDOjcUzY1lJosg/s400/36weeks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689031802780313154" /></a><br />We've been out shopping for baby things in the midst of the Christmas rush. I don't care for the traffic, but I don't mind all the bustle of people shopping in varying states of desperation depending on how much shopping they have left to do. It can be amusing to people watch as you shop! I feel even more ready for his arrival now that we have the first diapers in the nursery and some other necessary items like that.<br /><br />I am thinking we might be able to focus next on getting a few more of the big items. Maybe they will even be on sale after xmas. I am thinking about getting a Chicco play yard with the bassinet and changing table on top, video baby monitor and an HD video camera is a must!<br /><br />Speaking of sales after xmas, it has occurred to me that as long as this baby arrives near his due date, birthday shopping will always be a breeze in the after xmas sales!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-39992213749024891042011-12-17T20:33:00.000-05:002011-12-17T20:34:00.465-05:00Little Boy Blue HatThe ribbing should make this hat work for a lot of head sizes. I'm hoping it will fit from newborn to 3 months or so. The pattern is available free: <a href="http://www.theshizknit.com/2007/09/free-pattern-little-boy-blue-ribbed-hat.html">here</a>. I used up some Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran I had left from knitting Marmalade. The color is called "frost" which seems appropriate for my January baby!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfSkZmjD3Ws/Tu1BDYc9IJI/AAAAAAAAF5o/W-4IPpL2N_Y/http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifs1600/9949a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEi4HE8l5i6903A-MpN3zu6lxGaT6ydUY9ISayUQUpenOgs2nOaGUTHA8yeKnp-UpV5wL_q5ODnwwFyrkM4aq6xBN-tjE01sfMZpjEOa9YxIWwN3u72lWjb8YWorkJOY7y_Ov/s400/9949a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687273430798114962" /></a><br />I altered the pattern slightly as I got to the top decreases. I decreased more rapidly as I wanted a rounded shape and it seemed like it was going to get rather pointy if I continued to follow the pattern. But either way would be cute. I think a pom pom could be nice on top, but it's doubtful that I have enough yarn left for it.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-75699522580938730172011-12-15T21:18:00.001-05:002011-12-15T21:18:37.510-05:001 Month to Go!We have finished our classes and have a certificate to show for it, so technically we must be ready! (Though I may sign up for one more first aid class.) We've chosen a pediatrician and had a meet and greet with him. There are still things to do and things to buy, but I am excited to get to the end of this pregnancy, or more specifically, <span style="font-style:italic;">through</span> the end of this pregnancy and be home with our new baby! I actually do feel ready. Those sound like famous last words, don't they! Maybe I should clarify by adding that I feel as ready as I'll ever be...<br /><br />You might be amused to know that in the childbirth class, they demonstrated with a knitted uterus! The funniest thing we learned was that they don't allow TV remotes in the labor rooms. Apparently, they have been used as weapons! <br /><br />Pregnancy is getting a bit tiresome now that I am more short of breath when I try to do things. I even let Jeff tie my shoes sometimes! On the other hand, it is endlessly fascinating to feel the baby moving around or hiccuping. He seems to react to voices and touch. Fortunately, my discomforts are minimal and I still feel well. I do continue to look forward to the day I can lay on my stomach again. And, I can't believe how far away sink faucets have gotten--and that's not just an excuse to get out of dishes! It is tiring to reach and if I accidentally lean on a counter the slightest bit, the baby kicks immediately to let me know that's no fun for him.<br /><br />Although my weight was up 15 pounds a month ago, I am now only up a total of 10 pounds even though I am eating 6 meals and snacks a day and always feel so full! The doctor still says it is normal and my stomach is growing right on schedule. It seems <span style="font-style:italic;">huge</span> to me! I have to be careful not to bump into things--I don't know where I begin or end anymore.<br /><br />I'm really wondering what the use of maternity clothes is. Am I just weird?! They have not worked out for me. The pants will not stay up and the shirts I've tried have such unflattering and rather low necklines. There is not much time left for me to suddenly be able to use the five pairs of maternity jeans I bought for the third trimester! Luckily they were sale priced, but still I wish I hadn't bothered with them. I am happy in my yoga pants and basic non maternity tees though very bored with them too. It's going to be a great day when I can pull on jeans again and find old favorite tops in the closet or shop for some new ones!<br /><br />I am really looking forward to an ultrasound right before Christmas. I haven't seen him since week 20 and that seems like a long time ago. They will estimate his size as well as doing other checks. A few new ultrasound pictures will be the best Christmas present!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-64372423490191813712011-12-13T12:51:00.005-05:002011-12-13T13:01:41.311-05:00Baby Mittens FOI didn't have a pattern that was quite right for my yarn or gave overall dimensions for different ages, so yesterday, I improvised to make these. I hope they will fit from birth in January through April. I can fold up the cuff to shorten them a bit as long as the width is ok. I didn't make thumbs as there isn't any point in them for this age range. I think they complete the set quite nicely!