Well, it seems that I have failed at Blog 365. So much for that! I am sorry but with work and a few new projects, I just don't have the time to blog every day the way I want to. I know you are missing your Sam updates (I can't even pretend this is all about me!) Rest assured that he is doing fine and behaving just like an almost-two-year-old should. Read: plenty of tantrums. Good times! He makes up for it with sweet kisses and sleeping pretty well at night (looking like an angel all the while) and we are suckers for that so it all balances out in the end.
In other news, I have not been idle during my time away from the blog. After months of being pestered by friends, I finally decided to set up an Etsy shop. For those of you not familiar with Etsy, it's an online marketplace for artisans to sell handmade goods. (Doesn't that make me sound fancy? I'm an ARTISAN!) In my case, the handmade goods are mostly baby items although I do plan to extend my shop's collection to include home goods as well. I've found that I enjoy sewing more and more as the years go by, enough that I became interested in starting my own little business. For a while last year I had my goods in a small shop downtown. The booties I make proved to be especially popular and I got lots of custom orders. I was asked to start an Etsy shop then but I didn't have the time because Sam was still struggling with the last bits of reflux and I was too tired to do anything more than check in at Smarty Pants once a month. Eventually Smarty Pants was sold and I haven't made an agreement with the new owner. I decided to start an online shop instead because that way people all over the country (world?) can see what I make. And once the website was up and running, I fell in love with it and with the idea of owning my own small business.
So if you have the chance, please take the time to check out my new shop: The Left-Handed Thread. If there's anything you like but want in a different color, or even if there's anything you want made that isn't displayed, please send me an email at thelefthandedthread@yahoo.com. And if nothing there suits a need, just smile and nod at me in the comments section and pat my head as though I'm not crazy for piling this much on my schedule.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
today
...we went to the Dutch Country Farmer's Market*, a five minute drive from our house. We love to go there as a family; Sam never fails to charm the pants off of every single person in the place and it's so much fun to watch him enjoy himself. He's particularly fond of the puppy shop there. He goes barrelling down the wide aisle, just running for the joy of it, and then out of the corner of his eye he'll catch a glimpse of the puppies and stop dead, throwing his arms out for balance. He loves to stand with his hands pressed against the glass, squirming with delight, his body mirroring the antics of the puppies inside. Little boys and puppies belong together.
Normally we get pretzels and some chocolate milk, stopping in the little alcove to eat. The last two or three times we've done this, a little Amish girl about three years old comes bopping over to us, her blonde hair neatly pulled back into a snood, clutching a fistful of treats. "Hi!" she'll say and then she and Sam will have a conversation based entirely on gestures and the mutual sharing of food. Sometimes she'll casually reach up and snag a piece of pretzel from Sam's tray or she might ask with her eyes if she can use his toy hammer and then they'll pass it back and forth, smiling. Today I decided it would be okay for Sam to come out of his stroller (we incarcerate him while we eat; it's the only way) and play with his friend. She was delighted when he ran off, inviting her to chase him. I stayed at the table to finish my food while Jeff went after them to make sure they stayed out of trouble. When they next went past, he told me they had been running and holding hands. I wish I could have snapped a picture; it was the most adorable sight to see. Occasionally they'd stop and hug each other which made everyone in the vicinity say "Awww!" reflexively. On about their third lap around the market, the little girl's mother came out to talk to me. I learned that our small friend's name is Leona and that she doesn't speak any English at all apart from "hi" and "bye." That's okay though because Sam only signs at the point so it's not like they'd be having any sort of deep conversation. Leona's mom was exceptionally nice and I had a great time talking to her about kids and all the ways they are same, no matter what culture they are born into. I'm pretty Sam and Leona have only running in common but they are fast friends. I wish adults had that kind of easy acceptance of each other. Can you imagine what type of world this would be if we could share each other's pretzels and form a friendship on the basis of "hello?"
Sam was sad when he had to go home but both he and Leona were red in the face and blowing from running so hard. We'll be back again soon, though. Pretzels and friends...we can't stay away long.
*How wierd is it that the Amish have a website?! They also text Jeff deals because he signed up for their program. Crazy!
