silvermari & the stick

We were away for one week, and we just got home last night. I have many stories to tell, but I thought I'd do a quick update to set up the posts. I didn't write really while we were there, although I took a few notes and thought about what I would write if I had the time. It was an amazing trip, although we're still a little woozy from the travel...

In Chicago: 103 Stories Up

Random: Fruit Tree in the Front Yard

We've owned our house for almost three years now (closed on July 11 just before Jane was born), and for the first time a tree in the front yard is fruiting. They are like peaches, and maybe that's what they are, although I'm not sure. I haven't tasted them yet, but I assume it would be OK to eat? We have a lemon tree in the back yard that made two lemons last year and nothing since. I have such a black thumb I'm surprised something would pop up like this. Any ideas?

The fruit tree

Close up of the fruit

The already spoiled fruit that has dropped from the tree. I need to pick it up, because yuck.

Forgot to Pack

I've written about packing for travel with kids a couple times. I am getting better, and I remembered almost everything we needed. That's fairly easy when you consider we were driving to Tennessee and I could just throw things in wherever. We had our suitcases and backpacks, but I also had a small cooler and forty-eleven reusable tote bags full of snacks, toys, groceries, etc. Here's what I forgot:

Books for Jane -- WILD as I usually overpack in this area. We had some books, but they were new ones that I had wrapped for her to open on the drive. I totally spaced on including her regular bedtime books (she doesn't read the same ones every night, but she does read something before bed). We made due, bought some books and a family member who came later from closer to the cabin was able to bring some other books (although they were questionable and heavy on the princess/makeup/girlie stuff that Jane doesn't usually see) -- she loved them!
Nail scissors -- these are always in my makeup bag, so I'm not sure how they were missing. I didn't intentionally remember or forget them, but they were needed for opening a few things and specifically for removing Jane's Dollywood wristband (from when she was measured -- SILVER baby). Luckily someone else had teeny tiny nail scissors. Otherwise we might have resorted to Popeye's pocket knife!
Hand soap -- I hate washing my hands with a bar of soap, especially in a shared bathroom. I meant to bring a pump soap but forgot. This was easily remedied with $1 when we went to the grocery store for perishable food, so no big deal since I remembered it then.
Marker -- for our amusement park time I wanted to write my cell phone number on Jane's arm. I didn't have a marker with me, there wasn't one in the house and no one else had a Sharpie. A 10-year-old cousin did have a washable Crayola marker, which we used the first day. But it was so big that the number took up Jane's whole arm and it washed away quickly from sweat and sunblock. Her wristband had a place to write a phone number, so we just did that the second day. It would be an easy thing to include because I always have pens and pencils. Maybe I should stash a sharpie in my car anyway.

That's it. Just a few little things. I'm not sure how we'll do on our next big trip since we'll be traveling by plane and have much less packing space. More screen time for Jane, perhaps?!

A Toddler's Dollywood Adventure

The highlight of our trip to Tennessee last week was our two days at Dollywood.

We bought a three-day, two park pass that included Splash Country. Jane was free because she's under 3, but it was still ridiculously expensive. We probably could have saved some money buying the tickets online even with the $16 processing fee. Live and learn. Also they say no outside food, but they don't check your bags (makes you wonder about security actually). I brought in some snacky foods for Jane but otherwise abided by the rules.

The first day we had Jane measured at the Central Measuring Station near the Showstreet Fountain. It was a good thing because it showed us which rides she could ride on (not that we would have attempted to let her ride on any she was too short for). But we also had her measured the second day, which was wholly unnecessary and actually wasted time that could have been spent riding on one or two rides. We arrived both days pretty soon after the park opened, so the lines were long for things like measuring and rides closest to the front of the park.

If you ask Jane now what her favorite part was, she'll say "the trolley," by which she means the tram that carried us from the parking lot to the front of the park. Silly girl! She did a lot of things while at the park: the Scrambler (she was way too small and it was too scary), the Lucky Ducks, the Busy Bees, the Piggy Parade, the Carousel (probably her real favorite, including getting to ride a chicken like Skeeter from the Dixie Stampede show), the Dollywood Express coal-powered train and the Rockin' Roadway cars.

We watched several shows, including two from the Imagination Library that were short plays based on children's books. Ladybug Girl and Bingo was our absolute favorite, and I think we should have gone to see it again. I bought her a copy of the book, and we've read it so many times I think I know it by heart! We'll definitely be checking out others in this series. We also saw One Cool Friend, which was good but not as good. We also really like the "I Am a Rainbow" theme song that's played at every Imagination Library show.

In our two days there we didn't even make it to the play areas. There's a playground and at least three water fountain/splash pad-like areas for kid play. And there were other rides she was big enough to try, although she was too scared of the Flying Elephants and we got rained out for the River Battle one. Both days I was packing her bathing suit, swim diapers, change of clothes and beach towel, but she didn't get wet either day (aside from some torrential rain just before we left for good -- we took shelter during a magic show so only our stroller got completely drenched).

