SweetPea Castle

Still resting

Due to the blood pressure and pelvic pressure issues I'm still having to take things VERY easy.  This is very frustrating, but it's life and my health and the baby's health are more important than anything else.  I fully expect to finish all currently paid for orders this coming week and then I have two more orders that I'll wrap up the following week.

Because of this, I am planning to change things a bit at MudpieBabies.  I'm going to close my customs list until after the New Year.  I may still take on the occassional custom order, but I'm not going to be able to maintain that committment for a while.  So, I'm going to take the time to work on in-stock items and take things easier until after this little one arrives and I'm settled in.

This has also given me more time to knit.  I must confess that I sat and stared at my knitting work for 2 full days when I was faced with doing the crotch gussett on these longies.  It just overwhelmed me.  I managed to overcome my own inadequacies long enough to get that done... just to sit and stare at it for another full day fretting over how to start the legs.  I finally decided to just jump right in and do them on DPNs.  So, I'm about 9 rows into my first leg.  It's rather peaceful and relaxing for me.  So, I'm enjoying the downtime while I can.  I also enjoy the fact that it's something I can do while sitting in the playroom with the cihldren.

I'm also trying to take the time to do what I can to plan and be prepared (mentally, physically and spiritually) for this little ones' eventual arrival.  I'm spending a lot of time in prayer and in Bible study trying to rest in God's peace and direction.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.  Time to finish preparing for church tomorrow.  Godspeed... ~ Tiffani

A time for rest

That's what the OB said when we went to see him this morning after a rather unsettling experience.  Yesterday, my blood pressure was really having issues and I just didn't feel well at all.  I figured it was just a touch of whatever virus is currently going around the house.  Then, the baby was VERY active all evening.  I woke up last night several times due to very bad dreams (of course about the pregnancy) and was still feeling "off" this morning when I noticed that I had not felt the baby move at all.  Even after my usual morning cup of hot chocolate that typically gets him dancing in there.

So, I pulled out my babybeat doppler just to have a listen.  Well, something didn't sound right... so I listened for a while longer.  His heartrate started dropping down to non-existent... then started coming back up to normal within a few (very long) seconds.  It really unsettled me, since I haven't had that happen in ANY of the last three pregnancies that I've used this doppler with.  And, something still just didn't feel right.  After a quick call to the midwife.... then another call to the OB... we were driving into Fairfax for some monitoring in the office.

Everything is okay at the moment, the baby was doing very well and had excellent tracings while on the monitor.  He did sort of do the same things with the heartbeat when Dr. John was in there talking with us.  After some prayer and further monitoring, it was decided that he is just rolling over onto his cord and compressing it.  NOT the smartest thing in the world to do, and at least he does seem to "get a clue" and roll back off of it.  But, it's still unnerving to say the least.  However, there really isn't anything that can be done about it... besides constant in-hospital monitoring.  And, even with that there is no gaurantee that we'd catch every last episode.

So, we are back home and resting.  This (and my blood pressure issues) have determined that we WILL be sticking with the OB office and delivering at the hospital in Fairfax.  Unless of course, I go too quickly and have an unplanned homebirth.  NOT exactly my favorite idea.  But, we trust that God will guide us and protect us when the time comes.

Back to my rest and knitting... so that maybe I can get in some sewing tomorrow.  I pray that everyone else is enjoying peace and rest.  Godspeed... ~ Tiffani

Knitting and other stuff...

THIS is the current status of my latest knit project.  I am making a pair of longies for the newest little guy.  This is the confetti colorway from Wooly Wonders by Nada and is just adorable.  I took this pic first thing this morning.  I have a dr. appointment in town at 9:30am this morning and expect to get more knitting time in there and then again tonight.  I can't wait to see how they turn out.  I must admit that I am daunted by the thought of the crotch gusset and legs.  But, I'm GOING to overcome my own fear and inadequacies to make these myself.  I've got a TON more wool to continue to knit up and expect to get plenty of practice.

And... just because... here's a pic of the order that I finished over the weekend and am shipping out this morning.  These are three AIOs with matching extra soaker/booster sets.  I can't wait for the mama to get them.