Normally we get pretzels and some chocolate milk, stopping in the little alcove to eat. The last two or three times we've done this, a little Amish girl about three years old comes bopping over to us, her blonde hair neatly pulled back into a snood, clutching a fistful of treats. "Hi!" she'll say and then she and Sam will have a conversation based entirely on gestures and the mutual sharing of food. Sometimes she'll casually reach up and snag a piece of pretzel from Sam's tray or she might ask with her eyes if she can use his toy hammer and then they'll pass it back and forth, smiling. Today I decided it would be okay for Sam to come out of his stroller (we incarcerate him while we eat; it's the only way) and play with his friend. She was delighted when he ran off, inviting her to chase him. I stayed at the table to finish my food while Jeff went after them to make sure they stayed out of trouble. When they next went past, he told me they had been running and holding hands. I wish I could have snapped a picture; it was the most adorable sight to see. Occasionally they'd stop and hug each other which made everyone in the vicinity say "Awww!" reflexively. On about their third lap around the market, the little girl's mother came out to talk to me. I learned that our small friend's name is Leona and that she doesn't speak any English at all apart from "hi" and "bye." That's okay though because Sam only signs at the point so it's not like they'd be having any sort of deep conversation. Leona's mom was exceptionally nice and I had a great time talking to her about kids and all the ways they are same, no matter what culture they are born into. I'm pretty Sam and Leona have only running in common but they are fast friends. I wish adults had that kind of easy acceptance of each other. Can you imagine what type of world this would be if we could share each other's pretzels and form a friendship on the basis of "hello?"
Sam was sad when he had to go home but both he and Leona were red in the face and blowing from running so hard. We'll be back again soon, though. Pretzels and friends...we can't stay away long.
*How wierd is it that the Amish have a website?! They also text Jeff deals because he signed up for their program. Crazy!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
what it's worth
Jeff proposed to me over the phone, Thanksgiving Day of 2001. It wasn't precicely the way I'd imagined it...he didn't pop the question. It was more that we were both talking about how done we were with being apart all the time and what we could do about that. When I ended the phone call that day, I walked out of my parents' spare bedroom and announced that I was engaged. My mom was thrilled, my dad fell into a deep depression, not because he didn't love Jeff but because he knew that marriage would take me far away for a long time. He was sad to lose me.
I spent a good part of my engagement without a ring because Jeff was in Japan and obviously could not fly home to propose to me properly. I was totally fine with that and told him I did not need or even want a ring. What I wanted was to marry him and have a plain gold band around my finger for the rest of my life. I didn't care about diamonds; I only wanted to be with my best friend. However, other people REALLY cared about my ring...or lack thereof. When Jeff asked what I'd want in an engagement ring, I said "Oh, a square solitaire in a plain gold band, with a matching plain band as my wedding ring. Maybe some filigree but nothing fancy. Oh, and my dad says it has to be bigger than my mom's so..." When Jeff asked how big my mother's engagement ring was, I told him and he hung up to go questing. A few days later he called me back. "Do you know how expensive a 5 carat ring is?!" he shouted, panicked. "And your dad wants me to get bigger than that? I can't afford it!" I tried hard to stop laughing and replied " POINT five carats, darling. POINT five. As in half a carat. And no, you don't have to make it bigger. I think (I hope!) Dad was kidding. Remember, I don't want anything too ostentatious."
Time passed and Jeff came home for leave at the end of March 2002. One night, after dinner and games at my parents' house, he asked me to go for a walk with him. In a puddle of lamplight, he got down on one knee and asked "Linda Beth Walter, will you marry me?" In his hand was a box filled with a sparkly something that I could not have cared less about. Of course I said yes and hugged and kissed him...and then he slid the ring onto my finger.
I was shocked. My brand-new enagagement ring did indeed have a square diamond...but that diamond was not alone. It was surrounded by a triple band of rectangular diamonds on each side. The entire front of my finger glittered and I could actually feel the weight of it on my finger. It was huge, it was crammed full of gems...and I was mortified. It was ostentaion personified. I couldn't tell him that I didn't like it; he'd obviously spent a ton of money on it. And when he said he'd worked with the jewler to design it, I knew I'd be wearing that ring for the rest of my life. I wondered what people would think of me. I was so afraid they'd think I was a stereotypical Jersey princess who wouldn't be satisfied with anything plain. I was afraid people would think I was high maintenance. I was afraid I'd lose it, that it would fly off my finger and I felt like I wasn't ready for the responsibility that came with such an enormous ring. I mourned the ring I'd had pictured in my mind. But really, deep down inside, I didn't feel like I deserved all those diamonds. I was just a simple girl, raised in a simple way. Nobody special. Certainly no one who deserved the ring I was currently wearing.