My favorite part of the park was the Ladybug Girl and Bingo show, but my favorite ride was the Mystery Mine. I got to ride several roller coasters, because Shawn and I were able to go to the park sans toddler on Sunday afternoon. (Turning our three-day ticket into four days effectively because if you go to the park after 3 pm your next day is free.) I hadn't been to an amusement park since college, when I went to Frontier City with a friend and we wrote about it for our college paper. (I was able to find it in the archives but not an easy way to link to it. A little too embarrassing anyway, but fun.) I'd forgotten how awesome roller coasters are. Wheeeee!

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge were great for a family vacation, and there was plenty for a toddler to do. Everything is quite touristy, but not in a bad way ... especially when you're a tourist! I'm not sure if we'll go back, although Jane is already talking about how she'll be bigger when we do go back and she will want to ride on the Flying Elephants.

Note: Some Amazon affiliate links used.

Swimsuit Mama

This post encouraging mamas to put on their swimsuits and play with their kids has received a lot of attention. I think it's a great message, and I tweeted it too. But I kind of hate that it's even necessary. Of course we should swim with our kids, and I don't think I've ever hesitated.

I am all for moms (and grandmas and dads and grandpas, etc.) having fun with the kids and especially eschewing any negative body image feelings during play time.

But I also have never been thin, so I think putting on a swimsuit isn't some huge effort for me -- no more so than putting on a swimsuit before having Jane might have been. I can't relate to the moms who have memories of strutting their stuff in tiny bikinis. That's just never been me.

I've never been thin, although I was probably a regular sized kid. Compared to my very skinny boy cousins (who are 2 and 4 years younger also) I was gargantuan ... at least until they grew well over six feet (and I probably still weigh more than them). I've also always been bigger than my sister. Anyway, I have a distinct memory of watching myself in a bathing suit as a ~10 year old -- a video my uncle had shot during one of my sister's swim party birthdays. We were watching it together, and I remember cringing ... and feeling that my body was gross or not as cute as the other, littler children. I don't know if anything was actually said when I was onscreen, so this could have been all in my mind and something that I figured out by the media images of "good" bodies, but UGH.

I don't want Jane to feel that way, no matter what her body looks like. I want her to recognize her body as something good and strong. And I want to feel that way about my body too. My body is pretty healthy and is definitely strong. It made a baby who has turned into my favorite girl ever! I have work I can do to strengthen my body and prolong its usefulness. I do that with varying success. And because I can wear a bathing suit without too much effort doesn't mean I don't have body hangups or care deeply about what other people think of me and how I look. But I want to love my body in a way that shows Jane she can love her body too.

And that includes putting on a swimsuit (and sports bra!) without making it into a big thing.

Palm Plant after Trimming

Here's what the palm plant looks like after I trimmed away all but the latest growth. I'm sure professional gardeners could sheer even closer to the trunk. Whatever the case it's a major improvement over the previous look.

The View

We just came home from a week in Tennessee, and here is what our view was from the cabin's back porch. It was lovely, and we had a great time. There are a lot of stories that I want to write. For now I'm just adjusting to getting back and catching up.

Crochet Hats for No Real Purpose

When I made hats last Christmas for many of the toddlers in my life my aunt mentioned that she could probably sell them at her work's craft fair in the fall. After I worked on some crochet blankets in the first of the year I started to work my way through my stash of yarn and have ended up with about 50 toddler- and baby-sized hats (and bought more yarn because I can't seem to stop). There are so many hat ideas, and each one takes me just a few hours to make. The character ones take the longest because of the small pieces and sewing them in place (sometimes having to redo them placement because I'm not happy with my first try).

I'm not sure that I can actually find buyers for any of the hats -- or how I'm going to stop myself from making more. Hrm.

Sports Bra with a Swimsuit

I had never thought of this until I saw a lifeguard at Jane's water exploration class wearing a neon yellow sports bra under her red lifeguard suit. It looked cute, but also was an "Aha!" moment. Bathing suits that fit me never have enough breast support. And I knew if I was going to try the aqua aerobics I would need it!

When I workout in our sun room I double up on sports bras, and I still sometimes have too much bounce for comfort. In the water one sports bra and bathing suit plus the water has proven to be enough for me to be comfortable and not worry about wardrobe malfunctions or nip-slips. The sports bra does smell chlorine-y like a swimsuit, although I'm sure a few washes will cure that (or I can just have water-only bras if I cared about how I smell).

From now on every time I swim or play in the water I'll be sporting a sports bra underneath.