Oh!  And my sister and baby Cheyenne got to go home from the hospital yesterday.  When I spoke with them last night, they were doing great and enjoying the adjustment time at home.  I am so very sad that I am not able to go out and see my newest neice.  But, I'm sure that we'll get a chance to get together sometime next year.

Eliana is still running a fever around 102ish.  Jason took her to the after hours ped clinic last night and I have to pick up some meds for her this morning.  She is being treated for a sinus infection.  I'm not so sure that is really what it is... but after 3 days of high fevers... I am sure that it is SOME sort of infection.  So, we're working on keeping her fever down and keeping her as comfortable as possible.  Tabitha is still teething... she's got molars coming in and is a general grump.  But, she's as adorable as ever.  Noah seems to be keeping healthy... for the moment.  He has his tests for his thirds set of Lifepac workbooks to take today.  But, I need to review with him first.

Gotta run.  I still need to get dressed and ready to leave for my appointment.  I hope everyone has an awesome day.

9/24 To-Do List

Here is this weeks list (updated 9/29 9:11pm):

1. Continue current knit project for the new baby boy.  Longies in the confetti colorway from Wooly Wonders By Nada. - ribbed waist and body completed... started on the right leg!
2. Dispute credit report issues.
3. Take care of bills. - in process
4. Order #159 (Dana) - shipped 9/24
5. Order #160 (Melissa) - due 9/25 - embroideries completed.  Will complete order Monday 10/1
6. MDF Order #1476 - due 10/3 - embroideries prepped.
7. MDF Order #1477 - due 10/3 - embroideries prepped.
8. Order email (Britton) - due 10/5 work in - embroideries prepped.
9. Order custome (Judi - M4T) - work in three small AIOs
10. Order email (Shadow) - work in... need to invoice
11. Barby's 18 Medium AIOs order started and worked in. - in process (first 7 finished... working in rest after finishing current orders)
12. Personal order - need to make a couple of m/l AIOs for Tabitha
13. MiddayFaire October Stocking(s) Prep
    • Listings for the month as able.
14. Collab for BGM Anniversary Stocking?
15. Update fabric options on the website.  In process
16. Supply orders
    • Elastic
    • Snaps?
    • PUL

A little hard work...

Well, I finished my second soaker earlier this week and have now started my first pair of longies for the little guy.  I am much happier with the kitchener stitch on this one, but it still needs a little work.

I've also been finishing up two orders today that I haven't been able to spend any real time on this week.  I'm actually feeling "behind" right now because all of the children struggling with illness recently.  This pic was taken before I finished tucking tails and putting on front snaps.  But, it's 7 of the 18 medium AIOs for Barby and the 3 AIOs with extra soaker/booster sets for Dana.  Barby's will be delivered by my hubby at church tomorrow and Dana's will be shipping out on Monday.

Eliana woke up with a 103+ fever this morning and has been under the weather all day.  No other real "symptoms" other than not feeling well and a high fever.  She's sleeping well now and I'm going to check on her before heading to bed myself.  I'll probably give her another dose of Tylenol while I'm up there.

Because of this... us girls are staying home from church tomorrow to try to get and stay well.  We are all really tired of struggling with these continual infirmities.  Perhaps tomorrow is a good day to enjoy some knitting time.  Speaking of tomorrow... it really is time for me to head to bed.  I'm exhausted and sure to have to be up early in the morning.

She did it! Welcome Cheyenne Rose!

My sister and brother-in-law welcomed their second daughter, Cheyenne Rose into the world at 3:56am PST this morning.  She weighed 7lbs, 11.6oz and was 20.5 inches long.  They woke my mom up between 2:30 and 3am to let her know they were heading to the hospital.  Judi got her wish and went into labor completely on her own and delivered naturally.  I am SO excited for them and can't wait to get pictures that I can post.  Congratulations Judi & Eli!

Prayers for my sister

My baby sister is "officially" due with her second little blessing today.  And, I know that she is feeling big, uncomfortable, impatient, and just plain ready.  I also know how much she really didn't want to be induced this time.  So, today I am fervently lifting her up in prayer that the Lord would have mercy on her and allow her to go into labor all on her own before her induction date.