I liked the wedding band more. It matched the engagement ring but was smaller, "just" a band with two rows of rectangular diamonds, interspersed with tiny circular diamond chips. Taken together, the set is blinding. But the wedding band seemed modest and I wished I could have worn that until September instead.
September came and we got married. I'd come to a truce with my rings. I'd gotten used to the idea that they were mine and I was no longer quite so frightened that I'd lose one. (We got them sized smaller, that helped.) When Jeff and I arrived in Nebraska, he purchased me a plain gold wedding band that I wore most days to work, unwilling to risk my valuable rings to a bedpan or a soiled linen.
Days passed. Jeff got sicker. Life came at us hard and fast with more sorrow than we ever dreamed possible. In the midst of trying to keep Jeff alive and functioning, I didn't think much about the rings. I thought about hospital visiting hours, who would stay with Jeff when I had to work, how to encourage him to keep on breathing each day in spite of all that he was going through and what we might do to keep all our bills paid. I thought about medicines and their side effects, developed a ranking system for the various ERs we visited and cooked meals to bring to my husband at the hospital. I kept family and friends updated, cried every night, and prayed for the strength to go on.
And somehow those prayers were answered. Life went on, getting gradually better, until one day we were parents, the greatest miracle of many that have happened to our family. And then one day I woke to the realization that I love my wedding rings. I love the design of them, love the way they break the light into rainbows on the ceiling and walls when the sunlight hits them. I love the weight of them on my finger and the way they shout to the world that the man who gave them to me loves me and I love him in return. I love that he made them especially for me. And I realized too that this growing process we've had, me and my rings, is reflective of myself and my marriage. From the time he proposed on the phone right up through this current moment, Jeff has felt that I am worth every diamond in those rings. I didn't earn it; he felt that way about me from the beginning. He thinks that I am priceless, beautiful and strong. It's taken me all this time to understand and accept that love from him.
I'm pretty excited to see where my rings and my love take me next.
I spent a good part of my engagement without a ring because Jeff was in Japan and obviously could not fly home to propose to me properly. I was totally fine with that and told him I did not need or even want a ring. What I wanted was to marry him and have a plain gold band around my finger for the rest of my life. I didn't care about diamonds; I only wanted to be with my best friend. However, other people REALLY cared about my ring...or lack thereof. When Jeff asked what I'd want in an engagement ring, I said "Oh, a square solitaire in a plain gold band, with a matching plain band as my wedding ring. Maybe some filigree but nothing fancy. Oh, and my dad says it has to be bigger than my mom's so..." When Jeff asked how big my mother's engagement ring was, I told him and he hung up to go questing. A few days later he called me back. "Do you know how expensive a 5 carat ring is?!" he shouted, panicked. "And your dad wants me to get bigger than that? I can't afford it!" I tried hard to stop laughing and replied " POINT five carats, darling. POINT five. As in half a carat. And no, you don't have to make it bigger. I think (I hope!) Dad was kidding. Remember, I don't want anything too ostentatious."
Time passed and Jeff came home for leave at the end of March 2002. One night, after dinner and games at my parents' house, he asked me to go for a walk with him. In a puddle of lamplight, he got down on one knee and asked "Linda Beth Walter, will you marry me?" In his hand was a box filled with a sparkly something that I could not have cared less about. Of course I said yes and hugged and kissed him...and then he slid the ring onto my finger.
I was shocked. My brand-new enagagement ring did indeed have a square diamond...but that diamond was not alone. It was surrounded by a triple band of rectangular diamonds on each side. The entire front of my finger glittered and I could actually feel the weight of it on my finger. It was huge, it was crammed full of gems...and I was mortified. It was ostentaion personified. I couldn't tell him that I didn't like it; he'd obviously spent a ton of money on it. And when he said he'd worked with the jewler to design it, I knew I'd be wearing that ring for the rest of my life. I wondered what people would think of me. I was so afraid they'd think I was a stereotypical Jersey princess who wouldn't be satisfied with anything plain. I was afraid people would think I was high maintenance. I was afraid I'd lose it, that it would fly off my finger and I felt like I wasn't ready for the responsibility that came with such an enormous ring. I mourned the ring I'd had pictured in my mind. But really, deep down inside, I didn't feel like I deserved all those diamonds. I was just a simple girl, raised in a simple way. Nobody special. Certainly no one who deserved the ring I was currently wearing.
I liked the wedding band more. It matched the engagement ring but was smaller, "just" a band with two rows of rectangular diamonds, interspersed with tiny circular diamond chips. Taken together, the set is blinding. But the wedding band seemed modest and I wished I could have worn that until September instead.
