more hat biz

We went away last weekend to a lovely cabin on Anderson Island. Besides all the eating, lake swimming and fun that I had, I also had a chance to knit a couple more hats.

I've switched it up and started the base of the hat with ribbing on these and I think it makes the hat look more structured so I'll probably keep that going unless someone wants something different. God, I wish I had an actual baby to model these bad boys so you could see their full cuteness potential.

Anyway:




Full set.

and who doesn't love a new bag

There was a time when I was obsessed with handbags and shoes. It was out. of. hand. I've settled down in my old age but once a year I get the old itch again for a nice new handbag-- Actually it happens much more often when it comes to shoes but I digress....

So yesterday I took a walk with my friend and coworker Andie and went over to Westlake center to look for a new bag. (Andie you are an excellent shopping companion, btw). The bag I was looking for had to serve two functions. It had to be cute and mostly leather (I'm tired of looking like a bike messenger with my dingy canvas timbuk2 bag) and it needed to be large (it needs to serve as a diaper bag when Fenix comes).

But I hate the way that most diaper bags look and I didn't want to spend $350 on some crazy Micheal Kors tote (though I did covet one while I was shopping). But I did find something in the end. And it rocks:


It's a DKNY bag. The main part is akinda silky, black, coated canvas but the detailing is really soft leather and suede. The inside is a lovely light blue color. there are lots of neat hidden pockets on the inside for smaller items. And it is very large. It held a pair of wedge sandals, my lunch, a book, a magazine, a nalgene bottle full of water and my usual purse contents without issue.

Click here if you want one too.

edjamacation!

I just got off the phone with the office of Penny Simkin (author of the terrific pregnancy and childbirth book "Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn"

I called to register for the next series of childbirth classes at her home here in Seattle and woot! we got in. If you don't know who Penny is, she is a bit of a local celebrity in the world of childbirth and pregnancy. I love her book and her expertise is touted by folks in obstetric care everywhere.

Anyway if you are pregnant definitely check out her book. If you are pregnant and live in Seattle, here's the info on her class:

Classes and Workshops

rave!

I love this book:


It just came in the mail the other day and I can't put it down. There are reviews for all the big baby product purchases that new parents need to make. This is really useful since trying to pick out a stroller, carseat or crib when their are hundreds to choose from can be really daunting.

If you are expecting, I seriously urge you to buy this book.
Click here for info on ordering the book.

19 weeks!

Hey we forgot belly pic Friday. Oops. Friday was a hectic day for us as we went out of town with our Seattle crew to a little place on Anderson Island, on the water southwest of Tacoma. Everybody had a bed that was one size too small, the dogs got to play in the water, the humans played badminton and uno and parcheesi and everybody ate like kings. A good time was had by all.

Ok, 19 weeks! Woohoo!! The midwife last week mentioned that baby mcgee appears to be 20 weeks old, which is a good, healthy sign. Baby has been kicking, kicking, kicking. It’s so weird! There’s a little human being inside my wife’s tummy. So crazy! All the online pregnancy sites say “you might start noticing kicking any day now”, which is hilarious since we’ve been feeling it for weeks and weeks now. This kid’s gonna be a bruiser, you heard it here first.

Here’s what’s happening to baby at 19 weeks:
Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the length of a small zucchini. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch.

One of the most amazing aspects of your baby's growth and development is that of the fetal brain. Your baby's brain is one of the first organs to appear. Your baby's oversized head shows the brain's importance in his development. Because the nerves that connect the muscles to the brain have grown into place, your baby's movements are consciously directed. Your baby's ears stand out from the sides of the head and the buds for your baby's permanent teeth appear. Your baby's arms and legs have reached their relative proportions and his feet are approximately one inch long. Baby's skin is now covered with vernix, a slippery white coating that protects the birthday suit from getting chapped or scratched. Permanent teeth buds are forming behind the milk teeth buds.

Here’s what’s happening to mom at 19 weeks:
Continued from last time:
Forgetfulness
Fatigue
Irritability
Round ligament pain
Hearburn
Eating cold sandwich meat prohibited – nuke it first to kill bacteria

New-ish symptoms
Most women can feel their uterus about a half of an inch below their bellybutton at this point of pregnancy. If you turn to the side, you can really tell that your body is changing! Most women have gained up to 14 pounds now and only half a pound of that is baby! The placenta weighs about 6 ounces and the amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby weighs 11 ounces. Mom may be gaining weight in places other than her abdomen and this may be affecting posture and sleeping habits.

What about skin changes? Ok! Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from increased estrogen. Patches of darkened skin are also common during pregnancy. When they show up around your upper lip, upper cheeks and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may see these splotches on your arms or other areas that have been exposed to the sun. darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line." All of this darkening is caused by a temporary increase in melanin, the substance that colors your hair, skin, and eyes. For most women, these darkened spots will fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.

the requests are coming in!

For just 12 bucks (plus shipping) you too can have your very own newborn baby beanie, knitted by my very own hands.

I can make them in just about any color with or without pompoms or felt appliques.

I only have 2 examples posted in my flickr set but I'll put up more next week when I start my very own little etsy shop.

Wish me luck.

While you wait for my etsy shop to open check out my friend's:

floriddesigns.etsy.com

practice makes perfect

Jason is taking this whole parenting thing seriously! Here he is feeding his coworker's son, Ronnie. Too cute!