The Shirt to Skirt Drama

The more that I sew, the more I want to sew. It has been wonderful making stuff for my family, and learning techniques every time. Yet, like knitting, I still hadn't really made something for myself. One of the blogs I frequent, Whip Up (thanks Heather!), had a "quick and easy" blouse tutorial the other day. It looked super cute (on the of course skinny models) and I had enough fabric in my stash to not need to buy anything new. Perfect, right? As I started the project, which was online instructions, no pattern needed, I immediately ran into problems. How were my measurements the same as the skinny little thing writing the tutorial? Oh well, they must know what they are talking about. So I continued, totally forgetting my breastfeeding boobs. Then I got confused over some wording. I mean, who do you ask for help when its an online tutorial? Luckily my father-in-law was here and is into the sewing thing. After reading, re-reading, stopping and starting and reading again, I got very close the the final product. As I went to cut a loose thread (simple enough, right?) I slashed right through the middle of the shirt. Shit. Ok, I made it long enough that it should be ok. I continued, being almost 10 pm and really needing the satisfaction to finish. 

As I sewed the straps on, the final step, I stepped back to admire my work. Then I looked in the mirror. And here are my exact words, which I said to myself in the mirror, "Wow, way to look 10 months pregnant." 

Let's just say after a few quick adjustments, Sylvia has a brand new dress. In the end, you can't really be too frustrated by that. I think I'm going to stick to paper patterns from now on. Or clothes made in foreign factories. And yes, you can see the hem line. Why, you may ask? Because I ran out of the brown thread I was using. Just one of the many "joys" in trying to make something for yourself.

A Simple Post

Her new head piece, put on by herself. I'm not objecting, it helps keep the mane tame!

Finally, FINALLY! got Easton down (for now) without me remaining attached. We headed off this morning for the library and ended up walking from our house to the Botanical Gardens, back through the park for a quick stop to Mokabe's, then home. Sometimes the days that have no agenda end up being time well spent. Instead of heading to the Children's Garden per usual, we took up time (Easton had fallen asleep in the stroller) and went on a slow, more educational hike. Sylvia navigated us out of the "maze" and we searched for creatures in the plants. It was a bit under 60 degrees and cloudy, nearly perfect except for the extreme humidity. When we hit the C.G. at the end, the gate lady told us there were over 400 school kids in the garden at that time. So we spent about 10 minutes getting overwhelmed and headed right for the door. That is WAY too many kids.Sylvia's birthday is next Wednesday and I had a last minute quilt pattern for her. But let's be real, I started a scarf over 4 months ago and its actually collecting dust on my mantel. A quilt? In a week? So I'm on to making her a few outfits and a bird picture for her room (she's into the sewn cards I've been making). She already has no shortage of gifts, I just really want her to get into appreciating the hand made.

Here is her skirt (and yes, it is lined):

And Easton wearing red on the red chair, looking dapper as usual. This was prior to him falling over and totally having a freak out. But that's not important. I mean really, can you see his wrist rolls??!

What to do (with no time)

Time has been fleeting lately, giving me glimpses of getting something accomplished and then dashing far into the distance. Easton has decided to make me his pacifier, his bottle, his soother, his food, his everything. Yes, I love it. Yes, its draining. He wants to nurse his entire naps, which can sometimes last Sylvia's entire nap (like 2-3 hours). That is precious "get things done" time, therefore little has been getting done. It's all good, I've been working on things for Sylvia's birthday for a while now, knowing something like this may happen. It's such a short time in his life, but it's hard to remain calm and carry on.

I have been doing a little bit here and there to get ready for the first Farmer's Market a week from Saturday.  I got really into sewing paper and making mother's day themed cards. I also found some 100% cotton place mats and did the freezer paper screening method to make them super cute. Directions can be found online, in Amanda Soule's book, or on the back of freezer paper. Super easy, instant gratification, and very cute results.

(freezer paper technique+late nights=cuteness!)

Easton is suffering his first bout with St. Louis allergies, which is a pretty pathetic site on a 4 month old (almost 5 months, geesh!). He is crabby, drippy, and sleeping a lot (which also equals lots and lots of long nursing sessions). I'm hoping the rain will wash away whatever it is that is making my baby and my husband sneeze like there's no tomorrow!