September came and we got married. I'd come to a truce with my rings. I'd gotten used to the idea that they were mine and I was no longer quite so frightened that I'd lose one. (We got them sized smaller, that helped.) When Jeff and I arrived in Nebraska, he purchased me a plain gold wedding band that I wore most days to work, unwilling to risk my valuable rings to a bedpan or a soiled linen.
Days passed. Jeff got sicker. Life came at us hard and fast with more sorrow than we ever dreamed possible. In the midst of trying to keep Jeff alive and functioning, I didn't think much about the rings. I thought about hospital visiting hours, who would stay with Jeff when I had to work, how to encourage him to keep on breathing each day in spite of all that he was going through and what we might do to keep all our bills paid. I thought about medicines and their side effects, developed a ranking system for the various ERs we visited and cooked meals to bring to my husband at the hospital. I kept family and friends updated, cried every night, and prayed for the strength to go on.
And somehow those prayers were answered. Life went on, getting gradually better, until one day we were parents, the greatest miracle of many that have happened to our family. And then one day I woke to the realization that I love my wedding rings. I love the design of them, love the way they break the light into rainbows on the ceiling and walls when the sunlight hits them. I love the weight of them on my finger and the way they shout to the world that the man who gave them to me loves me and I love him in return. I love that he made them especially for me. And I realized too that this growing process we've had, me and my rings, is reflective of myself and my marriage. From the time he proposed on the phone right up through this current moment, Jeff has felt that I am worth every diamond in those rings. I didn't earn it; he felt that way about me from the beginning. He thinks that I am priceless, beautiful and strong. It's taken me all this time to understand and accept that love from him.
I'm pretty excited to see where my rings and my love take me next.
Friday, February 19, 2010
a william carlos williams moment with my son
This Is Just to Say
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
they grow up so quickly
The other day Sam wandered in on Jeff shaving his beard. He was fascinated with the whole process so Jeff lathered him up. That was when, to Sam's sad surprise, he discovered that Jeff was not shaving with whipped cream.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
so. tired.
Oh Wordpress...I owe you so many posts that I don't want to think about it right now.
Sorry, General Public, for slacking on my bloggity duties. My parents were here for a few days and I was busy enjoying them. I will get back to you tomorrow!
Sorry, General Public, for slacking on my bloggity duties. My parents were here for a few days and I was busy enjoying them. I will get back to you tomorrow!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
just exactly the job for me
I love my job. It's no secret that I feel guilt for leaving Sam even though it's only a few hours a week but all that guilt seems to melt at the door when I enter the library. I love being surrounded by books, all of them eagerly waiting to see if today is the day that I pick them. Will it be the unloved, plain-bound Tennyson that I take home with me? Or the shiny new Jennifer Cruise chick lit novel? Maybe a craft book? I've learned never to predict what might come home with me; invariably I bring home more than I bargained for and certainly more than I was looking into getting. I'm hopelessly drowining in a reading pile I can't get through by the due date but that's just how I like it. And I'm fine-exempt which helps too.
But even more than the books (if that is possible) I love the people. It's not just my coworkers although they are a great bunch of individuals. I love the patrons that come to the desk excited about a request coming in, embarassed about fines, upset about items that they claim are returned or simply beat from the day or from life and looking for some kindness. That last type is my favorite kind of person even though they invariably prove to be the patrons with the most difficult problems. I've found that smelly and homeless people really like me, probably because I listen to their stories. And at the end of the day, isn't that the heart of my job? Listening to people's stories, giving them a sense of connection, helping them with their problems whether that means chasing down a lost item or simply being there for them to vent...it's that part of my job that I love the most. That part of my job makes me feel like 9 hours a week makes a difference.
The books are really just a perk.
But even more than the books (if that is possible) I love the people. It's not just my coworkers although they are a great bunch of individuals. I love the patrons that come to the desk excited about a request coming in, embarassed about fines, upset about items that they claim are returned or simply beat from the day or from life and looking for some kindness. That last type is my favorite kind of person even though they invariably prove to be the patrons with the most difficult problems. I've found that smelly and homeless people really like me, probably because I listen to their stories. And at the end of the day, isn't that the heart of my job? Listening to people's stories, giving them a sense of connection, helping them with their problems whether that means chasing down a lost item or simply being there for them to vent...it's that part of my job that I love the most. That part of my job makes me feel like 9 hours a week makes a difference.