Some Thoughts on Week One of Water Exploration

The night before the start of the water exploration class I was a nervous wreck. Anxious was an understatement. I worried about whether there would be traffic on the way to the water park, if I would miss my alarm and sleep too late, if Jane would eat her breakfast, if we'd have time for everything. I was also VERY worried about how Jane would take to being in the water without me, even though we had discussed it from the day we signed up for the class.

Jane is two and a half, but we're still very much a unit in a lot of ways. She was upset, and even though I had been anxious about it and worried, I somehow hadn't steeled myself for the rush of separation anxiety I got when she had to go. It took about three tries that first day, but we separated when it was time to get life jackets. She DID want to get in the water and have fun, but she didn't want to do it without me.

Every day got a little better, at least in that I didn't cry myself after that first day. Jane didn't toddle off to class of her own accord and was always handed off, panicked look on her face and crying, to one of the extremely patient and kind lifeguard teachers. We are certainly a memorable pair!

It's not clear to me what she's learning, although she has talked about big kicks, and I've been able to see her being pulled around in the water some while she floats on her back. All the parents are made to sit on benches on the other side of a giant water feature so the kids won't be distracted. I hate it and absolutely agree with it at the same time.

At the same time as the water exploration and swim classes (for older kids) there is a water aerobics class that was plugged for the parents. I didn't want to pay $45 for just a few classes, because realistically I can't come any time other than when Jane is exploring the water with the other kids and lifeguards. But after I checked their website and saw you could pay $5 per class I decided to give it a go. It would also let me save time and knock out my workout for the day.

Unfortunately it also gives me a better look at Jane's class, and she's able to see me sometimes and she does get distracted and sometimes even wanders off on the edge of the pool. Scary to me, and not good for her. But oh, she is adorable in her bathing suit and life jacket lined up with the other kids.

I love the aerobics class. It's mostly older ladies, although there is one teenager and a few women my age or so. The water makes the hard work feel easier, although at the end I'm sweaty and red faced, and I definitely get my heart beat up. My favorite challenge is when we have to take turns sprinting into the jet made by the giant water slides (the class is in the pool where they land). It's so difficult and so fun. I also love the mindless class aspect -- someone tells me what to do and I do it. It's a big reason why I like the workout videos I have been doing too. I'm sure I would really love regular aerobics/exercise classes too. Child care is my sticking point though.

So there are pros and cons to the water aerobics, but I intend to do the class three more times next week. Jane has four more sessions, but the last one they said we could get in the water with the kids to see what they have learned, so I'm looking forward to that!

The other really hard thing about this experience has been the wake up time (and getting Jane up before she wakes up naturally). I have to be up by 6:15 to get everything done so we can leave by 7:25 and get to the water park by 7:45 for the 8 am class. I HATE to be late and leave time for traffic too -- so far we have been lucky and we get there by 7:40 and end up sitting on a bench and waiting anyway. I know it's a routine I could get used to -- and will have to when school starts and everyone needs to get places on time -- but I'm glad this is temporary and that tomorrow we get to sleep in (a little at least)!

Palm Plant

Every two years this thing sprouts new leaves. It's amazing to watch how fast they grow -- I say up to six inches in 24 hours! Shawn thinks that is ridiculous. Next time I want to measure -- or at least document with photos. I kept intending to do it but got side tracked and only took this picture when I had my camera out yesterday. I think we should shear the rest of the leaves off entirely -- I saw a plant like this pruned that way at our library. We'll see...

Home on a Keychain

Our anniversary is tomorrow, and I decided to buy myself a gift. (I bought Shawn a custom rain gauge, and with all the rain we've been having I've been sorely tempted to give it to him so we can measure!)

As for me, I need a new keychain, as the one I've been using (these little plastic/paper things our church gave out around Lent for two years) are absolutely falling apart. I used to have a keychain with Owen's picture on it, but that one too wore out (it was perfect -- purple suede with room for a baby picture ... but I have not been able to find its match).

I like to support small businesses, and crafty people abound online. I didn't expect shopping for a keychain to lead me to question "where is home?"

A lot of the keychain options on Etsy were sentimental locations -- GPS coordinates; hearts on a map to indicate a couple places, maybe where you are and where you're from; a state cutout, etc.

(Aside: my favorite option, which I didn't get but maybe later, was a crochet hook that had been cut in half and turned into a keychain!)

While my home is Baton Rouge, I don't know that I'd want that on a keychain. And while I always expect to identify with my Oklahoma roots, I don't really see that as home anymore either (although I do love the state outline so maybe that would have been a good option).

My real home is with Shawn, and for at least the next 16 years with Jane. How do you put that on a keychain, and do you really want to? (I realize a picture of them would work, but somehow that wasn't the vibe I was looking for.)

In the end I bought a simple fabric key fob that's purple and white chevron. It was $6 with shipping and should arrive a few days after our anniversary (mainly because I didn't think of it in time). Isn't it romantic?

And I also kept reminding myself that I live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God -- regardless of my GPS coordinates at any given time.