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTvxhiLkESDh0pBuMTKKepOs0jRz8LckIH9xp1g94WlLWAZSSgIS0FWTBQgg3shbFh1w_mv3j3-aIfwZXxbjg3pf0a6PEyndYlNv6yG0b7I2Q_XkLqXn2BpAgIi90sB1ntKk3/s1600/9934a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTvxhiLkESDh0pBuMTKKepOs0jRz8LckIH9xp1g94WlLWAZSSgIS0FWTBQgg3shbFh1w_mv3j3-aIfwZXxbjg3pf0a6PEyndYlNv6yG0b7I2Q_XkLqXn2BpAgIi90sB1ntKk3/s400/9934a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685670897078157362" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-28044729798015339682011-12-12T10:32:00.000-05:002011-12-12T10:32:23.574-05:00Striped Baby Hat FOThis pattern, like the socks I posted about yesterday, is from Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Baby 2. I used up leftover yarn from the socks (and bunny, an FO from earlier this year) and altered the stripe pattern so I wouldn't run out of the brown color. I just made the stripes as I went, so maybe I would have made the first white stripe narrower if I could have anticipated exactly how it would look, but I think it's ok. The brim rolls up over it anyway.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0piZqQZD8uI70jJjRbsULlQ7BYZdmyjiEWy9haAtdgnntCmgereM-Y47u58VLDO4DXnkc00rqkzCSZLCGt35uvjbfjkUsKOZ7ATJMafDOIF-joXd2L3XIpsMAfXHlLGNi-nmq/s1600/9915a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0piZqQZD8uI70jJjRbsULlQ7BYZdmyjiEWy9haAtdgnntCmgereM-Y47u58VLDO4DXnkc00rqkzCSZLCGt35uvjbfjkUsKOZ7ATJMafDOIF-joXd2L3XIpsMAfXHlLGNi-nmq/s400/9915a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685077453871551714" /></a><br />It was a quick knit--I started and finished it yesterday! It looks cute with the socks and this outfit my parents sent. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN20U1NKPTA32c1tSR-L_2iM1Xy_4W2wG7lax5FUY7AIY8nN4H4xnVQH-YKQ5xtDUVv9oclxhYsxTwnIgkexfYQudofNnTtg0nyElg3pC-PoLFBvOwCYgYDxerhXM7xs7OUgpO/s1600/9921a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN20U1NKPTA32c1tSR-L_2iM1Xy_4W2wG7lax5FUY7AIY8nN4H4xnVQH-YKQ5xtDUVv9oclxhYsxTwnIgkexfYQudofNnTtg0nyElg3pC-PoLFBvOwCYgYDxerhXM7xs7OUgpO/s400/9921a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685264286480504450" /></a><br />I wonder if I can find a pattern for little tiny mittens to complete the set? I have some more of the white yarn I could use and a little of the brown I could use on the cast on edge of the cuffs...Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-2791019668028474882011-12-11T10:24:00.004-05:002011-12-11T10:37:19.808-05:00Knitting Content!I know, it's been awhile since I've had a knitting post, but pregnancy hasn't involved nearly as much sitting and knitting as I thought it would!<br /><br />These baby socks are a pattern from Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Baby 2, a very sweet book. (I really love the little argyle vest pattern in it.) I made two identical pairs to try to outsmart the universal tendency for socks to separate from their mates.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB89BWmJBUCqn0IKX9whoPN8RRVx_S7hweHhwPXghRpIQbCRyMni5OsMRohfIe1jUcAIzOi7xiqVQCHwnn7CZUybNr-sidT2U_DhMu6CofOW8ZhWtcT7r6kFz-Yah5t0BueNuM/s1600/9914a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB89BWmJBUCqn0IKX9whoPN8RRVx_S7hweHhwPXghRpIQbCRyMni5OsMRohfIe1jUcAIzOi7xiqVQCHwnn7CZUybNr-sidT2U_DhMu6CofOW8ZhWtcT7r6kFz-Yah5t0BueNuM/s400/9914a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684888073756831378" /></a><br />These were easy to make and I carried the yarn so there weren't too many ends to weave in. They are seamed up the foot/back. <br /><br />I never quite know whether to slip the first stitches in the heel purlwise or knitwise. I ended up getting crossed over stitches on one side as you can see pictured to the right (if you open the picture in a new tab to see it full sized). The pictures in the books never seem to show that side! And, when I paid for a sock class once to ask that very question I was told "either way"! Arrrgh! My toe shaping stitches are crossed over too and that part is blurred in the picture accompanying the pattern. I guess it looks ok like this and the socks are tightly constructed with no gaps anywhere, which is the important thing. However, I'm curious, what do you do???Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-52532324886080150112011-12-03T13:30:00.005-05:002011-12-03T13:35:07.292-05:00Santa?!No, that's Jeff on the roof filling in gaps around the chimney to prevent leaks. The chimney bricks need pointing too, but that will have to wait for another day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwdbqM1FKO57urKIOwjtPatZL7ezM22uqJLIFUfPNxGrsU_Wb3SX84rAV28VkZt0aPklpq3AI0sciPWPOIG3bRX0_Rxi8IcduBFNvgAVddRyHDWIgvgn4NGmBXV7DM11uHafA/s1600/9880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwdbqM1FKO57urKIOwjtPatZL7ezM22uqJLIFUfPNxGrsU_Wb3SX84rAV28VkZt0aPklpq3AI0sciPWPOIG3bRX0_Rxi8IcduBFNvgAVddRyHDWIgvgn4NGmBXV7DM11uHafA/s400/9880.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681971344274256626" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-79785443992336120422011-11-30T14:36:00.003-05:002011-11-30T14:41:14.900-05:00Mini QuichesI love these mini quiches for any meal. There are a number of recipes out there, but you really can just improvise with these and add any fillings you like. I butter a non stick muffin pan just to be sure they will be easy to remove. I spoon some fillings into each cup, in this case, sauteed turkey sausage, cooked broccoli, sauteed onion and grated cheddar cheese. Then, I ladle over the egg mixture. I find that 8 eggs beaten with 3/4 of a cup of skim milk works about right. They bake at 325 F for 35 minutes.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy7zs3r5ajuaJU2zTi3yCQu97IJhGn50eB0GDPbjAXEufwjZ1vFv7koewW-i793FnM2O37O3_dBV9OGyHbsBnHjnQio0FhUgh4UfXWGsa4cfcM1r_ZYQebAupzclj4cixbFQx/s1600/9861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy7zs3r5ajuaJU2zTi3yCQu97IJhGn50eB0GDPbjAXEufwjZ1vFv7koewW-i793FnM2O37O3_dBV9OGyHbsBnHjnQio0FhUgh4UfXWGsa4cfcM1r_ZYQebAupzclj4cixbFQx/s400/9861.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679087219645912514" /></a><br />I enjoy mine with a few dots of Cholula hot sauce on top.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeajWbHlGqc6cNANOvDpcFWUWPGkEYNLH915l1Da2plbAhQNR-tIx1eTfGekfgHXV_oAFBJmwzgnnQOhmsfK3tlat5-D_SDnXZBVaRCfLiaNMXqQIWxX6bEtFJ61BXSNo4JjS/s1600/9871.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeajWbHlGqc6cNANOvDpcFWUWPGkEYNLH915l1Da2plbAhQNR-tIx1eTfGekfgHXV_oAFBJmwzgnnQOhmsfK3tlat5-D_SDnXZBVaRCfLiaNMXqQIWxX6bEtFJ61BXSNo4JjS/s400/9871.