The books are really just a perk.
elizabeth zimmerman and her much-vaunted sweater
An absolute eon ago, when Sam was on the way but not yet arrived, my parents gifted me with an absolute slew of baby things. Among them was the most gigantic sweater I'd ever seen (or so I thought at the time). When I finally held Sam in my arms, I silently scoffed at that sweater. "It will be AGES before Sam is ready to wear that sweater!" I remarked to myself. "I mean really, that won't fit him until he's THREE! Or maybe even four!" Oh, the silliness of my mom. I hung the sweater in Sam's closet and each time I looked at it, I thought the same thing. Too big. Crazy big. My baby is still a baby.
But.
He isn't. I looked at the sweater this morning and thought with a start that I'd better get it on him before he outgrows it. And then I had a moment of vertigo because wasn't it just last week that he was a tiny, squalling newborn and I was losing my mind and finding it all at the same time? Although the sweater fits his body perfectly, the sleeves are too short. I think I waited a bit long to try it on him. It just...never seemed time.
A week or so ago, Soule Mama blogged that she was going to knit through a book of Elizabeth Zimmerman patterns. Her first attempt was this funny looking object...which is exactly the pattern my mother used to knit this sweater for Sam. Mom, I apologize. Not only did you anticipate my child's insane growth, you also knit something vintage and hip that everyone, even the most popular of crafty bloggers, wants to make. I love you. (And thanks for giving me the pattern so I can make one myself!)
But.
He isn't. I looked at the sweater this morning and thought with a start that I'd better get it on him before he outgrows it. And then I had a moment of vertigo because wasn't it just last week that he was a tiny, squalling newborn and I was losing my mind and finding it all at the same time? Although the sweater fits his body perfectly, the sleeves are too short. I think I waited a bit long to try it on him. It just...never seemed time.
A week or so ago, Soule Mama blogged that she was going to knit through a book of Elizabeth Zimmerman patterns. Her first attempt was this funny looking object...which is exactly the pattern my mother used to knit this sweater for Sam. Mom, I apologize. Not only did you anticipate my child's insane growth, you also knit something vintage and hip that everyone, even the most popular of crafty bloggers, wants to make. I love you. (And thanks for giving me the pattern so I can make one myself!)
Monday, February 8, 2010
things I whipped up today (on a whim)
Today I decided to make donuts...from scratch. Jeff and I have been craving donuts from the Dutch Country Farmer's Market across the street from our house but they are only open three days a week. Which equaled out to no days a week because of the snow storm. We were sad just thinking about their yummy goodness and then I got a little fiesty. What have those Amish girls got that I haven't? Nothing, that's what! Well, okay, plain clothes and severe hairdo but other than that...nothing! So I printed a recipe from AllRecipes.com, got Sam in position to help and mixed the dough. According to the neighbors (my guinea pigs) they turned out great. Sam couldn't stop signing "More? More?" and I had a hard time not cramming my face full too.
[caption id="attachment_458" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Time to make the donuts!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_459" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Yum!"]
[/caption]
While the donuts were frying and Sam and Jeff were having an out-of-house playdate, I decided that that moment was the perfect time to make a pair of pants for Sam. (I like to multi-task.) All this month Dana at Made and Rae at Made by Rae have been hosting "Celebrate the Boy," a collection of patterns and ideas made specifically for boys. Let's face it, there are plenty of cute patterns out there for girls but when it comes to boys, a lot of crafty moms are left to their own devices. I've been feeling so inspired by these ideas! When Dana posted a picture of these cute pirate pants (much too small for my boy, alas) I decided that I wanted to make a pair for Sam. When I saw the perfect orange and yellow giraffe recieving blanket at Goodwill, I knew I'd found my fabric. Using a pair of Sam's pajama pants, I made a pattern and cut the pieces. I had juuuuust enough fabric, whew. I admit that when it came to the butt spacer, I had to wing it. I've never sewn a pair of pants before and there was no spacer pattern in Sam's pajamas. All in all though, I think they came out well:
[caption id="attachment_453" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Before"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_454" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="After!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_455" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Spacer (makes extra room for a diaper)"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_456" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Double stitching on the hem"]
[/caption]
These pants would have been really easy to make if I had not insisted on serging all the hems. My serger did not like the knit material so I took a 45 minute time out, trying to get it rethreaded the right way so that it would behave. I eventually won but we are not on speaking terms. If you are not crazy like me, these pants will take you maybe 90 minutes to make from start (pattern-making) to finish. Maybe even less if you're a more accomplished sewer than me!