The Big Machines

As per suggestion from Krista (new friend, retired blogger), we headed out to an old rock quarry for an event called "Meet the Machines." It was loud, chaotic, had way too many people for my comfort level, was hot, and I was solo. With Easton in the sling, Syl broke into a manic fit the moment one of said "machines" honked its horn. After several moments of screaming cries from both her and I, she finally calmed down and enjoyed herself (as you can kinda tell from her the firetruck above). I didn't get many photos because of the total mayhem, but it was an interesting experience, to say the least. I think breastfeeding is commonly unseen around those parts, cuz boy, I got lots of stares. Needless to say, the event was followed by a 2.5 hour nap and no chores completed by me. Ahh well, there's always tomorrow.

On Taking A Break

Came home tonite from an hour and a half of baby/toddler-free margaritaland to the baby screaming and the toddler peeing. On the floor. Just cuz. My breaks are NOT long enough.

The Devil was Really Only 3 Years Old

As age 3 quickly approaches, word on the street is that 3 is the new 2. What does this exactly mean? Well, if you have yet to deal with toddlerhood and all its miraculous glory, turn away now.

Because lets face it, its a hard age. Yes, its joyous, full of energy, discovery, stomach-hurting laughter, and smiles for days. But its also full of the discovery of will, tantrums, testing of boundaries/patience/sanity. Let's not forget the gross moments, those dealing with illnesses, amazement of bodily functions, awareness of what's up the nose, ect. Well, if that's 2, how much worse can 3 be???

Ha! Though Sylvie won't "officially" be 3 until May 6, she's close enough to be demonstrating said phrase. Lately she has had a terrible attitude, full of joyful comments like, "stop talking, I don't like you anymore," or "you don't let me do anything fun, ever,"  or  today it was, "I think I'm going to mad all day."  You see, age 3 holds more knowledge, more experiences, more manipulation. They aren't as cute and innocent anymore. Do you remember the first time your sweet, angelic 2 year old discovered the joys of spilling something? You were proud, though slightly annoyed, but it was "cute." Now, at 3, the spills become, well, deliberate. Like this morning, when Syl woke up shrieking so loudly that she awoke the sleeping baby (a total mistake when said baby and mommy JUST fell back asleep from a marathon nursing session). When I told her to stay in bed (it was only 6:45) until she could change her attitude and not be such a brat, she waited awhile, until we were back in bed, and decided to test me. She sat in the bath tub and poured the expensive baby soap all over everything she could put in the bathtub. And this child played in the soap quietly for over an hour. I should have known it was too quiet.

I think, or I'm beginning to deduce, that my fuse is especially short due to sleep deprivation for over 4 months.  Or maybe its that she is discovering new and exciting ways to pull out the hairs on my arm one at a time, laughing all the way. I've been talking to many parent-friends who have children passed this stage. And they all say its hell. They all tell me that 2 was like the slow unveiling of 3, the devilishness is just emerging, though still smiling. And as they enter 3, the true monster rears it's evil head, but it doesn't just have 1 face. Oh no, there are several faces on that devil. If only Sylvia would let me capture my all time favorite devil face. But since she skirts away when I have the camera out, I'll just describe it to you: she lowers her head, as if to look at the ground. Then, she moves just her eyes up to you, so they almost roll in the back of her head.  All the while, she is scowling/frowning/pouting and her eyebrows couldn't be more pointy. I have to refrain from laughing, I have to not take it personally.

But the horns on her head keep poking me, and the arrow on her tail is sharp! Deep breaths, lots of ohms, and a very large cocktail. That's what the therapist told me. 

Stats: 2 kids, 1 appointment, lots of shots

This morning was Easton's (belated) 4 month check-up and Sylvia's (early) 3 year check-up. To sum in up, I'm going to list the numbers at birth and today. Because I know how much you really care!