(Amazon affiliate link used.)

Boring my Toddler

I've been feeling less-than-great at parenting this week, especially after our go-go-go week while Shawn was gone last week.

I am bored, but she is bored too.

I absentmindedly searched for "boring toddler" on Google the other day.

Sad stories came up in the search results about a toddler who died in a tractor accident in Boring, Oregon.

Way to put my whiny boringness and boredom into perspective.

Still I persist in being bothered by my own boredom and worries about not being "enough" for Jane.

Full-time mama life is hard, but it isn't that hard. It seems like it's getting harder as Jane wants to play more, and I'm finding I'm not such a good player. I can read books, but even that I get tired of. I'm not as good as Shawn at imaginative play with her cars or dollhouse. Shawn comes up with really funny scenarios that make us all laugh.

I've also picked up a bit of freelance work that's made me juggle -- and feel completely out of myself stressed when I have something to do work related but am involved with a Jane task, even a fun one.

All of this brings my inadequacies (and insecurities) into stark relief.

I know that this lull in activity is temporary. We have big travel plans coming up, and once the summer gets in swing we'll have regular activities to do -- a water exploration class, library story times and moms group activities.

But I'm still on edge...

Latest Hair Morph

Here's my latest haircut, about six or seven months since my last. It manages to be both too short AND too long at once. It has a distinct MULLET feel.

ARGH.

I went back to the first salon I tried in BR -- a different stylist because the one I originally went to has left, and in my hormonal state she was the reason I never went back (for leaving a small chunk of hair longer than the rest).

Shawn doesn't understand why I'm not more forceful -- I should have said "HEY! Can you cut some more off the back? I want it shorter." And I don't really understand either.

But when I'm in the chair I feel like I owe it to the professional to make the finishing touch decisions (although in my defense I did say I'd like it about shoulder length). The stylist was worried about how short it would be when curly, because it definitely does bounce up a lot. He said "better to have it too long than too short and end up looking like a Christmas tree." He didn't say it snarkily, but you get the point.

Also when I went in my hair was au naturel -- nothing in it, no styling, very wide and big and bushy -- looking exactly like a Christmas tree now that you mention it.

Maybe I can get used to it, but I think when the front dries curly it's going to be nightmarishly short, especially with longer in the back. Perhaps I could get the gumption to go back and ask for the back trimmed shorter if it is as bad as I expect when curly? I did in fact pay good money for the cut.

ARGH!

Bloggy Spruce Ups

I have owned the URL www.silvermari.com for several years now. There has been a home page there, and I even had a sub-site for our wedding stuff. I just deleted that today and redirected everything to be to this blog. Now www.silvermari.com IS this blog.

I hope everything is set correctly and that soon silvermari.com will redirect to www.silvermari.com (right now there is a random WordPress page coming up). Any bookmarks to silvermari.blogspot.com should still redirect to the corresponding page on silvermari.com. At least that's what the Google tutorial says. Please email me if there are any problems.

Unfortunately my host provider (100WebSpace.com) just automatically renewed my hosting, which I don't need if I'm going to have my site hosted as a blogger blog. It's not a lot of money, but it's still frustrating. Mainly I should have been paying better attention when I set up a recurring thing!

My next project is going to be getting actual content on mariwalker.com, which I procured in the last few months. I think I chose the wrong domain registrar (Network Solutions) because it's proving to be tres difficult to get a free Blogger blog (mariwalker7.blogspot.com) to work with the URL. All I really want is for the URL to host a resume. And it's only because I think it's cool to have your name as a URL. And perhaps someday I'll have more use for it and could develop a real site there separate from my online persona of silvermari.

Toddler Trail Time

Toddler Trail Time is a gem of an outing. It's at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, and it includs coloring, a craft project, a lesson, a guided hike through the swamp, story time, a snack and a movie.
We've gone twice, and the second time we went there were more children, so the hike took a LOT longer because they asked SO.MANY.QUESTIONS! Because we had a big dry spell (which has ended, but it was still dry during our hike), all the water in the swamp had been sucked down to one little pond. This was where all the snakes of the swamp had congregated.

The guide told us they aren't venomous but they would bite. The boardwalk over this pond area had a rail at about 3 feet but nothing lower. All the children wanted to squat at the edge and look down at the snakes.

It was so nerve-wracking because I just knew one of them (likely MINE) would fall in. Even if they weren't bitten it was still a good 3-4 foot drop into muddy water. The other mothers were non-plussed by it all, but I'm not sure how to change my helicopter parent ways -- or if I even want to yet!

Jane was mad that I kept my hands on her the whole time we were stopped looking at the snakes, and if I had my way we would have just held hands the whole time.