PS~ Like a fool, I only saw the "Make Your Own Pattern Tutorial" at the bottom of the giveaway entry right now. Maybe that would have given me some pointers regarding the spacer! Oh well, next time.
[caption id="attachment_458" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Time to make the donuts!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_459" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Yum!"]
[/caption]While the donuts were frying and Sam and Jeff were having an out-of-house playdate, I decided that that moment was the perfect time to make a pair of pants for Sam. (I like to multi-task.) All this month Dana at Made and Rae at Made by Rae have been hosting "Celebrate the Boy," a collection of patterns and ideas made specifically for boys. Let's face it, there are plenty of cute patterns out there for girls but when it comes to boys, a lot of crafty moms are left to their own devices. I've been feeling so inspired by these ideas! When Dana posted a picture of these cute pirate pants (much too small for my boy, alas) I decided that I wanted to make a pair for Sam. When I saw the perfect orange and yellow giraffe recieving blanket at Goodwill, I knew I'd found my fabric. Using a pair of Sam's pajama pants, I made a pattern and cut the pieces. I had juuuuust enough fabric, whew. I admit that when it came to the butt spacer, I had to wing it. I've never sewn a pair of pants before and there was no spacer pattern in Sam's pajamas. All in all though, I think they came out well:
[caption id="attachment_453" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Before"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_454" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="After!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_455" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Spacer (makes extra room for a diaper)"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_456" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Double stitching on the hem"]
[/caption]These pants would have been really easy to make if I had not insisted on serging all the hems. My serger did not like the knit material so I took a 45 minute time out, trying to get it rethreaded the right way so that it would behave. I eventually won but we are not on speaking terms. If you are not crazy like me, these pants will take you maybe 90 minutes to make from start (pattern-making) to finish. Maybe even less if you're a more accomplished sewer than me!
PS~ Like a fool, I only saw the "Make Your Own Pattern Tutorial" at the bottom of the giveaway entry right now. Maybe that would have given me some pointers regarding the spacer! Oh well, next time.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
and then I blew up the oven
You may have heard by now about the little storm that casually wandered over to the east coast and proceeded to paralyze parts of it with massive amounts of snow. Lucky us, we were the recipeints of a lot of that snow; it started snowing yesterday at around 4 PM and when it stopped at that same time today, we were left with 32 inches on the ground. When I woke up this morning, this is what I saw:
Yes, that is snow drifted a quarter of the way up my kitchen window. The drifts on that side of the house reach the roofs of our cars. There was also this:
but that's just blown into the window. I think. We didn't actually go outside to see. (Gulp!)
So because we were snowbound, I did what I like to do those days and began cooking and baking. I made a vat of chili and two loaves of wheat bread. It was my first time making wheat bread and I have to say that it came out very well. But that's probably because I had help from my favorite little boy:
I think we did well together:
Not pictured: Sam and I chowing down on that first loaf. It is SO good!
Unfortunately, I seem to have blown up the oven in the course of baking. I'm not sure if an exhaust fan was covered outside by the snow or if our oven is experiencing a resurgence of the issues it had when it was new but twice during the last five minutes of baking, the oven door blew itself open. Good times! I was very glad that Jeff and Sam were upstairs doing bathtime. So we're not using the oven until the snow melts and we can get someone here to look at it. Lucky for us, the crockpot is still in good working order!
Yes, that is snow drifted a quarter of the way up my kitchen window. The drifts on that side of the house reach the roofs of our cars. There was also this:
but that's just blown into the window. I think. We didn't actually go outside to see. (Gulp!)
So because we were snowbound, I did what I like to do those days and began cooking and baking. I made a vat of chili and two loaves of wheat bread. It was my first time making wheat bread and I have to say that it came out very well. But that's probably because I had help from my favorite little boy:
I think we did well together:
Not pictured: Sam and I chowing down on that first loaf. It is SO good!
Unfortunately, I seem to have blown up the oven in the course of baking. I'm not sure if an exhaust fan was covered outside by the snow or if our oven is experiencing a resurgence of the issues it had when it was new but twice during the last five minutes of baking, the oven door blew itself open. Good times! I was very glad that Jeff and Sam were upstairs doing bathtime. So we're not using the oven until the snow melts and we can get someone here to look at it. Lucky for us, the crockpot is still in good working order!
Friday, February 5, 2010
smowing
"It's smowing like the dickens," I typed to Beth over chat today.
"Smowing?" she typed back.
"Yes," I replied haughtily. "Smowing is a more extreme form of snowing. I thought you would know that, living in Alaska."