                           Sylvia

born: May 6, 2006   today: April 20, 2009

weight: 8 lbs. 8 oz   weight: 38 lbs

height: 22"               height: 38"

measures: 95%        measures: 95%

                             Easton

born: December 11, 2008     today: April 20, 2009

weight: 8 lbs. 12 oz               weight: 18 lbs.

height: 21"                             height: 26.5"

measures: 95%                      measures: 95%

Total shots had by my children at today's appointment? 5, plus an oral. Sylvie got off lucky with 1 hep A, but my poor Easton got the rest. Luckily, the pre-tylenol paid off and after the few minutes of screaming terror, he was happy again. In fact, our ped. told us he was the happiest baby she had seen all morning. No more colic!! Hooray!

So I guess the conclusion of our appointment is that we, as a family, are pretty damn lucky. Our family is large and in charge, healthy as can be, and only suffer from sleep deprivation. We really can't complain. And now that this is over, on to the next list of chores! This includes sling making, party favor making, birthday party planning, and a new quilt technique to attempt. Who needs sleep anyway?

Friday, oh how I love thee

As I stated earlier today, this weather makes me soooooooo happy. This probably verifies the seasonal depression that I have, along with every one else in the universe. Cuz really, who loves day after day after day of unrelenting rain or snow? People who live in those climates, I suppose. Here are the highlights of our picnic in the park, which could have only been more perfect in rainbows had flown out of my ass.

Spring at last

My summer shorts fit, all is well in my eyes. The warm, sunny weather makes me smile. Easton awoke every hour last night, and the night before, but its ok. He's here, she's here, we are all good. When the weather breaks, my mind/body/soul moves outdoors and fills my life with pure joy. 

Too much sunshine to focus on writing, must get outdoors now...

Tu-too crazy

What should I be doing? Well, its midnight, so I should be sleeping. Instead, I'm finishing up Sylvia's tutu that I started a few hours ago. And blogging about it. There is nothing more satisfying than doing a project from start to finish in one swoop. The feeling of accomplishment is amazing, and I'm more confident now more than ever of the progress with my sewing/crafting. This was obviously a no-sew project, but I went into it with a clear method, precise cutting, a technique, and a goal. Many of my makings evolve from a "do it as you go" method, one that ends in the "try and try and try again" method. After Syl's first tutu incident of last year, I learned my lesson and went into this one confident and educated. And what does this prove? Well, practice makes perfect, research and study, and sprinkle in a bit of sleep deprivation. 

I was going to make this for her birthday, but she may receive it tomorrow morning. Just because I'm eager and impatient. Plus she is going to be spoiled rotten at her birthday this year, so who cares?! And look at this super cute Robert Kaufman fabric I found tonite. Looks like she's getting another skirt (though not tonite, I'm going to bed)!

Easton & Easter, how ironic!

Yesterday, April 11th, Easton hit 4 months of age. Thank God, cuz I remember back in his first few months dreaming of this time. And it's here! Really, I was dreaming of him being anything beyond the screaming stage, so pretty much from here on out, I'm happy with. His 4th month entry is going to be totally overshadowed by Easter, but I don't think he cares. In fact, he managed to sleep through all Eastery activities we did. He napped during the dyeing of the eggs, he stayed home with daddy during the local egg hunt in the park, and his sister found all the eggs in the backyard before he did. Maybe next year, little guy. 

So a bit about my son at 4 months: he is totally squishy. Now, you can't say that about a grown woman without getting punched in the arm, but my boy? Superly duperly fat, squeezy, chunky, cellulose thighs. I love it! He is really happy these days, laughing when provoked, smiling all over the place, talking up a storm, and napping a lot. His teething is up to the level of drooling all over you and sucking fervently on his fingers all day, but its still manageable sans pain meds. I've been helping him teeth by holding the binky for him sometimes, which seems to satisfy the urge to want to nurse and gnaw on me ALL DAY LONG. But he really isn't into sucking on it, so if I let go, it pops right out. Sylvia never took a binky either, so I guess its genetic (kidding).

When Easton and I have our one-on-one time, I really soak up the love that he is. I know what will happen later, I know he won't accept my doting and kisses. I know to tell him everyday that I am so happy he is here. This story was a heartbreaking reminder to me to remember these moments, hold on for dear life, and always tell them you love them. Always.

Anyway, on to a photo fiesta, a little bit of egg-hunting, a little bit of late night toddler antics. 

