SweetPea Castle

Joy is something we choose... daily.

Here I am... made it to 34 weeks with this pregnancy and so far have managed to stay off of full-blown bedrest, stay out of the hospital for any monitoring, and still be able to say that I am praying to make it January 1st and go into labor on my own.  ;-)  I have my next OB appointment this coming Friday and am looking forward to seeing Dr. Anderson.  I've been having lots of contractions recently and am curious to see if they are doing anything other than annoying me and worrying my hubby.

Today was a good mail day too!  I got my yuzu scented liquid wool wash from Whitney of Naturally Luxe and my kitchen smells rather divine right now.  One of the bottles had opened just slightly and a tiny little bit spilled out into the packaging.  She also sent me a sample of yuzu scented body wash that I can hardly wait to try.  I think I might put it in my hospital bag for an extra special treat after the baby is born.  I also got two packages from Cars From Papa today that are Christmas presents for the littles.  Oh!  And UPS delivered my nursing jammies that I ordered from Motherwear.

This morning... not so good though.  This was the second morning in a row that Tabitha decided she MUST be up and snuggling with mommy around 5am.  Daddy just isn't good snuggle material for her at that hour.  It wouldn't be so bad except that I'm up every 2-3 hours all night right now to go potty and try to get comfortable.  And, she doesn't care that she's kicking me on the outside and her baby brother is kicking me on the inside at the same time.  Then, of course, I had to listen to my usually wonderful husband laying behind me snoring.  Sleep is just not something that I'm getting much of and it shows in my face.  I feel like I've got HUGE bags under my eyes constantly.  I'm praying that Tabitha sleeps well tonight and that I can get some decent sleep... even though my hubby will not be here tonight or tomorrow.  He'll be down in Manassas joining the church float in the local Christmas parade.

Today I am just relaxing... in my usual spot... on the couch with my knitting.  There's diaper laundry in the washer.  I've got folded piles of laundry on one end of the couch and Eliana snuggled next to me... waiting for me to read her a book.  So, I best be getting to it before Tabitha wakes up from her nap and needs my more immediate attention.

I have no further custom orders to be finished.  Yeah!!!  :-) As a matter of fact, mom is currently working on a couple of AIOs for Tabitha.  We needed to go up to the larges for overnight with the extra stuffing she needs in order to stay dry through the night.

This means that mom is working entirely on unfinished projects in the sewing room or whatever I put together to be done.  I wish I could say that I was spending much time in the sewing room, but I have been commanded to make my place on the couch and relax.  So, that's what I am doing.  My mom rocks and I am so very blessed to have her so close and that she enjoys the sewing.  I am also constantly mindful of the fact that this is not "her" business, but mine... and that her assistance is completely voluntary and at her convenience.  So, I am not planning anything at all these days.  We are getting done whatever gets done and listing things as we feel up to it.  It's working well.

I am doing really well with the baby afghan.  I think I'm somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 way finished with it.  It is challenging my commitment to having only ONE knit project in the works at once.  However, I am sticking with it and finishing this before moving on.  After this, I've got a couple of soakers and another pair of longies I want to get done for the newest little guy.  Then, I've got a prayer shawl that I really REALLY want to get started on.

Healthwise... things are about the same.  I've been having more intense contractions again, but that is actually "normal" for me at this stage of pregnancy.  Just because I'm curious, I might have my OB check me at my appointment next Friday since they have to do the GBS test anyway.  I feel much better when I stick to the bed rest that I'm supposed to be following.  So, that's what I'm working on this week.

Time to run.  I need to snuggle with Eliana while Tabitha is down for her nap.  And, I'm trying to win an auction for Cars From Papa... something for Tabitha for Christmas.  And then there is more knitting to be done.  :-)  Have an awesome week everyone!