We both laughed at my pathetic attempt to cover up my typo.
But I'm still more than ready for Spring.
"Smowing?" she typed back.
"Yes," I replied haughtily. "Smowing is a more extreme form of snowing. I thought you would know that, living in Alaska."
We both laughed at my pathetic attempt to cover up my typo.
But I'm still more than ready for Spring.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
results
Today was Sam's big speech therapy appointment. I have to say that it went very well; Sam was as chamring as could be while we were there. Such a good boy! He was seen by five specialists: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, a teacher who evaluated his cognitive skills and Psychology. They all said the same thing...that Sam is above age for every category. Apparently he's too smart and too fast for his own good!
The physcial therapist was amazed at how fast Sam can run and the fact that he can keep his balance at that speed. I didn't tell her that I am sometimes amazed at how fast he can move too, and not always in a good way. She was also impressed that he can hop with both feet off the ground, go up and down stairs walking and catch a ball. She remarked that he's clearly been focusing on motor development foremost and we agreed.
The speech language pathologist said that Sam can express about 10 words which is good for his age. She counted the words he can sign as well as the words he can say because expressive speech is apparently not just verbal. I learned something new with that! She told us that he falls within the normal range for speech although she allowed that the range was fairly wide. She thinks that he will continue to progress but if we have concerns in six months to call back and they will reevaluate him. She strongly recommended that we have him over to an ENT; apparently the "kkkkkkkk" noise he makes is commonly a result of swollen adenoids. He may need them removed which is something I'd rather have him do now when he's young enough that he won't remember it. The teacher who tested his cognitive functions also chimed in to say that he clearly has no receptive speech problems; he's hearing us just fine and he understands what we say when we address him. She mentioned that his problem-solving abilites are above age too which was especially nice to hear. Of course I always thought that we have the smartest, fastest child on the planet...and now we have proof!
The psychologist said that his tantrums seem normal for a kid at his development. He's hitting the Terrible Twos early and he has a strong will. I had to hang my head a little bit here because I really thought there was some pathological reason he was so screamy but apparently it's normal. Chalk it up to being a first time mom; I've got no other experience to compare it to. She recommended that we keep being consistent with him, no matter what the battle. If we say a thing is so, we must stick with it or else he will run roughshod over us and use screaming as a tool to get what he wants. She said that he'll get it eventually and we'd just have to weather the screaming in the mean time. In other words, she told us very nicely and sympathetically to suck it up.
The occupational therapist was the only one to come up with a problem. She mentioned that Sam seems at risk as far as his vestibular development. That may be why he hates being leaned back for diaper changes or why he doesn't like the car. I was not really clear on a lot of what she said because Sam was ready to melt at that point and I also didn't understand why Sam would have a vestibular problem that affected him sometimes but not others (i.e., why does he have great balance when running but can't be leaned back? Or, even better, why can he do a summersault at the gym but hates being leaned back?) She kindly remarked that we'd get an official report with reccomendations in about a week so I'm hoping that makes everything clearer. If not, I guess I'll be calling back to speak with her on the phone.
The team couldn't make any promises about whether Sam would recieve services today but we should get their decision in a week. I think it's likely that they'll recommend no services and that we check back in six months if we see any problems. That makes me pretty happy, though. I'm glad to know that Sam's issues are minor at best and that he's flourishing.
The physcial therapist was amazed at how fast Sam can run and the fact that he can keep his balance at that speed. I didn't tell her that I am sometimes amazed at how fast he can move too, and not always in a good way. She was also impressed that he can hop with both feet off the ground, go up and down stairs walking and catch a ball. She remarked that he's clearly been focusing on motor development foremost and we agreed.
The speech language pathologist said that Sam can express about 10 words which is good for his age. She counted the words he can sign as well as the words he can say because expressive speech is apparently not just verbal. I learned something new with that! She told us that he falls within the normal range for speech although she allowed that the range was fairly wide. She thinks that he will continue to progress but if we have concerns in six months to call back and they will reevaluate him. She strongly recommended that we have him over to an ENT; apparently the "kkkkkkkk" noise he makes is commonly a result of swollen adenoids. He may need them removed which is something I'd rather have him do now when he's young enough that he won't remember it. The teacher who tested his cognitive functions also chimed in to say that he clearly has no receptive speech problems; he's hearing us just fine and he understands what we say when we address him. She mentioned that his problem-solving abilites are above age too which was especially nice to hear. Of course I always thought that we have the smartest, fastest child on the planet...and now we have proof!