My prayers are for her to have a speedy and easy labor that doesn't require intervention... that she gets the completely natural labor and delivery that she desires.  I pray that she gets the pediatrician in the hospital that she desires... one who is given wisdom about this little miracle and helps them to be able to take her home and care for her successfully without any unecessary interventions.  I pray that even now Judi's body would be preparing for breastfeeding this little one and that any jaundice would be quickly overcome and would be minor.

I lift up her husband and ask that the Lord would give him wisdom and a heart of service for his family.  Lord, let him be everything that she needs and more.  I pray that their family would be blessed during this amazing time.

I also pray for my mom and for their other daughter, Mikayla.  I pray that this time would be precious and that mom would be a blessing to their family and would help them to make this adjustment and transition as seemlessly as possible.  I can't wait to see the newest member of our family and get to spend time with them again in the coming year.  Thank you Jesus!

Knitting Therapy

Well, we've had a touch of some sort of intestinal virus going around that hasn't left me with much time or ability to be in the sewing room the past two days (at least it's only seeming to affect the lower end and not both... yuck!).  So, I've been taking care of other things and knitting whenever the opportunity arises.  I've still got a little ways to go before getting to the kitchener stitch phase of this soaker... but it's looking very nice and I am pleased.

Next I'm going to start on a pair of longies.  I was thinking of starting on a pair for Tabi.  But she's inheriting quite a few pairs from Eliana (who has outgrown almost all of hers).  So, I'm thinking I'll just start on a pair for the newest little guy.

And, I have a confession to make... I am HORRIBLE at trying to make center pull balls of yarn.  I'm definitely going to have to invest in a ball winder.  Because this was just awful to work with when I kept having to untangle a mess of thread.

Anyway... the knitting has been a sort of therapy for me recently.  I really enjoy just sitting and knitting to relax and destress.  I'm only sad that I didn't pick this up years ago.  Although, I'm sure it would have become a much more expensive habit already if I had.  Right now, I'm trying to keep myself on a "yarn diet" and not purchase anything more until I've gone through a bit more of what I've already gotten and put it to good use.  So far, so good.

Okay... the children seem to be playing quietly.  So, I think it's time to try to get into the sewing room for another short bit of prep-work and embroidery setup.  I will feel much better when I've got at least the next two current orders finished and shipped.

9/17 To-Do List

Here is this weeks list (updated 9/21 9:07am):

1. Continue current knit project for the new baby boy.  Another soaker... Then move onto longies?  Pick wool. - icompleted soaker... swatching for the longies.  Yeah!  ;-)
2. Take stuff from garage to goodwill
3. Dispute credit report issues.
4. Take care of bills. - in process
5. Barby's 18 Medium AIOs order started and worked in. - in process (all pul cut, fabrics pulled... marked the first 7.... going to finish those and then come back to this after orders are finished)
6. Order #159 (Dana) - due 9/25 - in process (need to serge and finish)
7. Order #160 (Melissa) - due 9/25 - starting late Friday... running behind due to sick littles
8. Order email (Britton) - due 10/5 work in
9. MDF Order #1476 - due 10/3
10. MDF Order #1477 - due 10/3
11. Order custome (Judi - M4T) - work in three small AIOs
12. Order email (Shadow) - work in... waiting on order
13. Personal order - need to make a couple of m/l AIOs for Tabitha
14. MiddayFaire September Stocking(s) Prep
    • Listings for the month as able.
15. Collab for BGM Anniversary Stocking?
16. Update fabric options on the website.  In process
17. Supply orders
    • Elastic
    • OBV
    • Other Organic inner options
    • Snaps?
    • PUL

Happy Birthday Noah!!!

Today is Noah's 6th Birthday.  He is my very first tubal reversal miracle.  We are working on the first grade in homeschool and he is doing AWESOME!  He is a very beginning reader and does excellent when he puts his mind to his work.  Today is a day of rest and play for us and he is enjoying every moment of it.

We bought him a set of youth golf clubs so that he can golf with his daddy and pappy.  It was the big thing that he really wanted.  He also got a car set from Memaw from Cars From Papa and a k'nex car toy from Pappy.  He is busily rotating through each of his new treasures and having a lot of fun.  He's decided that he wants to go to TGIFriday for our famil dinner tonight.  Then, we have a small cake to share back here at the house.  I'll update with pics probably tomorrow.

We are blessed beyond measure by this energetic 6 year old son that God gave us.  Thank you Jesus!