There's also poison ivy along the edges of part of the trail, which adds an annoying element of danger. The guide points it out as best the can, but Jane is oblivious and walks into vegetation on the side all the time. So far we've been lucky... And fun tip -- the guide said to wash with Dawn dish detergent within 10 minutes of exposure to get rid of the oils and you can avoid the reaction all together.

We're signed up for one more trail time, the last one of the spring. At $7.50 for in-parish residents it's totally worth it, poison ivy-risk and all.

The boardwalk near the snake pond did NOT have the mesh below the rail like this does.

TIBTIL: Mr. Coffee Latte Maker

This Mr. Coffee Cafe Latte maker is a thing that I bought that I love.

It was a gift to myself after doing some freelance work. My mom bought one that I got to try out when I saw home in March, and I've coveted it ever since.

It doesn't make a true latte, because the coffee made is not espresso (it's just regular drip-coffee) and the milk isn't steamed, just warmed and frothed. It should probably technically be called cafe au lait. But it is so convenient and tastes GREAT that it beats a latte in my book. (Not to mention the savings if I were to compare the cost to a Starbucks or CC's latte.)

I've had it for almost a week, and I've made a latte at least once every day. It can make two at a time, so I usually drink two at a time! I use decaf coffee in the afternoons, and it still tastes deliciouso!

Amazon Affiliate links used. Thanks for supporting this blog.

Happy Mother's Day 2014

It is SO great to be this little girl's mama. I read a Jezebel article this week about some moms who don't like the role of parent. The comments too were weird -- with some saying things like "every parent I know regrets having kids" or something to that effect. It made me so sad that not everyone gets to feel this deep joy. I know a lot of us do, and that is what keeps us going during the not-so-fun parts of parenthood.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms who love being moms, to all the moms who don't like it as much, and to all the moms-to-be and those who want to be moms.

Crochet Hat Pattern: Vertical Stripes with Curliques

Red Heart acrylic yarn "hot pink" and "spring green"

I made this hat as a riff on the pumpkin baby hat crochet pattern at FaveCrafts, which was the very first thing I crocheted for Jane. I was able to make this hat larger than the newborn size just by increasing the starting chain and making more rows. I omitted the pumpkin stem and added several more curliques. Here's what I did for a toddler-sized hat:

In color A (green), chain 30.

Row 1: In back loop only, double crochet in third chain from hook and each stitch across.

Note: this is tough to do into a chain, and it's not a huge deal if you just regular double crochet into the chain -- or make a foundation double crochet chain.

Row 2: Chain 3, turn, and double crochet in each double crochet. Drop color A and pick up color B (pink) to complete final double crochet. Do not fasten off/keep color A attached.

Note: in my example hat shown above I crocheted in back loops only on every row. But it actually looks better with crochet in both loops when crocheting in the same color (on even rows).

Row 3: Chain 3 (with color B), turn and in back loop only double crochet in each double crochet.

Row 4: Chain 3, turn, and double crochet in each double crochet. Drop color B and pick up color A to complete final double crochet. Do not fasten off/keep color B attached.

Note: there will be a loop from where you stopped crocheting with color A to when you pick it up again here. This will be the top of the hat and is fine because you will crochet over it. Fewer ends to weave in!

Repeat rows 3 and 4, alternating colors A and B until you have 28 rows (each stripe is two rows, for a total of 14 stripes).

Line up the short edges of your work to create a tube. With the wrong side out, use one color (whichever you do not want as the top of your hat, in my case green) and loosely slip stitch the last row of double crochet to the starting chain. Fasten off that color.

Note: the right side of the work will look layered from crocheting in back loops only when changing colors. When you're working odd rows the right side is facing you.

At the top of the hat, with right side facing, pick up the other color (in my case pink) and evenly single crochet around the tube. After you reach the starting single crochet, single crochet two together. Work this stitch continuously around until the hat top is complete. Fasten off that color.

Create the curliques: Chain 15 then 2 single crochet in each chain. Fasten off, leaving tail for sewing. Repeat for number of curliques desired (I made six for this hat).

Note: you can change the length of the curl with a longer starting chain, and you can make a tighter curl by doing 3 single crochet in each chain. Also experiment with double crochet (starting in third chain from the hook) or half-double crochet (starting in second chain from hook) to make slightly fatter curliques.

Arrange the curliques as desired and sew to top of the hat. Weave in ends, roll up bottom cuff of hat and enjoy!

Note: I found that sewing the curliques together, weaving in almost all the ends and then sewing that mega-curlique to the top was easier.

Let me know if you have questions or corrections. This is my first try at writing down a pattern, so hopefully it makes sense to someone else. I just love this hat so much I thought it would be useful to others too.

Also the hat is easy to customize to any size head -- just make the starting chain long enough to go from crown of head to brow bone plus some extra for the cuff and crochet rows until the tube matches the head circumference (or a little smaller, as this will stretch if you use acrylic yarn like I did).