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679087218551008866" /></a><br />They keep well overnight in the fridge if you make them for dinner and want to reheat the leftovers for breakfast. Otherwise, you can freeze them.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-31597066020469095842011-11-26T08:23:00.001-05:002011-11-26T08:27:36.318-05:00Fun in the Nursery and Test Fitting a DoorI keep finding the dog in different positions when I look into the nursery! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL8C6Q-10HLbJZV0N9E3LMjU4GSTjtI-moYrL8XAENx7dxwBt1FEPzC4a6UImO15VCLGGdqYtiutTfBWfcdL0c05OqijxRcowapnaj4Tgs-a7b_53eArf31zEGJgWKUTD3P12/s1600/9797.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCL8C6Q-10HLbJZV0N9E3LMjU4GSTjtI-moYrL8XAENx7dxwBt1FEPzC4a6UImO15VCLGGdqYtiutTfBWfcdL0c05OqijxRcowapnaj4Tgs-a7b_53eArf31zEGJgWKUTD3P12/s400/9797.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678964957101394514" /></a><br />He is quite a character!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWHVLrc2DVETys6XYQas_2wh1xyJx6JZWuHSL1kZKmjk2n6wvg_g1E93pWKvlqM7ooQG33QlppnH_-53Kdut0bxcMqH-a95ppcD7RvIFVSGq2CZkKo-fpq2L0d4iPkbyIcJrG/s1600/9826.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWHVLrc2DVETys6XYQas_2wh1xyJx6JZWuHSL1kZKmjk2n6wvg_g1E93pWKvlqM7ooQG33QlppnH_-53Kdut0bxcMqH-a95ppcD7RvIFVSGq2CZkKo-fpq2L0d4iPkbyIcJrG/s400/9826.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678965104669852098" /></a><br />Jeff is caught up with assembling baby things...for the moment. He recently put together the stroller and the bouncer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMgvopdifaCNh59ctOdaka9EDrzhsobZMVyNNzjxvn6crH201M9nyyvH_8rmf0CYUHK8qR5d_xHB5mTu7dlSftn95G6VJzlbKI1YZWwRUKIjgW-Fx2eZ-_LwdECymsATcMDyl/s1600/9784.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMgvopdifaCNh59ctOdaka9EDrzhsobZMVyNNzjxvn6crH201M9nyyvH_8rmf0CYUHK8qR5d_xHB5mTu7dlSftn95G6VJzlbKI1YZWwRUKIjgW-Fx2eZ-_LwdECymsATcMDyl/s400/9784.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678964948066791474" /></a><br />Yay! Looks like the picture!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqfBz2hN2yo0yIGCIYYoX31cvET2bOFuHWGhpWW4Kn6LgTLJeyCmDK9B-vw5LnUB9xCLWYmlnRkBON2Auw4Vrfr8fNRy_ppoKRDJfTdYMhiyJHlQ6JCCUVVGmQvaUFAP_0hlC/s1600/9796.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqfBz2hN2yo0yIGCIYYoX31cvET2bOFuHWGhpWW4Kn6LgTLJeyCmDK9B-vw5LnUB9xCLWYmlnRkBON2Auw4Vrfr8fNRy_ppoKRDJfTdYMhiyJHlQ6JCCUVVGmQvaUFAP_0hlC/s400/9796.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678964950429534050" /></a><br />Here is the first look at the new closet door cut down to size and being test fit. It is just primed, so it needs paint. I guess we have to get a new set of hinges for it as the modern door is narrower than the original one. The door frame isn't quite square, of course!, so the door will have to be planed to fit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtjyUs3HJyUfA8RU0T7nYMGACLTpHWE-p4ssngps19B5O3790QzaZtHEkV5BKHkjjvlGYPEl0QdKTrPXXqw4nB5jvFzKjXt7iGOKHgcgfHKL7Ts7jCc6FO2CTJ9DqpGQcmu6m/s1600/9853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtjyUs3HJyUfA8RU0T7nYMGACLTpHWE-p4ssngps19B5O3790QzaZtHEkV5BKHkjjvlGYPEl0QdKTrPXXqw4nB5jvFzKjXt7iGOKHgcgfHKL7Ts7jCc6FO2CTJ9DqpGQcmu6m/s400/9853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679049947092015442" /></a><br />I need to figure out what kind of knob and/or latch to get for it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0Q3-ja_aa_-xoVzZqt5TA3AitvyBLet53qoiAq3C5KSGgnGHfX7W4SFA_OdfpvqQS0_XXtXzMcUmMWtX8XXx95lFKonLHkYtaMZahQu7kI4-64gwBj3QMc9ul4EajFpej17z/s1600/9854.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0Q3-ja_aa_-xoVzZqt5TA3AitvyBLet53qoiAq3C5KSGgnGHfX7W4SFA_OdfpvqQS0_XXtXzMcUmMWtX8XXx95lFKonLHkYtaMZahQu7kI4-64gwBj3QMc9ul4EajFpej17z/s400/9854.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679049942795943042" /></a><br />I'm still really happy with the look of the nursery as I see it throughout the day in different lighting. Here it is mid morning with natural light filtering through shades and curtains. It will be bright when needed, but also conducive to napping too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuCektGVSEha5Pkz7sE0eMIseGPRTRZKdWrGoHidzgOfeZqgWBtUPNpoZgtaoCpBmtVLaylg6YbLlfihhjBoVdATzzrnxMwt2No3WUMukpAqmyKLbwGfTsI1IV0NgZ9E2qDM2/s1600/9836.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuCektGVSEha5Pkz7sE0eMIseGPRTRZKdWrGoHidzgOfeZqgWBtUPNpoZgtaoCpBmtVLaylg6YbLlfihhjBoVdATzzrnxMwt2No3WUMukpAqmyKLbwGfTsI1IV0NgZ9E2qDM2/s400/9836.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678965103285899506" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-10227715603006090672011-11-25T12:13:00.009-05:002011-11-25T12:27:45.943-05:00Follow upJust thought I'd post a picture of the garden completely tilled to follow up yesterday's post.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS3psPRCnq2heaNXBjl2NZUA2IzNU9NrsZgOE3W7-BRxsyZAlXB_WpLQJIeDtZUnT3_xHXsU-bFEbE96_5M9NORKxoAxC0g0hJi72IGWrtqMJGyW9y01m2DzoViSCXzSDvM1s/s1600/9840.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqS3psPRCnq2heaNXBjl2NZUA2IzNU9NrsZgOE3W7-BRxsyZAlXB_WpLQJIeDtZUnT3_xHXsU-bFEbE96_5M9NORKxoAxC0g0hJi72IGWrtqMJGyW9y01m2DzoViSCXzSDvM1s/s400/9840.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678982968922546930" /></a><br />I love the new hoop house. Even though the main garden is put to bed for the winter, there is a little bubble of summer.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Nr01CxAZWZI0sLsQ1En7CXS6kVHVd6vyshInp7q94KLkjyMuBFMz30nYK6MaEZ-al6zlXkfjQFuSR1Y8RhqbiE6oVte1ZapFmyate8P_RusbPok3OIxyZqOjRqzFcN9Yjuq3/s1600/9846.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Nr01CxAZWZI0sLsQ1En7CXS6kVHVd6vyshInp7q94KLkjyMuBFMz30nYK6MaEZ-al6zlXkfjQFuSR1Y8RhqbiE6oVte1ZapFmyate8P_RusbPok3OIxyZqOjRqzFcN9Yjuq3/s400/9846.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678982966458025698" /></a><br />It's doing well even though I don't have the core strength or flexibility to weed and really take care of it at the moment. The camera lens fogged over in the warmth and humidity in there, but you can see some parsley, kale and dill. I think it is time to make some minestrone soup with the kale!