as cozy as spring

You never know.

The early days of this pregnancy were miserable.  I was sick (which I've covered), there would be some issue with the baby (because I'm of advanced maternal age now), and because my insurance policy at the time covered 0 (zero!) maternity costs.  Things are better now but at the time I had a long, long list of concerns. 

Shortly after the first sonogram, my son brought the picture to me and asked, "Mama, this looks like a black baby.  Are we having a black baby?"

Without missing a beat, I launched into a speech.  "I haven't even thought of that, sweetie.  Maybe I can ask the doctor if she can tell.  God will give us the baby we are supposed to have.  You just never... know... for sure?"

And then my brain caught up to my mouth and I realized that even though there was this long list of things I did not control, ethnicity was one I did.  

I can pretty much guarantee, even without any prenatal testing, that I am not having a black baby.  Or a blonde baby, for that matter.  

Because there are some things you really do know.

Signs of Spring

Inspired by Alice.

A little walk ended up being the best part of our Monday.  I desperately need to do some work in our own garden, but I can't coax myself out of my chair by the window.  People keep asking me if I'm tired.  I'm not very tired, just tremendously lazy.  I do try to walk a few miles every day so I won't completely turn to mush but then it's back to the chair by the window with my knitting.  I'm glad I made the effort to get out and see the first signs of spring yesterday.  I even spotted a single bluebonnet - in February!  

Friday Morning Book Review

Picture Books!

The Children of Hat Cottage - Another Elsa Beskow!  This is a nice simple story of a woman who is so obsessed with obtaining yarn that she abandons her children and they burn the house down.  Or something like that.  That's what I took away from it.  A cautionary tale for knitters?  

Fawn at Woodland Way - One of the few Smithsonian Backyard books that we had yet to read.  It's just as charming, beautiful, and informative as the others. (I don't know where that link leads exactly.  You have to be careful about size and format when ordering these books.  I don't love the tiny sizes myself.  The illustrations are so beautiful full size.)

We also added Annie and the Wild Animals to our library as it was recommended in the comments by several readers.  I'll have a guest writer (my daughter) next week to review that title.  

Middle Grade Reading:

My daughter is wrapping up Theater Shoes.  Next up in her to-be-read pile will be The Green Coat: A Tale from the Dust Bowl Years.  She's particularly interested in this era of American history after spending so much time talking about it with my grandmother.  I was thrilled to see this title in the CHC catalog.

I'm reading The Apothecary.  I heard it recommended on an episode of Martha Stewart Living.  It's set in post WWII London and seems to be a science fiction/spy sort of novel for older children.  It's definitely too mature for my little 11 year old.  I can't quite see where it is headed so I'm reserving judgement for now.  

For me!

I did go ahead and order Handmade Beginnings.  There are at least two projects I plan to tackle this weekend (but won't get to).  I love the little baby pants and jacket.  I am going a little cross eyed at the pattern format.  I understand the necessity for it but goodness, tracing out those overlapping lines is going to give me a headache.

OK I think that's all!  I hope you have a super weekend, friends!  

A Sister

It's a girl!

We had a sonogram last Thursday.  My husband and I are enthusiastic about finding out what sort of baby we are expecting.  So much so that we can't even have a balanced conversation about it - or any conversation at all.  It starts out with me trying to play the other side and ends two seconds later.  We want to know as soon as possible.

My daughter is thrilled.  My son is too.  Though my husband claims he didn't care one way or the other, I was definitely hoping for a sister for my children.  Not because I favor girls over boys - anyone who has seen me with my son will assure you that that is not the case.  It's just that I can't imagine life without my two sisters, my best friends.  Now that I write that though, I realize my brothers are my best friends too.  I can't talk to any of them on the phone right now because they make me laugh so hard I throw up.  The only thing I know for sure is that I'm glad I don't have a say in the matter.  I'm so, so grateful for this third child.  

Quick, while there's still time.

We made our Valentine's Day meal today. I bookmarked this Orange Chocolate Chunk Cake early this winter with the intention to bake it just as soon as I felt like eating.  It was worth the wait!  We all agreed that it is one of the very best cakes we've had.  I think it's a super cake for winter too with the perfect balance of orange and chocolate.  I'm posting it now so, if you are so inclined, you can make it before Ash Wednesday!  Oooh, just one note.  Smitten Kitchen bakes it as a bundt cake.  I don't know if I'd go that route when we make it again as it was a little overdone around the top edges by the time the center baked adequately.  Cupcakes would be awesome.

Why I would never make it as a food blogger: I hate taking photos while I bake.  I get flour all over the camera and I like to just bake when I bake and not mess around with posing my ingredients.  Also, we tend to eat the finished product before I have a chance to take any pictures so yeah.  Oranges.  That's all the eye candy I've got today.  Happy Sunday, friends!

