Baby Carrier

I went shopping today...

I was in rebound - from the Bombers losing the Grey Cup.

On my way home from lecturing I stopped in at Angel Worn - my favourite baby store/ consignment shop. I wanted to stop in because I recently noticed that their special for this month (ending soon) is 50% off Ergo accessories that I really wanted... and who passes up a 50% deal? I have (had) an Ergo carrier on my wish-list and so I wanted the backpack that can attach to it or be used alone. It's the perfect size with easy access, etc. I also really like the diaper bag which is actually functional enough to use with cloth diapers! Some of the other bags I liked are too small for cloth diapering. I really like the size of this bag. Again, at 50% off... it seemed the ideal opportunity. And THEN while I was there I discovered there was an brand new Ergo Carrier on sale by consignment - so it was significantly cheaper plus there was an accompany infant insert necessary for use with babies up to 4 months. How could I not take advantage of the opportunity?? :D

Happy Yule to me...

Pretty snowflakes I have crocheted. Last year I made stars, but at Ericka's request I've made snowflakes this year. There are so many wonderful free patterns online and I want to do them all! (I won't of course.)

And here are the lovely flowers Heli Jr. has offered me. I was very surprised to find her budding since she didn't grow any flowers in the last year or when I transplanted her outside.

Rain?

I'm not certain if I should be happy that today's precipitation has been a solid, gloomy day of rain... or not. Because the alternative precipitation would be a lot of snow. However, at least snow is pretty. [EDIT - me and my stupid comment. The next day it started snowing and is cold!]

Also, I must confess that the holiday spirit is starting to wiggle its way into my activities. This seems to be the result of a special hat request.

This Christmas hat was ordered by a friend. She just finished buying a black and purple hat for Halloween and realized that with the new holiday approaching she needed a red hat. I was happy to oblige.

As I was finishing this hat up Robin decided I need a holiday hat for myself. He thinks I should make a green hat and then decorate it like a Christmas tree. (Pictures will surely be posted.) Yes, he can be creative at times... he just makes me do the crafts. I usually check my designs with him to see what he thinks and he's usually supportive or has a good suggestion. (If not, it's easy to ignore his suggestions... a win-win situation for me.) For example, the v-stitch on the edge of the red hat came after I asked for his advice whether I should do single or double (thicker) stitches along the edge in white. He noted that the single looked more lacey, which made me think a lacey edge would be a nice fringe. (The point of telling the story is to embarass Robin when you learn that he can give advice on crochet...)

I also made this green hat recently for another special request. I had a terrible time finding the right colour specified. Yarn colours can be very limiting! This lovely fuzzy variagated yarn was the closest I could find to the shade she wanted. Really she wanted the top colour, but she loves the end result. I love it too - so much so that I picked up more yarn and made a second hat to sell later. I'm confident someone else will want one of these! And if not, I'll happily keep it.

Yes, crocheting witch hats is something I do in my spare time. I started one for myself, then made a striped one as a joke - then showed pictures to friends and discovered people wanted me to make them for them! Of course, I also share the pattern I have with fellow crafters, but many others can't or don't want to make their own. I never intended to sell hats - but I don't mind making a few dollars to spend on more wool... so I can make more stuff...

Care Packages

Baby A. received her first care package yesterday. Aunty Corey has been bitten by the baby-shopping bug and sent the most adorable newborn outfits. Robin's favourite is of course the one that says in big bold letters: "I [heart] Daddy." Daddy's girl. Notably, there was no "I love mommy" outfit... ;) Actually, that's not quite true. The fuzzy sleeper has a mom and baby duck with "mommy and me" written underneath.
I modelled them on my tummy. I suspect they'll look even cuter on baby.

But Aunty Corey, A. has asked that you send her some baked goodies as well next time. I promise to feed them to her (indirectly...)!! She's a growing girl you know! And she has a sweet tooth like her momma and aunty.