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmloWATLQjAY14ySbPevtoauVD9pObe8IFoftAgI0kg6kVqhGjHkcAPJAQixXch0FllgLWCDjLQy7nHhPeDPLbUQ2l1NaIJARg3adCqX8zRyn3GPX-RyzOFFfE28p7Rx0fUaS/s1600/9843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmloWATLQjAY14ySbPevtoauVD9pObe8IFoftAgI0kg6kVqhGjHkcAPJAQixXch0FllgLWCDjLQy7nHhPeDPLbUQ2l1NaIJARg3adCqX8zRyn3GPX-RyzOFFfE28p7Rx0fUaS/s400/9843.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678982962674414402" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-86694098166088354792011-11-24T19:49:00.001-05:002011-12-07T11:48:37.129-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!We are using the holiday weekend to work on things that need doing around here. Today, we did the remaining garden cleanup which consisted of cutting eggplant and pepper plants and carrying them to the burn pile, pulling up stakes, picking up bricks and removing plastic mulch. Then, Jeff tilled the entire garden. I love seeing it all neatened up for winter and waiting for the spring planting!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0WwboIYanBCxjmiTa4e3w5bM2Tvji1w-KcVbeY9ABGVb0q6vCYwWvrtAl-jKy37smHsGR0z4w87PK9M9dJEk9lfbeXnazXBjt1mhT5RgJx1acnzF2ZamXnbPCeR6V7uuICDC/s1600/9814.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0WwboIYanBCxjmiTa4e3w5bM2Tvji1w-KcVbeY9ABGVb0q6vCYwWvrtAl-jKy37smHsGR0z4w87PK9M9dJEk9lfbeXnazXBjt1mhT5RgJx1acnzF2ZamXnbPCeR6V7uuICDC/s400/9814.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678695444217963122" /></a><br />The light is getting very slanted and wintry looking.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWugco30eJ0jh5VJxOQOJYpg8lDNEBMj7LacC9IZVPOwwQ8tZnVHK1W5mD7BLatPTb7XfdL7xb5OcAQmHJlhsTn0jWJcGwCawm1WOHxX3oxX6D7o-5OMATPfoeHWX4_nlK2ASV/s1600/9819.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWugco30eJ0jh5VJxOQOJYpg8lDNEBMj7LacC9IZVPOwwQ8tZnVHK1W5mD7BLatPTb7XfdL7xb5OcAQmHJlhsTn0jWJcGwCawm1WOHxX3oxX6D7o-5OMATPfoeHWX4_nlK2ASV/s400/9819.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678695445460029410" /></a><br />There were lots of chickadees flitting about the trees near us and V's of geese honking overhead.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YgLxR7ZeLF1y8cIoPLXZ1Ip4cSEC58bfHFAfb04t52f9UyWr6Yky4RxaBurHrD6QnuBQCmpL5fo1JaBTujFpYkmw6B3CaS1tF4fA_EEcDHH6uYqOtILhS_ylXqHTtnYu7T9u/s1600/9825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YgLxR7ZeLF1y8cIoPLXZ1Ip4cSEC58bfHFAfb04t52f9UyWr6Yky4RxaBurHrD6QnuBQCmpL5fo1JaBTujFpYkmw6B3CaS1tF4fA_EEcDHH6uYqOtILhS_ylXqHTtnYu7T9u/s400/9825.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678695439546222450" /></a><br />It was quite a beautiful day for being outside. I hope we get a couple more good days for outside work. There are some leaves to rake, though not like other years, and I need to neaten up the patio area. Then, the burn pile needs to be torched.<br /><br />Tomorrow, Jeff will work on the nursery doors and maybe that bit of trim for over the cubbies. I'll work on house projects too.<br /><br />I'm just eating little meals that are healthy and full of protein, so I didn't do the Big Feast this year. We ate pretty much normally and I made some mini quiches in a muffin tin for dinner filled with turkey sausage, broccoli, onion and cheese. They were delicious. If you ever want to not overeat during the holidays, just time a pregnancy so you are in your last trimester then! I've actually lost a few pounds lately and the doctor says that often happens as you have less and less room. <br /><br />We have a lot to be thankful for this year! You can imagine I am especially thankful that the nursery is finally functional!!!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-19208469318355929032011-11-20T16:14:00.005-05:002011-11-20T19:36:58.366-05:00Creating a NurseryHome Improvement projects have a way of snowballing in a 1920's house..."painting a nursery" evolves into a multi-week, <span style="font-style:italic;">epic job</span>! Everything gets <span style="font-style:italic;">so</span> much worse before it gets better and in the middle, it seems like the chaos and mess will never end.<br /><br />It feels like I have been living in an episode of the "This Old House" show. That due date countdown in the corner was starting to get nerve-wracking! Just a <span style="font-style:italic;">little</span> pressure to get things done!<br /><br />I'm so glad we waited until I was pregnant (not!) to undertake this. Doesn't every pregnant woman dream of assisting with some general contracting? I stayed clear of any dust or fumes, but helped with fetching and lugging, within reason. I also had to work on the planning, shopping for tools and supplies and troubleshooting. My favorite parts were carrying sheets of drywall upstairs at 26 weeks and helping hang ceiling drywall at 27 weeks! Good thing I've had an easy pregnancy and felt fit and able to do stuff. <br /><br />First, it was a job in itself to empty out the room (not to mention the adjacent closet!) intended for the nursery. We had to take down a queen sized canopy bed and an antique, slightly larger than twin, bed and move 3 bureaus, an armoire, a desk, several other pieces of furniture, rugs and <span style="font-style:italic;">lots</span> of decorative items. There were heaps of stuff to deal with all over the house. We were tired out before we'd even begun!<br /><br />Only then, could the real work actually be started...<br /><br />-<span style="font-weight:bold;">Wallpaper Striping</span>: There was one layer of dingy cream/yellow striped 1920's wallpaper to remove and expose the rough, gray, horsehair plaster walls underneath.<br /><br />Here is a corner showing the old plaster and some chemical stripper working on the trim, though Jeff later decided to use the heat gun or just muscle on the rest. I just "love" the way all the hardware is painted over...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6AqNnQxsjAn5xiSzzYoefDydAHKirvvVvgUhf1Bts-7HoZtMDQe2Jss-8yw7AG2dY5R1nZrP50pMDYRKkB1spJvugsBAngSFZiC3SwCAkHLiQxP2XQ2isTStNV_CI7XPoMDq/s1600/9427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6AqNnQxsjAn5xiSzzYoefDydAHKirvvVvgUhf1Bts-7HoZtMDQe2Jss-8yw7AG2dY5R1nZrP50pMDYRKkB1spJvugsBAngSFZiC3SwCAkHLiQxP2XQ2isTStNV_CI7XPoMDq/s400/9427.