Another version I made -- this one I crocheted in back loops only when changing colors instead of every row.
And I made 32 rows before I sewed up the tube and crocheted the top so it is big enough to fit Jane's noggin.

Crochet: Cotton Toddler Sun Hat

Using this fantastic Toddler Sun Hat pattern from Stitch 11 and some cotton yarn I liberated from my Gran's stash I whipped up this darling hat for Jane in a matter of hours. I love-love-love the way it looks, the drape and feel of it. And Jane will actually wear it.

Unfortunately the skein of 90s-era yarn wasn't quite enough to make the full pattern. I omitted a row of DC from the crown (which actually worked out better for Jane's head) and had to cut the brim short. I'm thinking I'd like to try this again when I have two full skeins (or just a bigger starting skein). Fair skin little girls need lots of sun hats, right?

Crochet: Pink Bubbles Stripe

This blanket is just like those Twin Blankies: Pink & Blue Tonal Stripes. In fact this was the original pink version for that set, but I couldn't find blues to match, weight wise. I just used a mix of pinks that are all sport weight, so this has a better drape and feel than the straight up regular Red Heart stuff I used for the twin blankets.

I also wasn't as happy with the color shifts I did here. The "soft red" is more jarring somehow, and this definitely taught me that color selection is not my strong suit.

It is the same Bubbles pattern though, which I love. It doesn't have a home yet, but I'm sure a friend will have a baby girl who will claim it someday.

Clean Enough

I spend a lot of time in our home, and I spend more time cleaning it than I ever did while I was working. That's understandable, since I am here more, which means I make it dirtier, and Jane's presence adds to the cleaning duties. But for whatever reason it feels dirtier than before. I can see the baseboards need dusting, the staining in the bathtubs and on tile, the ceiling fans that need scrubbing and the kitchen counters and sink I never get fully shiny every time.

Last month we had a former colleague visit -- she had lunch with us and came to the house when we dropped off Jane. I made a comment about our house being "lived in" and that I would have cleaned more if she were staying longer. She later said our house looked very clean and I was being silly.

So what's clean enough?

You Look Pretty Today

via Flickr user busse

I'm not the greatest small talk-er, but I've noticed that a lot of initial small talk has to do with how you look. And I am the WORST at complimenting people on their looks, even when I think it to myself. It isn't too hard to comment on someone's clothes or new hairstyle, but to just say "You look great," isn't an easy thing for me to do.

Part of it is just my own awkward craziness or feeling like it comes off as disingenuous. But could part of it be an intentional stance against making appearance the paramount connection to other people? Or could it be my own appearance and my own belief about it?

On googling to find an image to go with this post I came across this blog post that sums it up a possible reason for my diversion, although on the flip side because she's writing about receiving compliments:

"I hate it because it reminds me how much people are constantly looking at each other and judging others’ entire lives based on thinness, youthful appearance and shallow versions of beauty."

I don't have as much of a reaction when someone comments on my appearance, mostly because that's rare, except when my weight fluctuates down -- then I get lots of "you look great" and "wow" type comments. They're nice, and they do make me feel good.

Video: To My Friends Without Kids

Twin Blankies: Pink & Blue Tonal Stripe

I made these blankets with the Bubbles Baby Blanket pattern that I have used many, many times before. It's a very simple pattern stitch, and the sides are always very straight and even. I also love the texture it creates -- these nice bubbles -- and the thickness of the finished blankie. This is the first time I worked longways to create stripes, rather than back and forth down the length of the blankie, and before always in a single yarn.

After seeing an image on Pinterest that led to an Etsy listing (I love to browse the "crochet baby" search term) I wanted to make a tonal blue blanket for someone having a baby boy. When I found out my friend was having twins -- a girl and a boy -- I decided to do a pink version too. Winning set! (Despite the 96 ends I had to weave in!)

I used mostly Red Heart Super Saver yarn, which while economical for the number of colors I needed doesn't give the softest finished product. Some of the pinks were Red Heart Love, which is significantly softer somehow. (It also affected the size, as I did fewer stitches on the pink's length and the same number of rows to end up with a slightly larger blanket than the blue, which I made first.)

I did some searching on how to soften up acrylic yarn, and tutorials suggested hair conditioner. I used most of poor Shawn's conditioner (hey, it's cheaper!) and it did make a difference. I washed the blankets to get the smell out and to allow the scent-free fabric softener to do a little magic too. Will never be as soft as a natural fiber, but they'll keep their color and shape well, and they can take a baby beating and plenty of washings!

Each blanket was about 32 inches wide by 34 inches long. They're laid out here on a queen size bed.

I'm not sure if the twins' mom reads my blog, but just in case I'm not posting this until I'm sure she receives the blankets (mailed them 2-day on Saturday 4/26). I'm prepping everything with photos beforehand, so hopefully no G+ alerts go out with these images before I publish the post. I wish I understood better how that works.