We are going to have to get baby a dresser soon. We know what we want - just have to go find it. The clothes are coming in already - mostly hand me downs. But hey - baby clothes don't have to be new! Let that be a message for all who would shop for our baby. Do feel free to visit your local "gently worn" baby stores!! Every city has them. Baby clothes get so little wear - babies grow so quickly! Especially out of newborn sizes! Some clothes have never been worn. Don't ever feel ashamed to gift us with "gently used" items. I certainly don't feel ashamed to give them. I'd much rather reuse than buy new (cheap imports from China etc). In addition, the "gently used" shops are usually run by wonderful entrepreneur moms, so you are also supporting the local economy and a mom (instead of a big corporation). And for the price of one outfit at Baby Gap (or wherever) you can buy several at the local shop - including items that were originally bought at Baby Gap! So do pop into a local shop and keep in mind that the selections will change regularly. You'll be surprised at what great finds you'll discover every time. Many of these shops also carry fabulous hand-made items if you're interested - made by other moms.

That being said, I also completely understand that you will find yourself at some chain store looking at baby stuff, and you will be compelled to purchase that oh-so-adorable outfit. I won't hold it against you. I've done it. I just thought you should all know that gently-used items are very acceptable!

Midwife Update

Just to keep y'all updated, we had our monthly midwife appointment this morning and heard the results of the ultrasound. Everything is "normal" for baby and womb - looks good. The placenta is in front, which helps explain why I don't feel baby moving as much at this stage as others have reported during their pregnancy. (Of course, as I typed that she moved.) Baby is still due the first week of March.
So far I've gained a total of 17 lbs.

Not much else of interest to report at this time. I hope everyone is enjoying these lovely, crisp, November days.

Preggo Pics

Here are photos I asked Robin to take today just so that I could share them with you! I realize the Halloween photo didn't really show the belly off properly and the belly art just isn't the same as seeing the actual thing.

Look what I bought! Fabric to make the crib (co-sleeper) fitted sheets. I know, they're girly, but darn it all, they were too cute to resist :)

The left features giraffes, which is what I bought my sister for years and now Dorion has inherited them - but hey, that doesn't mean my baby can't have giraffes! The middle one features plump unicorns and castles. And the right-hand fabric has animals sleeping on moons with the phrase "sweet dreams" in english and french.

Web Updates

Just a brief note on the updates I made to the blog today. New title and new links on the left.
I also just noticed that I can't categorize blog entries but you can search this blog using the search feature at the top left. So if you want to look for all baby enrties, just enter "baby". I'm sure I've used that word in every related entry :)
As the title suggests, I may start to blog more about issues related to my life philosophies. Although this blog started as a simple "newsletter" I've noticed that people are increasingly asking me about some of these things and perhaps it's time I shared more with family and friends so that when I start making "strange" requests on behalf of the baby you won't be as surprised.
If you want an introduction to my philosophy of being an "earthy-birthy" mama, see my article published in Timeless Spirit e-magazine available from the link on the left. Our beloved babysitter Grace also has a great article in that magazine (not the same issue) about the Blessingway.

Week 22

Whoa. I just traced my belly and was shocked by the growth. Have a look! The green represents the last two weeks of growth.

There's no hiding it now! Speaking of baby stuff, I found this perfect lamp for her room! This room previously had no light source. We always have to steal Robin's bedside lamp when someone uses the room.

I think it's perfect.

A. is definitely moving a lot lately. Sometimes it seems nonstop! We've also decided she will have to be a Bombers fan. So feel free to send baby Bomber gear for our girl :) (Robin's watching the game right now.)

And to close up, a few photos from Halloween.

I was happy to hear some kids describe the house as "spooky". Obviously it's more impressive in partial light and I had most of the lights dim or off in the house. Darla got too excited by the large groups of kids and had to be sent downstairs with Robin. It's too bad because kids love Darla.

And finally, here is Robin modelling his Jayne Cobb hat, which I knit for his birthday. He wore this as Jayne Cobb (from the show Firefly / movie Serenity) for Halloween at work.