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656374264294627986" /></a><br />-<span style="font-weight:bold;">Paint Striping</span>: Paint on top of varnish with no proper primer had to be removed from all the trim and doors. Lots of the woodwork was removed for this. Also, we bought new quarter round to replace the old, rather than trying to scrape and reuse it. We opted to put new framing around the door inside the closet, so we could use the vintage trim on some window trim that needs repair in another room (at some point!). We also replaced the closet baseboard.<br /><br />The room was vented and Jeff wore a respirator. Are you my mummy? <span style="font-style:italic;">A reference to a favorite Dr. Who episode ;)<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ivjDQ1xD_sOShNYYP31RwbEB8Aoj24CmQ_bJtT_8NPX3UOgcxNSvMTXlPOVp479URGszkWS_DQw-KJwWPYTnulWlL_P6DAX2l_tkEL76IZTk-zPBt1kAgegJ7RBRVZKwWDsy/s1600/9448a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ivjDQ1xD_sOShNYYP31RwbEB8Aoj24CmQ_bJtT_8NPX3UOgcxNSvMTXlPOVp479URGszkWS_DQw-KJwWPYTnulWlL_P6DAX2l_tkEL76IZTk-zPBt1kAgegJ7RBRVZKwWDsy/s400/9448a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657579581263922834" /></a><br />-<span style="font-weight:bold;">Drywalling</span>: We had hoped to drywall over the plaster and lath ceiling, but for a number of reasons had to resort to demolition of the plaster and lathes, then put up dry wall on most of the existing furring strips. Did you think the first pictures showed the "gets worse before it gets better" part? Nooo...<span style="font-style:italic;">here's that picture</span>!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSXVgrKPLExUi-scEFRnYFeiQCzL4Wk3GLMAA_-HsykC6Hkhhu6gDNh6df2tn8oj9EwNOpIfyI5G_2uGdxUWovScvy75_PN3Tv14Q3y28NgzwNT74y3FBq6AqlBnxQnvX-c8v/s1600/9484.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSXVgrKPLExUi-scEFRnYFeiQCzL4Wk3GLMAA_-HsykC6Hkhhu6gDNh6df2tn8oj9EwNOpIfyI5G_2uGdxUWovScvy75_PN3Tv14Q3y28NgzwNT74y3FBq6AqlBnxQnvX-c8v/s400/9484.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661640011659442850" /></a><br />Yes, the <span style="font-style:italic;">entire</span> floor looked like this! It took four hours to make this mess and about an hour to clean up.<br /><br />Fortunately, things slowly got better...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CupKnD8YyPmA1oiLrm9PlZXjXLP3x-7kPIzCaluoChFRATJqoqyYf-g7KmSQWCZ7RKsxw71Mh3EGbWj9ZSieFIXp7ZsOg0GtETxz-SlShWYDtXJrxjBKDzM-ZOJlbZxkUX_2/s1600/9552.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CupKnD8YyPmA1oiLrm9PlZXjXLP3x-7kPIzCaluoChFRATJqoqyYf-g7KmSQWCZ7RKsxw71Mh3EGbWj9ZSieFIXp7ZsOg0GtETxz-SlShWYDtXJrxjBKDzM-ZOJlbZxkUX_2/s400/9552.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664152815067520514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T-F4dQBpA6xIw_4fLI5BsRjIfrpL2kgvpvnwkpCyzG2KnWBzY2_omCql1D0TprTfygJb5QwMY51zaEHMhijzXqm5k9kGufU9Sy1IT5ExgspdAdV7w62oM8ZugZG_vIwZBZWf/s1600/9556.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T-F4dQBpA6xIw_4fLI5BsRjIfrpL2kgvpvnwkpCyzG2KnWBzY2_omCql1D0TprTfygJb5QwMY51zaEHMhijzXqm5k9kGufU9Sy1IT5ExgspdAdV7w62oM8ZugZG_vIwZBZWf/s400/9556.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664152805865908562" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4NvXSltmtcCT1fq7bUOUfHS2WcoFBSU2s7WijrF5yTsqlsLvpTX3wmjC5VErl29MeHKnMZtlYxEV0WF6LMYHx_gMWIcbqVSx9Fa7aCa2yvY9cLIIifjKtUBv2LULFsuL1gYf/s1600/9564.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4NvXSltmtcCT1fq7bUOUfHS2WcoFBSU2s7WijrF5yTsqlsLvpTX3wmjC5VErl29MeHKnMZtlYxEV0WF6LMYHx_gMWIcbqVSx9Fa7aCa2yvY9cLIIifjKtUBv2LULFsuL1gYf/s400/9564.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664152797594141762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeaDxRSAveJhXv1mdTW_eE_XCn_8cg-Dxp7JD_nmyn9a8K6OOGUXRQzyOUuPsvtW6Tlz6FyaDGBP3IBqwDh6f7jRhpTKspCU8GvXBhZtQNxIhKs_A7OkfvRHP_44-4rHJZC5w/s1600/9568.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeaDxRSAveJhXv1mdTW_eE_XCn_8cg-Dxp7JD_nmyn9a8K6OOGUXRQzyOUuPsvtW6Tlz6FyaDGBP3IBqwDh6f7jRhpTKspCU8GvXBhZtQNxIhKs_A7OkfvRHP_44-4rHJZC5w/s400/9568.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664152791235531746" /></a><br />And it was time to hang the drywall...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYBQBhJJQSAI51AVl8e7BxDlvwqk3dnQ1QRZSV6-hUtetL_dpIJwqQapttMR5HC8N3op7R2QNx-caNjQ-z9bmvOek7W0q2mo3WSYgBalPfQ6TbggY3kaWraD7VZSQ90qt64Td/s1600/9571.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYBQBhJJQSAI51AVl8e7BxDlvwqk3dnQ1QRZSV6-hUtetL_dpIJwqQapttMR5HC8N3op7R2QNx-caNjQ-z9bmvOek7W0q2mo3WSYgBalPfQ6TbggY3kaWraD7VZSQ90qt64Td/s400/9571.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664234985500116898" /></a><br />--<span style="font-weight:bold;">Attic Access</span>: Since the rafters were totally exposed, why not frame a better/larger access hole to the attic for drop down stairs. We'll need the extra storage even more with a baby...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2ns9gUmiYoJKHpQzeg7K-vlPsnpQfbc-kQ_fBwoMe8IC0Gkxdjb1jc9TUVK5E5l-w9QzDdaiDZIyJMOR3qPNIU04hXznxUmhjY2sbY2dht5AHGWDt-AoXuWhzoTUbhpPdRoq/s1600/9559.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2ns9gUmiYoJKHpQzeg7K-vlPsnpQfbc-kQ_fBwoMe8IC0Gkxdjb1jc9TUVK5E5l-w9QzDdaiDZIyJMOR3qPNIU04hXznxUmhjY2sbY2dht5AHGWDt-AoXuWhzoTUbhpPdRoq/s400/9559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664152085046648802" /></a><br />-<span style="font-weight:bold;">Closet Prep</span>: There are some horrendous, but thankfully *not* lead, paints used in this house. In the closet, was some of the worst sort. It chips off on its own in big pieces, but then other parts adhere like they will never come off. But, try painting over it and suddenly it is crackling and coming off all over! Jeff finally used a long handled razor scraper from an auto parts store on this paint and removed it like pieces of eggshell. Very stubborn eggshell. Hooks and ugly old shelves needed to be removed as well. Eventually, we decided it needed a skim coat of plaster before painting.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEQhb-IMb-KmSR0wWadQrZfPDixTqkWWISFpaH019-sMaIOIrBByVSYg0j12n5YKI2e5WHYIysQ08lmftAtZpGzFh021ZyZdDwYzXDt_a4TXf2c23UU9vOMUa9BvqCgnuPbOG/s1600/9474a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEQhb-IMb-KmSR0wWadQrZfPDixTqkWWISFpaH019-sMaIOIrBByVSYg0j12n5YKI2e5WHYIysQ08lmftAtZpGzFh021ZyZdDwYzXDt_a4TXf2c23UU9vOMUa9BvqCgnuPbOG/s400/9474a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658987269876016450" /></a><br />-<span style="font-weight:bold;">Varnish Striping</span>: The trim needed to be washed with a solution to remove all the varnish to enable new paint to stick.