More views of the stitch pattern. It's not quite like the inspiration image, and she calls her pattern "candy stripe." Maybe I'll have to figure that out someday. So much to crochet ... so little time!

Reading Lately: The Goldfinch, American Pastoral & The Racketeer

I stayed up way too late a couple nights ago finishing The Racketeer -- a John Grisham novel. It isn't high-quality literature, but it was a story that made me want to know what was going to happen and it was written in an easy-to-read way that wasn't trying to show off. It also wasn't a typical Southern lawyer facing big business in a huge trial storyline. But it was a satisfying read, and I liked it. I have tried recently to read a couple Pulitzer Prize-winning books, and neither really floated my boat. I'm not sure what that says about me, but I thought I'd record it here anyway.

I actually read all of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, and I didn't like it much at all. It wasn't necessarily hard to get through, but it just didn't interest me. I was more interested in the beginning half of the book, which seems to be a theme running through other reviews that have shown up in my feed reader. But a lot of the time I didn't like the main character and thought every single decision he made was ridiculous. It wasn't as bad at the beginning because he was an adolescent in a tragic situation. But by the end it was just "AH, WTF" kind of stuff. Anyway, I don't recommend it, unless you like different things than me, which you might, so make your own choices. Amirite?

I did NOT make it through the entire American Pastoral book, a 1990s Pulitzer winner by Philip Roth, that I'd seen on several "must read to be a well-read person" kind of lists. I never got into the story, never cared about the characters and found myself slogging through and forcing it. I made it to the halfway point (and this was a paper book I checked out of the library). After keeping the book for six weeks I finally decided "ain't nobody got time for this" and gave myself a pass, returning the book with no intention of ever completing it.

I'm trying to read another Donna Tartt book -- someone who wrote about The Goldfinch (and hated it) said that she loves The Secret History, so I decided to give it a try. So far it's a little weird, and definitely not beach reading/chick lit, but I don't hate it as much as The Goldfinch, so that's a plus.

At the beginning of this year I had a string of great choices books and was devouring several each week. Things have slowed down now that I've hit on a few duds. I've been crocheting a bit more to fill the time I guess? I think I might need to reboot and read some chick lit or similar to shake out my cobwebs. I've got a Nicholas Sparks novel on my bookshelf calling my name...

Note: Amazon affiliate links used. Thanks for supporting this blog.

Other Back Yard Scenes

We've been playing outside as much as we can before the heat of the summer sets in. Here are a couple of the flowers that are blooming now. That's the kind of plant I like -- no effort and very pretty. Anyway, we also had a scare when Jane got bit by something -- probably a caterpillar sting. It made a big welt and some swelling on the inside of her right foot. About 5 hours after the sting she cried when I put her down and wouldn't walk on it. I called the pediatrician, who said to ice it, put a paste of baking soda and water, and take Advil. It's still a little sore and pink, but overall she is back to normal. Stressful, especially because it happened while Shawn was out of town. Good grief.

A Trip to the Strawberry Patch

I was picking and turned around to see this.
Thankfully she didn't get anything on her clothes!
And thankfully I was packing wipes.
I think we used six!

In an effort to be more social in general and specifically to provide more opportunities for Jane to practice socializing I've joined an attachment parenting group in town. It's mostly a Facebook page and Meetup.com group, and today's trip to a nearby strawberry patch was only the second event we went to. (The first was an Easter egg hunt and brunch this past Saturday.) It is what it is, I guess.

Anyway, thanks to my lack of smart phone and how many people were at the patch Jane and I never found the group or anyone we knew. That was a bummer, but Jane still had an amazing time. Here are some pictures.

Lots of fun tractor toys and sand equipment, plus a fun playground.

Milking a "cow"

There was a small petting zoo, although we didn't get close enough to pet anything

Picking strawberries (was QUITE difficult to get her to do it, as she just wanted to "play all day, Mama")

Counting her berries (we didn't fill up a half-flat, but that was OK)

Last thing we did before paying for our berries was hand painting. They also did it on kids' faces, but Jane didn't think that was a good idea. This way she could see it too. She loved it. And it washed right off when we washed her hands at home.

I thought it was a great place, and worth the 40-minute drive (each way!). The little town it's in -- Albany, LA -- reminded me of places in Oklahoma. There were a LOT of kids there, but not so many that I couldn't keep up with Jane. I wished she'd been more into picking berries, the whole point, but I know this is something we'll be talking about for a long time. (Jane asks us to talk about things we've done a lot -- especially at dinner ... "Talk about the museum, Mama. Talk about the party, Dada." etc.)

Sandy Toddler Toes

Seen & Not Heard

Easter Sunday was lovely for our family. We went to church as per usual, and despite a "NO! I WANT TO BE LOUD!" comment from Jane when I requested she be quiet things went OK. Up until last Sunday she had stayed in the nursery during the church service, but we decided to test the waters and find out if she's ready for full-time attendance. (We are decidedly mixed so far.)