Easter isn't just for Jesus lovers

Ok, so that post title isn't really meant to be so, well, out there. Since having kids, I've gotten way more into holidays than ever. I loved Easter as a kid, going to the g-parents for a hunt, eating chocolate shaped like bunnies or candy filled with eggish goo, wearing the poofy tulle dress & big hat, going to church 1 of the 2 times for the year. For Sylvia, I'm leaving much of these traditions out. We are participating in a local, non-religious hunt, eating some bunny shaped chocolate, and will hopefully take a lovely spring walk. But for today? We did this (prepare for photo overload):

As if we didn't have enough egg stuff today, we made home-made play-dough glitter eggs. And tonite? I'm filling plastic eggs with yummy goodness. Totally egg overload.

Happiness is a Hole in the Head ** update **

I'm unsure if the way I've been feeling lately is directly related to a) the mini-pill I started last week b) residual post-baby hormones c) total lack of sleep or d) all of the above. But I feel as though I have a hole in my head. The hole is reminiscent of the feeling you get after a night of a few cocktails (not too many, just like 2), you simply don't feel "all there." Maybe its the change of seasons, the hurricane-like winds we've been having lately, the totally huge moon outside, or what. But I just don't feel whole. I'm constantly looking around, not knowing what I was doing the minute before, not sure what to do next. The motions are present, stuff is getting done,  but I can't concentrate on anything, or maybe its that I'm concentrating on everything. I have Sylvia's birthday coming up, Easter (which is not a big deal in our house), the first Tower Grove Farmer's Market, another job for the magazine I shoot for just came through, and the whole getting through each day. 

I am happy, I am satisfied, I need to focus on the good, small accomplishments. Another day, another fresh start, right? Maybe I need to stop filling the hole in my head with excessive amounts of chocolate. Cuz let's just be honest, it doesn't really work when your "cure" is also part of the problem!!

**updated**

Talk about hole in my head: I totally spaced on Easton's 4 month and Sylvia's 3 year doctor's appointment. Didn't call them, didn't have a good excuse, just completely forgot. Wow.

He just keeps on talking

Medium
Uploaded by southcityslings

It's a bit long (like, 3 minutes), but I just can't help it. He just gets freakin cuter by the minute. And how on this planet is it possible that I birthed not 1, but 2 babbling children? Oh right, I tend to weigh heavy on the talkative side.

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Twilight Tide Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Gotta win this for Syl's birthday, I just HAVE to!!!

Sunday School

The Choice of No

Sometimes, in a cyclical fashion, decisions formulate out of pure sanity. Thoughts of the future, family planning, financial stability, revamping of my sane mind, all mix together to develop a sound choice. I have always been a staunch proponent of family planning, as in I was planning on having zero family. Things changed when a dear friend of mine had her daughter at the youngish age of 20. In a week, her daughter will turn 10. Not only is it unfathomable that this wee little lass is a pre-teen, heading straight into the juniors department at most major department stores. But it reminds me that yes, someday, I will also have a 10 year old. And 2 plus years later, I'll have another 10 year old.  Eeek gawd!

Back to my familial roots. After she had her daughter, I had the realization that yes, I want one of those (someday, not then, not for many many years to come). Years went by, and on evening after my final wedding dress fitting (it had fit perfect), the stick popped a positive. Though shitting our pants, we adjusted our lives to fit this little one in. As the months progressed, we learned of our miscarriage, had our wedding (involving much alcohol), and I realized how serious the loss was on me. Now I knew, I KNEW, that more than anything, I wanted a wee one.

3 months after our wedding, I got pregnant with Sylvia.

I'd say, in a semi-sound state of post-second-babiness, the biggest shock of parenthood was my feelings of total obsessive concern. I rarely let Syl out of my view, and I was constantly stressed about how I was doing as a mom. But with my undeniable adoration I had for her, I quickly knew I wanted one more.

As Syl entered the 16 month of her life, we found out I was again pregnant. The freakedoutness of having 2 exactly 2 years apart huge. Both Dave and I were pretty shocked, but we figured we knew we had wanted 2, why not now? Come to find out a few months later, this pregnancy had also ended in a loss. Ironically, the same day I took that pregnancy test, I got offered an interview for a job in photography. I guess it was an indication to yield to what was surrounding me, emotionally and physically, and pursue my career.