Halfway Point

I have books to talk about tomorrow but it probably won't be first thing in the morning.  I think I have the schedule cleared enough to do a whole bunch of sitting around this weekend (pleasepleaseplease).

I'm just really, really tired.

Simple Newborn Set

Pattern: Ribbon Tied Wool Vest from Simple Knits for Cherished Babies

Yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton Organic Sport (Just over 1 skein) in Marshmallow on US 2

This is embarrassing, but the only reason I knit this was because I couldn't remember why I ordered the yarn.  It just showed up one day and I can't not use something I purchase (and I do remember purchasing it).  The gauge was about right for this pattern and so I put them together on Super Bowl Sunday.  I am so, so glad I did because I love this teeny tiny t-shirt.  I anticipate it being worn once, maybe on the way home from the hospital, because it's so tiny.  But I love the simplicity, the creamy white color, and the tiny gingham bow!

The hat was knit the next day, because I had leftovers from this mystery yarn. I used this pattern as a starting point.  I think they make a sweet little set!  I started on bottoms but that pattern was not working out.  My husband mentioned this crazy scheme to purchase baby pants and I'll admit, that idea might just have merit.

Homemade Pasta

Because it's a cold, rainy day in February.  

Because Martha Stewart inspired my little girl who has mentioned it every day since December.  And I can so relate to being inspired by Martha Stewart.

Because my daughter worked on her lessons with an efficiency previously unimagined. 

Because I could borrow my Dad's pasta machine.

Because, if nothing else, I could write a blog post about it.

None are great reasons for doing anything, but the reasons didn't matter. Tomorrow, on to ravioli!  I made my daughter read this post before committing.  "Are you sure you are prepared to spend four and a half hours making dinner?"

She is sure.  And it is excellent pasta, I must admit.  I also must admit to using a just-add-water mix from Williams-Sonoma.  I do not regret it.  It was a good way to get our feet wet and oh, I'm just not up for the extra mess right now. 

Weekend Notes

Wednesdays are science days.  I love science days.  That's one topic I feel confident that we are covering adequately... most of the time.  If nothing else, we are enthusiastic and observant!  

In addition to taking a more active role in the spring garden, I have two children capable of participating in the Journey North Mystery Class this year.  My daughter charts the data and my son "helps" me with the subtraction.  

The kitchen window is filling up with seedlings and my husband surprised me with orchids and hellebores this week.  I figured out a place to plant my potatoes and carrots but that must wait because, for maybe the first time this winter, it's just plain cold out there right now.

I plan to sit in my Ikea chair near the warmest window with some ultra soft gray-green merino.

I missed my Friday Morning Book Post yesterday.  I didn't read much at all as I was sick most of the week.  Extended morning sickness was a part of both my previous pregnancies so I'm not surprised by it but can I just say how annoying it is to have a free pass to put on 20-30 pounds at the same time I find food completely repulsive?  It's a real struggle each day to think of anything at all in the entire world I would like to eat.  And then try to keep it down.  I feel sort of guilty that I don't enjoy pregnancy more but I think the fact that I am more than willing to endure it despite the many obstacles shows dedication, right?  

Weekend Links

A lovely idea from the lovely sarah

A list Catholic Institutions opposing the new HHS Mandate (ht to my sister).  I'm trying not to overdo it here with the politics and all, but as a Catholic woman of child bearing age who agrees with (in theory and in practice) all the teachings of the Church and thinks it is the institution that most honors women, I'm feeling really under represented in the media.

The most ridiculously beautiful fabric.  I'm only linking to it because I've already secured my lot.  It's amazing.  I never buy fabric or yarn unless I already have a use for it.  This?  Nope.  It was just too pretty to resist. 

Happy Saturday, friends!  

First Baby Cardigan

Garter Stitch Cardigan by Erika Knight from Simple Knits for Cherished Babies

Knit in Sublime Organic Cotton (tragically discontinued) on US 4 and 5

No modifications.  (I don't think.... Ah, how quickly I forget.)

This was a good first project for the baby.  While it is a nice design, I didn't love the pattern or the yarn, but I got a feel for the sizing and construction of baby garments and thought a lot about what I would change.  I'm glad I didn't jump right in with my favorite patterns because I'm already planning alterations. 

Nothing matched this yarn but my son chose these green buttons that's about as good as anything I could find.  I think that this cardigan is simple enough to get a lot of use.  

So knitting friends, what is your favorite yarn for baby knits? I see Debbie Bliss Cashmerino used a lot but I've never tried it myself. 

And also!  Does anyone use/like Handmade Beginnings or any other baby sewing book?  I plan to dust off the sewing machine next week.