The psychologist said that his tantrums seem normal for a kid at his development. He's hitting the Terrible Twos early and he has a strong will. I had to hang my head a little bit here because I really thought there was some pathological reason he was so screamy but apparently it's normal. Chalk it up to being a first time mom; I've got no other experience to compare it to. She recommended that we keep being consistent with him, no matter what the battle. If we say a thing is so, we must stick with it or else he will run roughshod over us and use screaming as a tool to get what he wants. She said that he'll get it eventually and we'd just have to weather the screaming in the mean time. In other words, she told us very nicely and sympathetically to suck it up.
The occupational therapist was the only one to come up with a problem. She mentioned that Sam seems at risk as far as his vestibular development. That may be why he hates being leaned back for diaper changes or why he doesn't like the car. I was not really clear on a lot of what she said because Sam was ready to melt at that point and I also didn't understand why Sam would have a vestibular problem that affected him sometimes but not others (i.e., why does he have great balance when running but can't be leaned back? Or, even better, why can he do a summersault at the gym but hates being leaned back?) She kindly remarked that we'd get an official report with reccomendations in about a week so I'm hoping that makes everything clearer. If not, I guess I'll be calling back to speak with her on the phone.
The team couldn't make any promises about whether Sam would recieve services today but we should get their decision in a week. I think it's likely that they'll recommend no services and that we check back in six months if we see any problems. That makes me pretty happy, though. I'm glad to know that Sam's issues are minor at best and that he's flourishing.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
good times on a wednesday afternoon
Playing with rice and flour...so much fun!
Flour doesn't taste good, Mommy!
Helping with clean up. With his help, it only takes twice as long!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Happy groundhog day!
One of my favorite bloggers wrote a great Groundhog's Day post. I think she and I are living the same life! Go here to read all about it.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
plcaeholder
Cutest little placeholder I ever did see! (The toybox he's sitting on was recovered by me. I love that fabric!)
Sam's first time out in the snow
Jeff took Sam out in the snow this afternoon while I was out grocery shopping. He said that Sam had a fantastic time and indeed, he was begging to go out again when I arrived home with the shopping. We bundled him up and went back out again...except this time he was not so thrilled. I think we came back inside within three minutes. Maybe tomorrow?
Friday, January 29, 2010
My big helper
Sam loves to help me around the house. A few days ago, when he was whining and clinging to my legs as I tried to wash dishes, I decided to see how he'd do up next to me. He loves bubbles, water, being next to me and helping so he was in heaven! The drawback is that now he wants to be up there every time which slows the cleaning process considerably. :)
[caption id="attachment_414" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="That thing in his hands is a snot sucker. Great water toy!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_414" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="That thing in his hands is a snot sucker. Great water toy!"]
[/caption]
A year ago today
I loved that cute little sweater but Sam quickly outgrew it. I knew he would which is why he's wearing it a full month after Christmas. We didn't know it but he was rapidly outgrowing the pacifier as well; we realized that he was using it as a habit, not from real need. By June it was gone.
Look at how long Jeff's hair is in this picture!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Today I am grateful for my husband, who rearranged his school schedule just for me in order for me to go to my Thursday Group.
I love you, goofball.
I love you, goofball.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
This guy!
...peed on the potty for the first time today! It's a feat that has yet to be replicated but we are so proud of him!
Monday, January 25, 2010
:( *Updated with pics!*
I finished my t shirt refashion...and Jeff says it looks like a pirate shirt. Now all I can think of when I look at it is that Seinfeld episode. My sewing machine decided it hates ruffles too; I tried to make some more a few minutes ago and it won't work. Sigh.
*Update*
Okay, here's the shirt! You decide: Pirate or Librarian. (Or a librarian masquerading as a pirate? Oooh, I think I like that!) And yes, I'm making you look at the whole outfit from the outside in.
[caption id="attachment_392" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="I love this coat and hat!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_395" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="A close-up of the shirt."]
[/caption]
Thoughts?
*Update*
Okay, here's the shirt! You decide: Pirate or Librarian. (Or a librarian masquerading as a pirate? Oooh, I think I like that!) And yes, I'm making you look at the whole outfit from the outside in.
[caption id="attachment_392" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="I love this coat and hat!"]
[/caption]
- Lime green scarf from London.
- At last, the shirt!
[caption id="attachment_395" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="A close-up of the shirt."]
[/caption]Thoughts?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
goofing off
We were so busy doing this that we didn't notice the pizza man was standing at the screen door until he knocked!
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