<br />-<span style="font-weight:bold;">Final treatments of the surfaces</span>: Everything needed filling/spackling, sanding and washing and tackclothing.<br />-<span style="font-weight:bold;">Priming</span>: One kind of primer for the trim and plaster (oil) and another for the drywall (latex)!<br />-<span style="font-weight:bold;">Painting</span>: Finally, at long last!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCkP2s70Sw0OxWri819UEH0SCB2h4c2QgsulvMrcQihD_do-nZzYyi3llCVr0lyc8asZ2amY_NUGdom6PWEoXCF-bd_40Ls_hzAqmYkhJknZ1cutx3liEnWSXPxBO1u8ZElxR/s1600/9694.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCkP2s70Sw0OxWri819UEH0SCB2h4c2QgsulvMrcQihD_do-nZzYyi3llCVr0lyc8asZ2amY_NUGdom6PWEoXCF-bd_40Ls_hzAqmYkhJknZ1cutx3liEnWSXPxBO1u8ZElxR/s400/9694.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674159915515789154" /></a><br />--<span style="font-weight:bold;">Still TO DO</span>: We are not quite done yet...We have to trim down and hang a louvered bifold door for the closet. I'm replacing the original door because I think this one will be space saving and allow the closet to have some ventilation. The entry door is outside and needs final touches on the striping, then priming and painting. We need to cut and paint a piece of trim to go over the built in cubbies. We need a cover for some wires that are spilling out from under the changing table (phone and ethernet). The attic access still needs to be completed, but we might wait to do that when I'm able to help install the drop down ladder. The door will be framed and everything painted to match the rest of the ceiling.<br /><br />Choosing paint colors was almost as hard as choosing a baby name! There are so many that I would like to try, making it hard to narrow down the choices. Also, the east facing room goes through so many light changes during a single day that constantly change the look of the paint. We wanted blue, but not too babyish a color blue. We also hoped for a somewhat Scandinavian feel to it. Hopefully, combined with changing the cloth furnishings, the color can be suitable for a long time. I was hoping to go with a card with names like 'sleepy blue', 'languid blue' and particularly 'meditative blue' for a calming influence, but the names on the shade card we finally picked from seem suggestive of northern sea voyages! We opted for a blue-gray shade called 'windy blue' for the walls in satin finish and a very, very pale blue shade called 'icicle' for the ceiling (matte) and closet (satin). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENPA9B_TIO-cKolsZsYfUv-an5fyLFRvTedhxpnM5L7XxySC1QOls-SrgTui-lTW44LBPYzMNU732W4j_QznQJ9cqZecdeT2MwGH5RI3AB9hiO2lhC5iJ5ZrDTqwzl_wu9k7-/s1600/SW6238icicle.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 62px; height: 62px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENPA9B_TIO-cKolsZsYfUv-an5fyLFRvTedhxpnM5L7XxySC1QOls-SrgTui-lTW44LBPYzMNU732W4j_QznQJ9cqZecdeT2MwGH5RI3AB9hiO2lhC5iJ5ZrDTqwzl_wu9k7-/s400/SW6238icicle.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656352342302530642" ></a><center>ceiling and closet</center><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG3VRMHr62fBWKIEbGtVMrPqC0ZWTL9gIplb7AO4Au1aNt3tU2iIr0HDfksM8pwhqkzGfww86E3UaBZZtiOTedaxuSY4iCGk7vAA8ozocy-Dy-NG9OTZR6Ziek6v2h_OiPh1V/s1600/SW6240windyblue.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 62px; height: 62px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNG3VRMHr62fBWKIEbGtVMrPqC0ZWTL9gIplb7AO4Au1aNt3tU2iIr0HDfksM8pwhqkzGfww86E3UaBZZtiOTedaxuSY4iCGk7vAA8ozocy-Dy-NG9OTZR6Ziek6v2h_OiPh1V/s400/SW6240windyblue.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656352341342438674"></a><center>walls</center><br />For the trim, we tied the room in with the downstairs of the house using our usual 'luminous white' in semi-gloss finish.<br /><br />We built open cubbies under a slope of the ceiling quite a few years ago and they were painted 'crewel tan' with 'luminous white' trim, so we had to make sure our new color choices went well with it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd0ELu7w6UX5OEkZjMKOp6Q1tSvPT9ynhWMfcdZlKW61r_rfT2i6yGwKYmcYcym-hUoxlNbMqCkx21nmlF2mS70BNGeSY5zlCAF7e-puFPnOLNPSMAVN5MLCCGmlYcAbnz7Pm/s1600/SW0011creweltan.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 62px; height: 62px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd0ELu7w6UX5OEkZjMKOp6Q1tSvPT9ynhWMfcdZlKW61r_rfT2i6yGwKYmcYcym-hUoxlNbMqCkx21nmlF2mS70BNGeSY5zlCAF7e-puFPnOLNPSMAVN5MLCCGmlYcAbnz7Pm/s400/SW0011creweltan.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656378060233917154" /></a><center>shelves</center><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">All paint colors are by Sherwin Williams.</span><br /><br />We are using some of my grandmother's vintage, maple finished dressers and a nightstand. Eventually a matching twin sized bed will go with them. The set was made in Bennington, VT, by H. T. Cushman Manufacturing Co. They are marked as "Cushman Colonial Creations" which were launched in the spring of 1933. They are an earlier version of 'shabby chic' as the edges were distressed to look like worn antiques!<br /><br />For the first few years we will have a <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Delta-Winter-Park-3-in-1-Convertible-Crib-White/-/A-13566919">crib</a> and <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Delta-Winter-Park-Changing-Table-White/-/A-13566625">changing table</a>. Since there is no way to match the old furniture shade with modern nursery furniture, we are going for contrast with bright white.<br /><br />Jeff working to assemble the crib.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7H2TemSm6QrsA1hTD9u9OCvwZ_1G4bJJiAAiZxuaCHflACt0_0fpU5J5QQNYjJ03lXa5d8oHWkGmKhSsjrcTsnsI1Vj_0B8iq7WnRcsFqWFgdPWxXt291lMkGg5smra_ZVCr/s1600/9732.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7H2TemSm6QrsA1hTD9u9OCvwZ_1G4bJJiAAiZxuaCHflACt0_0fpU5J5QQNYjJ03lXa5d8oHWkGmKhSsjrcTsnsI1Vj_0B8iq7WnRcsFqWFgdPWxXt291lMkGg5smra_ZVCr/s400/9732.