During Sunday school we set aside our lesson (starting in Hebrews) to talk about the Easter story -- the differences among the Gospels, the importance of Jesus first appearing to women, etc. It was interesting, although I don't think I learned anything I didn't know. (And I have questions about the evolution of Easter as a church celebration that somehow didn't seem appropriate to ask -- or that those I was with would have the answers.)

Eventually the discussion devolved into parenting advice disguised as general children-today-are-horrible lamenting. Our class is a bunch of retired people and us -- so we're the only ones in the active, day-to-day parenting life right now, and I know that makes me much more sensitive to things they say. And our parenting philosophy is worlds apart from everyone else in the class.

Multiple times I've sat uncomfortably while they extol the virtues of physical discipline -- specifically being popped immediately for backtalk and implying that nothing else works as well. This week someone even said "I come from a time where children were meant to be seen and not heard." (You can imagine how I felt knowing Jane definitely makes herself heard, even during worship.)

Someone made the argument that "I was spanked and I turned out great" to justify corporal punishment. I found myself thinking later about that specifically, and how that line of thinking disregards advances made in understanding children's development. (Such as: spanking doesn't work.) I've read/heard that line of thinking rebutted with the idea of car seats. Just because you survived your childhood riding around without any restraints does that mean all children should live the same way, even now knowing and having access to car seats that save lives?

I didn't remember that until well after Sunday school, but I'm not sure I would have said anything anyway. Sometimes I'm pushed to the limit with things said and I do speak up (racist and sexist comments will always get me riled up), but I know that it's to no effect.

All that said, I really like these people, and when we stick to the lesson and reading Scripture I enjoy our time together much more.

Crocheting Through the Years

Chromium Star blanket in white & yellow acrylic yarn

I've been crocheting regularly for a solid decade.

I learned when I was 16, when my Gran taught me during the long hours in the hospital while she was recovering from a broken ankle. But I never did much until after a heartbreak in late 2003. I started crocheting scarves for all my friends and then my friends started having babies. So I've made dozens of baby blankets over the years. I've kept track of them -- at first in a small notebook like Gran told me to, and then in Ravelry, which allows me to include pictures, specifics and notes as well as connect with other crocheters and find more pattern ideas.

I go on crochet binges (just like I sometimes go on reading binges). And other times I don't pick up a hook for months. (I don't think I crocheted at all while I was pregnant.)

Chromium Star close up

Here's my latest FO, which I made with yarn I had on hand. I found out a friend is pregnant, but I didn't know the gender and thought this would be a good gender-neutral pattern and color scheme. I ran out of yellow at the end, otherwise there would have been a sixth yellow stripe. Also, it turns out the friend is having twins, and I didn't want to make a second star blanket. So this one will be in reserve for the next baby who comes into my life.

The pattern itself -- Chromium Star -- is really easy, but you have to pay attention. That's not something I'm great at, and the first time I made it the star was all sorts of wonky (see photo below from 2008). And I still gave it to someone! At least it looked homemade? My standards have shifted, although none of my work is ever perfect.

My first chromium star blanket, from 2008. WONKY!

Louisiana Springtime

These few pictures of flowers don't do justice to the beauty I've seen in Baton Rouge these last couple weeks. After several rain storms the flowers have fallen off most of the plants, but a few hang on in gorgeous resolve. I like to point them out while we're driving and say "gorgeous flowers" to hear Jane repeat after me. Sometimes a mimicking toddler is a very nice thing to have around.

Crochet: Brown Ribbed Toddler Sweater

I bought this sock yarn on ridiculous sale at JoAnn’s -- probably about a buck a skein for stuff that was normally four or five times that. I was looking for a pattern to use it up, and this one was supposed to. I have a skein and then some left, so miscalculation on my part I’m sure.

The yoke of the sweater is made of floral motifs (basically granny squares), but my motifs seemed smaller than they needed to be to line up with the body and sleeves. I made it work with careful stretching and whip stitching. I sewed on one of the sleeves backwards, basically not paying attention.

I made 12-18 months, although the sweater seems bigger than that to me. It's hard to say though. Jane is too big for it, so I’m not sure who will receive it. It’s not my favorite, although it was pretty easy to make and has a pretty cute border on the sleeves and body.

Edit: I let Jane try it on, and it technically fits her, but just badly. The arms and body are short, but the body itself is way too wide and the neckline is a mess. I didn't add the buttons called for in the pattern (from Little Crochet), and I'm not even sure that would help. I think I didn't crochet tight enough in the body especially -- and I don't have the right tension when crocheting in back loops only (which creates the ribbed effect). I'm thinking of adding some extra rows around the neck to make it a little tighter there. This is so wonky it will never be a gift, so a play sweater for Jane seems about the best I can hope.