Pigtails!

A few days ago, Davina posted a picture of her sweetie dd with pigtails. Our girls are about the same age...and I just was so impressed that her dd kept the pigtails long enough to take pictures. Rafaella doesn't like anything on her head, even that so loved knitted hat I posted a little while ago.

I couldn't get over how cute pigtails were, so yesterday I hunted down Rafaella with 2 tiny hair bands and ever so stealthfully banded her hair. I gave her everythng from my keys to my wallet to distract her, and after about the 4th time, I was able to band both sides of her head.

I sat her down and gave her this piggy bank to kiss while I took a picture. Imagine me saying, "look! kiss! kiss! puuuppy? puuuuppy kiss? kiss? kiss the puppy!"

Mama=Spaz

On the sewing front, I was working on a quilt for an anniversary present that just wasn't making me smile. I just wasn't feeling it....it was a basic rail fence pattern, which would have turned out nicely I'm sure, but I couldn't get myself to finish it.

So, I put it away.

I found a free wall quilt pattern of simple hand applique'd flowers and leaves. I started cutting into the shapes yesterday. It will be a miniature quilt, the flowers seen here are about 2 inches wide, but I'm really enjoying it thus far...hopefully I will have most of it pieced by the end of next week.

And yes, this present is late.

*ducking*

Is it *finally* starting to get cold enough

for Rafaella to wear this hat?

I finally had the motivation to finish this. It's been on my needles for a while, but with the rush of warm weather, I didn't feel the need to.

It was a quick knit using Full Belly Farm, dyed by Beemer Knits.

If this girl gets any more beautiful...

Jumping back in, needles first.

Happy New Year!

The entire family greeted 2007, glued to the TV watching Carson Daly (how the heck did he get so popular, wasn't he just on TRL?) , me a little full and happy with some wine shared with Greg. This morning we were all just a tad bit grumpy from the lack of sleep.

Except this girl that is:


She was ready to go, full speed all day. To be an 18 month old!

I started on the Sewingmamas Wristwarmers Knitalong, after deciding that I am going to give my other hobbies a good effort this year, among others as part of my resolutions this year. I chose a fairly beginner pattern in hopes that I can finish it and either use or gift it.



I'm using some hand dyed Lindon Merino by Sharon, yummy stuff, and the greys are just perfect.

We had an awesome Christmas! My most relaxing to note thus far, because
1. I gave myself time off from working the business and
2. Giftgiving was ultra special this year, working with so many talented mothers, WAHMs and Designers, that all of the presents I gave were so personal, and definitely heartfelt.

Here's to a great and relaxing first of the year! I hope that you had a wonderful festive holiday.

Taste of my Own Medicine

On the days I don't work out of the home, I try to get up a little before 5AM so I can get started on my day. I found that I am much less cranky waking up early instead of staying up late. It usully works, and I can get at least 2 hours of some good solid work, either sewing or computer time. I can also get to my coffee much and enjoy it without interruption...you know how good those uninterrupted java moments can be, especially as the sun is coming up. :)

This morning isn't quite as successful. Rafaella has been up with me. Though in her crib near this computer, she is laying down and peeking through the slats of the crib, making sure I don't get up from it. As you can imagine, I have gotten up to sneak away several times since 5 am, only to be called back.

I am writing in the dark to keep her thinking that she needs to sleep. She will be cranky if she doesn't, and before I starting writing I even attempted to knit by the light of the computer screen, but darnit, it's not working for me...I am only a 1 yr knitter after all, and can't knit without looking.

I don't even know why I am not surprised to have a child with my same schedule. I surely have my Mother's , who is up most nights developing recipes and watching home and garden and food shows. She is accustomed to calling me at around midnight my time (east coast), and we talk until it is midnight her time (west coast). It's a sickness, and I think my daughter has it.

Greg has actually been laughing in his boots. This special daughter of mine has me running for my money, with a stubborn streak so long and a mischievous smile that can fool her father. He says that she acts just like me, and sometimes I have to really question how naughty I have been to Greg all of these years. Me? Stubborn and Sassy? I really don't think so, but he tells me otherwise. And that is why, he says, he is totally not phased by our princess.

I do have to admit, that sometimes when I look at her, I feel like I am looking at a picture of myself. She has much of Greg with her, she is definitely half-caucasian ;) ...but the expressions in her eyes, the way she cocks her head, the way she stands with her hands on her hips (haha!) or sometimes the way she smiles reminds me of those photographs my mother took of me as a child.

I think I have an exciting road ahead of me.

When the smallest things matter.

Rafaella is at that grand age of over 1. Over 1 going on 3. You know what I'm getting at right? With 2 older male siblings, she is probably the most rambunctious 14 month old I know, and I say that in the most Mother Bear sort of way. Watch out future suitors, because Rafaella won't need her brothers or Daddy taking care of her; she will in fact take care of herself. (mama says proudly)

This sweet and smart over 1 yr old has mastered the art of removing her cloth diapers. Hurray, I thought initially...she has been doing so when she is wet, and this is a good sign, no?

No...not when mama is not ready and she happens to not be "finished". To make this story short, her poor nursing pillow (the curved kind) was drenched with her kindness.

I washed the pillow first, and then reached for a new pillowcase, handmade by Holly. The pillowcase is made of flannel, super soft with the sweetest print.

Ahhh, it made me smile.

And Rafaella, well, she took to it quickly...

...and for now, things are quiet, and I can drink my coffee before the long night ahead...