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676900885776376754" /></a><br />All together!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mFL7lOW6FkhUgWqfajHJcKQqyVoKzDFKrSyVoK70NJwDSGYDvA4-iC5Nr7N97m1xDGKP81Ml16e7reRR46YW1KdqVqVSJnRJO-R1C0xg-QHk9x1ZDpue-a_7u4dvLm-zEIpk/s1600/9747.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mFL7lOW6FkhUgWqfajHJcKQqyVoKzDFKrSyVoK70NJwDSGYDvA4-iC5Nr7N97m1xDGKP81Ml16e7reRR46YW1KdqVqVSJnRJO-R1C0xg-QHk9x1ZDpue-a_7u4dvLm-zEIpk/s400/9747.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173895877591410" /></a><br />I took both flash and non flash pictures to try to give a sense of the room. The flash ones portray the colors more accurately.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYWO0RKtPCFeWFi8TTrQvsdE2PcXkn_1Gm84LeDr-CVKEe8kdyg0zUsiKN3Pj9c_caFC6LxfkgOxBuM5RaeQB4nie8y_jmsqBYTpuYc91BVsrwSTww8Rq8SFi1I9mWayc_dOo/s1600/9752.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYWO0RKtPCFeWFi8TTrQvsdE2PcXkn_1Gm84LeDr-CVKEe8kdyg0zUsiKN3Pj9c_caFC6LxfkgOxBuM5RaeQB4nie8y_jmsqBYTpuYc91BVsrwSTww8Rq8SFi1I9mWayc_dOo/s400/9752.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173894139290146" /></a><br />The off white shades were some we already had in those windows from Country Curtains, but we changed the curtains to some navy sailcloth ones we found at Target. I just need to find or improvise some tie backs for them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEsYcgsfWjEjsKzyz_E7NxcXFe7gh-Asf6k35AZoFQMiDeyUYa5T1XuXAClja3B2m7btt3npyREEO_Qqwn7BZ07os_FSIocgDCT8QwFeWVeDmZdIXJovBsojacQ2rnLTMuvGq/s1600/9768.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEsYcgsfWjEjsKzyz_E7NxcXFe7gh-Asf6k35AZoFQMiDeyUYa5T1XuXAClja3B2m7btt3npyREEO_Qqwn7BZ07os_FSIocgDCT8QwFeWVeDmZdIXJovBsojacQ2rnLTMuvGq/s400/9768.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173889418288738" /></a><br />I am considering getting a <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3898870&fromRegistryNumber=47411546&product_skn=392431">glider and ottoman</a>, but if we get that it will go in the living room. We got a cute little upholstered <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S89830491/">chair</a> from Ikea with a washable cover for the nursery. Now, I just need to sort out an ottoman for it.<br /><br />The new louvered closet door will hopefully be hung soon! I will need lots of quick access to the closet though, so it will probably be open a lot with the door folded into the corner.<br /><br />I like the two, blue rolly bins I got at Ikea. You can just see one on the closet floor. I may have to get a couple more!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVHo0e3F_9E8Z6JTHUZ5vdLtjbzfWrXO4JdaTEoH-IQ1Yaz9hhg_2A9ygUrUqqNLDmfsz2-k2JIZPsJt9X4C7RQCpvhcXWibx9Jmf28_4hRkNAm5U-FCRg4YG7w4SuyAjNMco/s1600/9749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVHo0e3F_9E8Z6JTHUZ5vdLtjbzfWrXO4JdaTEoH-IQ1Yaz9hhg_2A9ygUrUqqNLDmfsz2-k2JIZPsJt9X4C7RQCpvhcXWibx9Jmf28_4hRkNAm5U-FCRg4YG7w4SuyAjNMco/s400/9749.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173894236409730" /></a><br />The nightstand will be used next to the armchair for now. I think it will be handy and the shelf can hold books to read to the baby!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqbaJV8GGeEQf3D4ySfZ50yitky_ArguWwSllSnDE6LFWiB2i7-j3rCwrt5Gm097oq6o0Ss6nRzKRsXTW_NJzBfAneJO_I4Fz4QlH2iW0TvoBZc809gjetFE0iZZKD18PuyBj/s1600/9753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqbaJV8GGeEQf3D4ySfZ50yitky_ArguWwSllSnDE6LFWiB2i7-j3rCwrt5Gm097oq6o0Ss6nRzKRsXTW_NJzBfAneJO_I4Fz4QlH2iW0TvoBZc809gjetFE0iZZKD18PuyBj/s400/9753.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173887768550514" /></a><br />The color of the cubbies is not accurate in this picture.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-RKLimnnql23FYxfRYILztbE5F0zsDrvDvffLwBEQ-KEQKxPpwE8vdZHhJJt8hdkHBpvXzf1DUotfO5tVXxfA-fs4Gt-C2Mhh7kjzx2uGOAx6DRp_xN7j0IBo09zRhOKz_ng/s1600/9769.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-RKLimnnql23FYxfRYILztbE5F0zsDrvDvffLwBEQ-KEQKxPpwE8vdZHhJJt8hdkHBpvXzf1DUotfO5tVXxfA-fs4Gt-C2Mhh7kjzx2uGOAx6DRp_xN7j0IBo09zRhOKz_ng/s400/9769.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173584293844754" /></a><br />The changing table was pretty easy to assemble. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dLowdb6OqhezdBwPrU-6FEsC6aGBwpR0zELLTrwJaHQfNklx6osuY5CFinSwU0iES6BXa_IammiJXdw6Sj_uQlftW4DPbW7_yRf5GfMx_b8m-Y3QDf7UgruitC3UnSiBA9ux/s1600/9761.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dLowdb6OqhezdBwPrU-6FEsC6aGBwpR0zELLTrwJaHQfNklx6osuY5CFinSwU0iES6BXa_IammiJXdw6Sj_uQlftW4DPbW7_yRf5GfMx_b8m-Y3QDf7UgruitC3UnSiBA9ux/s400/9761.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173577062685682" /></a><br />The color of the cubbies looks right here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sa-kwK4s9hE_4gSI8X5ublxKc1z20UYbaOUMdDB7Nm4MXmxZkVV4BGuvDDl9Ro45pJFcic2YApSXE8dlKpqE-ynhnqYuw8RNNZeoQBDWCkwf6TthpQeT7JJMEIO4yrFsOVXu/s1600/9756.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sa-kwK4s9hE_4gSI8X5ublxKc1z20UYbaOUMdDB7Nm4MXmxZkVV4BGuvDDl9Ro45pJFcic2YApSXE8dlKpqE-ynhnqYuw8RNNZeoQBDWCkwf6TthpQeT7JJMEIO4yrFsOVXu/s400/9756.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173572782711490" /></a><br />The built in cubbies are good for clothes I need quick access to as well as toys and books. Ignore the books on the floor. We were using them to press down the rolled up edge of the rug. The mirror now leaning on the end of the bureau will eventually be centered on the bureau.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwgcABPFyWzYaJZ_ySUCS60YRoN2W9iiI-cUzASFyL00v8mdhHVGNZDe-V5SxLmb2kVgJI30wA674gdM3p5NzZltIWhYDbNAS3NsIkpj6oYryWV8TCv-dckSLF4JrBOL4zkVh/s1600/9776.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwgcABPFyWzYaJZ_ySUCS60YRoN2W9iiI-cUzASFyL00v8mdhHVGNZDe-V5SxLmb2kVgJI30wA674gdM3p5NzZltIWhYDbNAS3NsIkpj6oYryWV8TCv-dckSLF4JrBOL4zkVh/s400/9776.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173569728073106" /></a><br />We got a cute Ikea <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80146150/">ceiling light</a> with clouds on it. It's actually white, the camera just had trouble capturing it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOgMd-PZ2r_3Yhb-l822UYHtC7tHLPGNClXeu3b4a-ohv1J08iNTQ9ogAVAtcVqICu3xZo7KDmmIdrF351PDL6UTkjQG_D9U6JH_pN-70DtDpXESxfiEsvtzqyuHmw00neepX/s1600/9771.