After accepting the job, and 8 months after my second miscarriage, I was pregnant with Easton.

As I write this today, I have joined a study called the St. Louis Choice Project. It is a free program designed to provides city residents with free reversible birth control. It is a step in the direction of our family planning. It is the beginning of the end of my reproductive life. I'm totally elated with the 2 little ones that Dave and I have welcomed into our lives. I stare at them all day in total amazement and awe. I can't believe that 10 years ago, I was adamant against ever getting married and/or having kids. No, its not for everyone. No, I don't feel like this is the easy way out of a serious career. I am sometimes envious of those who get up in the morning, put on a nice outfit, and have goals & duties for the day that end in a monetary stipend. But I know, on somedays, these people are envious of my choice to stay home, pause my career, and lay in the grass all day long. They wish that they could wear yoga pants all day and have play-dough in their hair.

Either way, this is where I am at now. And as I swallow that first pill to prevent future pregnancies, regardless of all the struggles it took to come full circle, I can honestly tell my family that I am so happy to be here, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.*

*Well, an island vacation would also be lovely, but lets be realistic here.

Chillin at the Gardens

Two days in a row at the Botanical Gardens and we are officially burned out. We had 1) a great time 2) close encounters with 2 Canadian Geese and 2 ducks, both wanting to eat our faces 3) a blast. Easton was his usually sleepy self, missing the majority of the activities, but making my life a bit easier only having to chase Sylvia. We met her closest friend, Sophia, today and spent almost 4 straight playing, walking, exploring. This also provided us a 2.5 hour nap afterwards, making a happy toddler and mommy.

Curse of the Blog

I totally jinxed myself, as I knew I would, by stating, in writing, on this blog, that Easton slept 9 straight hours the other night. Ever since, he has been awakening in 2-3 hour increments-LAME! In the crib or in bed, the little man simply can't soothe himself calmly back to sleep. What I totally don't understand is how a baby can nap so well throughout the day, for such long chunks of time, and yet be up half the night. To sleep, they must sleep, if you know what I mean. I'm not going to force him to stay awake more during the day in hopes of a restful night slumber, because that always backfires. Learned that the hard way with Sylvia. Even now, if she goes down at 10:30pm (like she did the other night), she wakes up at a freakish 7 am. Not enough sleep for a toddler. But last night, she fell quickly asleep at 8:30 and slept until 8 am. The harmonious rest of at least 1 person in this household can go to her, though I am extremely jealous.

Today is the opening of the Children's Garden at MOBOT. It is so beautiful out so we are going to trek on over there post nap (Heather, I'd be calling you to meet me if you still lived here, tear). I've been really psyching Syl for this, she adores the Gardens. This was a twice a week venture for us all last year, as I suspect will be continued again. My mom is a member and we share the same first name (usually a curse, but sometimes a blessing). Therefore, I have her extra card (its not really cheating because members get an extra person in). Maybe I'll remember the camera, but let's not place any bets.

Just got 2 new books in from amazon today. Yea! I got the Built by Wendy Guide to Sewing Knits (for me) and All in a Day (for SYl's bday). I can't wait to start sewing knit fabrics, something I've been putting off trying for years now. I read half the book in bed last night and am rearing to go. The other book is illustrated by Nikki McClure, an awesome artist I've been following for years. Syl has her baby books and loves the graphic nature of them, well, at least I appreciate them for that. 

And speaking of her birthday, I can't believe it is coming up so fast! Sylvie and I have been hashing out details already (because my mind is so boggledy goo, I need to be reminded of things constantly so at some point they'll get done). The party is going to be very simple, with most things handmade. We are going to rent a pavilion in Tower Grove (like last year, though she picked the pavilion this year) and I'm going to provide drinks and this cake. We bought a ton of  bamboo/nylon butterfly nets on sale at Hobby Lobby and that'll house her favors for her friends. I'm only inviting a small amount, because the more people, the more overwhelming for her. Another lesson learned from the past 2 parties.  I really want this one to be special because not only she has been entering the "theatrical 3's", but lately,  much of our attention is usually on her brother. So May 6, 2009, will be all about her.