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOgMd-PZ2r_3Yhb-l822UYHtC7tHLPGNClXeu3b4a-ohv1J08iNTQ9ogAVAtcVqICu3xZo7KDmmIdrF351PDL6UTkjQG_D9U6JH_pN-70DtDpXESxfiEsvtzqyuHmw00neepX/s400/9771.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677173570837802578" /></a><br />We were going to use an off white rug we had in the attic, but then we found this navy <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00198299/">one</a> at Ikea and bought it on a whim. It may be harder to keep clean, but I think it looks a lot cuter! I would like to get a colorful playmat for the floor by the cubbies such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Children-Area-Rug-39-x58/dp/B000A0CIFU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I6WS2PPSHWNTT&colid=2H47CRGOGLPFM">this one</a>. <br /><br />I would like to get a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charm-Pinto-Horse-brown-Saddle/dp/B002SDXYDW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1ZJRWMTATVQDK&colid=2H47CRGOGLPFM">rocking horse</a>...it's one of those things that's more for me than the baby!! Having a baby let's one indulge in buying toys you sometimes still wish you could have.<br /><br />Of course, there are all the necessary helpers to fit in. We've gotten the Diaper Pail, a wastebasket, a Wipe Container/Warmer, organizational containers...so far.<br /><br />It has been fun to start arranging clothes, swaddling cloths, burp cloths, etc, as well as the little toiletries.<br /><br />We need to figure out what to put on the walls for some decoration. I've been thinking about navy blue letters that spell out his name and maybe some ABC or number cards or posters.<br /><br />There is still some to be done, but I'm so happy with how far it's come!!!<br /><br />We are really enjoying the space and I hope our boy will love it!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23884519.post-19276621019016367792011-11-15T21:25:00.000-05:002011-11-15T21:25:48.100-05:002 Months to Go!I am excited to be heading into the last weeks of pregnancy. So far, everything has been going smoothly. The baby is getting very strong and pokes my stomach out in funny ways and we try to guess what body part it is. One can see the kicks rather than having to feel for them. He kicks throughout the day and night! I guess those nighttime kicking sessions are preparing me for even more interrupted sleep in my future. Today, I took a nap and actually dreamed about beds and sleeping! <br /><br />My only difficulty is some hip and pelvis pain as the ligaments loosen up. I am not able to go for a proper dog walk and stairs can really make me hurt too. It's not bad every day, but I really notice it is worse if I do too much on a busy day and then I have to rest. I so miss sleeping on my stomach or resting on my stomach to read a book or just to flex my back the other way! I know my hips will be grateful when I can vary my positions to include stomach or back sleeping again.<br /><br />I'm still keeping busy and mowed the lawn recently and cut back the butterfly bushes too. The upper body workout was good for me and I didn't have to walk much. I have plenty more cutting to keep me busy for awhile and I doubt I will get to all of it this year, but I don't want to fall too behind.<br /><br />I've gained about 15 pounds. I am still wearing my pre-pregnancy tee shirts and yoga pants. I did recently get some of the yoga pants in one size up so they would stretch better around the bump, hopefully right to my due date. I have not been able to wear maternity jeans yet as they fall rapidly (and alarmingly!) down as soon as I try to walk, but perhaps they will work in the last weeks. I don't think I should have bought 5 pairs!! I don't know if I'll have to get any maternity shirts in the last weeks or not. I am not too worried about being stylish, so as long as the tees cover me, I'll try to wear them to avoid having a lot of barely worn maternity clothes in the closet. Besides, I can cover the tees with sweaters and scarves, so no one really sees them anyway!<br /><br />I am eating lots of little meals/snacks at this point. It is funny how often the baby starts to kick as soon as I start to eat, like he doesn't like losing any space! I've been making <a href="http://knitting-kitten.blogspot.com/2011/10/breakfast-bars.html">Nigella's Breakfast Bars</a> each week for Jeff and I. They are a good snack for me with lots of protein, yet also sweet enough to satisfy cravings. I am also really loving smoothies. I make them with partially thawed strawberries and blueberries and non fat Greek yogurt. I was recently shown that Greek yogurt has a lot of protein compared with the plain kind I was using...more flavor and better for me?! Yay!!<br /><br />My mother has been sending a lot of new clothing for the baby and has sent a few oldies too. This is a hat my <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHpy0QMUe8uLTVIcUJebSNjMYeYXeHtjZZVrzeWjN9Y9O2ngtthqDGshuKLAqXA4njkAayFLqYzNqDtj_sfZNCc5pNbypWjvQtguQ7fMfw-tVRFKyPZLpVgb-u4qyrVNS8JH2/s1600-h/Muriel+L+Whittaker+edited.jpg">grandmother</a> made for me! I think it will be cute to put on my son. The ribbed part can be folded up and looks cute that way too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXES64bFip8gpwKM9UUamlyxdfQLl_8pmaMyrrT9SdFYOQJW9HkITsSqOt8MKwkNsC1L8MnJvibTt9IDHGUMaiyiNUs2_HfQndMGKHJnaLf5z4WYaicHWgwAfSpMBqT-9ozO8/s1600/9714a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXES64bFip8gpwKM9UUamlyxdfQLl_8pmaMyrrT9SdFYOQJW9HkITsSqOt8MKwkNsC1L8MnJvibTt9IDHGUMaiyiNUs2_HfQndMGKHJnaLf5z4WYaicHWgwAfSpMBqT-9ozO8/s400/9714a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675301501068479314" /></a><br />Jeff is still working on the nursery, but is finishing the painting phase. There is still a little more carpentry to do and small bits of painting after that, but it is getting there. I can't wait for it to be done! Then, we have furniture to move, baby furniture to assemble and accessories, clothes and toys to arrange. I am looking forward to that last part most of all!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636668820583088168noreply@blogger.com2