11/26 To-Do List

Here is this weeks list (updated 11/29 1:29pm):

1. Knit afghan for the expected new little guy.  - Cast on and up to the 140+ row.  I'll post updated pics as I'm able.  I think I'm just about 1/2 of the way done?
2. Knit i-cords for the three pairs of longies that I've finished. - Finished one and started on the second.  It's a tedious, time consuming task.
3. Have Jason schedule full physical with Dr. Duck.
4. Pack hospital bag(s) and fax pre-registration forms to the hospital. - in process
5. Check in with the endocrinologist office on Tuesday or Wednesday.
6. MPB Local Tax reporting.
7. Dispute credit report issues. - dealing with this now in preparation for house sale/hunting in the new year.  Need this resolved right away
8. Complete UFO and stock at MPB this month.  Plan upcoming stockings.
   • Unfinished works first - in process
   • Listings for the month as able.
9. Plan Collage stocking. - in process... embroidery finished.
10. Update fabric options on the website.  In process
11. Supply orders
    • Elastic - ordered 10/30... still haven't heard anything back on this.  Submitted Paypal issue.  Escalated to a claim.
    • Aplix
    • Snaps?
    • PUL  Checking into co-op

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, I am thankful for:

• That my Lord loved me enough to die on the cross for me knowing how much I would still struggle with being a sinful, selfish human... no matter how much I desire to be so much more like Him.
• That my husband of 20 years still loves me and puts up with me.
• my five amazingly wonderful children... and the one yet to be born.
• That I have the ability to homeschool my children and not subject them to the inluences of the world before they are ready.
• The fact that I have made it to 33+ weeks pregnant with this little miracle and am still able to be resting at home... as opposed to the hospital.
• The fact that I am still able to manage the gestational diabetes through proper eating and hope to not have to worry about insulin.
• That my mom and step-daddy live so close to us and have blessed us in ways that we can NEVER repay.  That they are such an integral part of my childrens' lives.
• That I am able to have such a fun and creative outlet in MudpieBabies that blesses other families.
• That I have such a wonderful church where I am blessed by amazing men and women whom I consider my family.
• That the Lord continues to provide in the most miraculous ways for our wants and our needs.
• My online friends in the WAHM and artisan communities.
• And so much more than I could ever write here...

Happy Thanksgiving!  I pray that my friends and family are enjoying food and fellowship with other friends and family.

Random thoughts and updates

I've decided that I'm not doing a weekly to-do list this week... it's Thanksgiving and I just don't wanna.  ;-)

My appointment with the OB went well yesterday.  I've been told to rest more often and they took a bunch of blood to check on some things.  As long as everything stays under control and I don't go into labor on my own first, I will be scheduled for an induction on January 2nd.  So, we'll be praying that things stay stable and that I go into labor on my own on the 1st.  :-)

I'm still working on the baby afghan and have 77 rows down... not quite halfway, I think.  It would be faster if I didn't keep making the same mistake in different rows.  Perhaps I've learned my lesson now after having to undo and redo at least 10 rows.  We'll see.  I'll try to post an updated photo at the end of the week.  I managed to slide in one of the i-cords that needed to be done and start on a second.  I'm determined not to start on any other "real" knitting projects until this afghan is finished though.  I think I'm going to work on a couple of quick soakers for this little guy when this is finished... before moving onto my prayer shawl.

I've got a finished semi-custom AIO and cover to ship out tomorrow.  Then, I've got a couple more special AIOs in the works that I hope to get listed in the next two weeks.

My father-in-law and step-mother-in-law arrive sometime this evening to spend Thanksgiving with us.  They will be here until Saturday.  My oldest son, Timothy, will be arriving sometime tonight too and will be here until Friday morning.  I'm looking forward to having the family around on Thanksgiving.  It should be a good day.

Time to get back to the knitting.  I also need to see if I can get someone to pick up the antibiotics prescription for Tabitha.  Her ear infection has been getting worse and the pediatrician called this in this morning for me.  It is my heartfelt prayer that this kick in quickly and she'll get back to sleeping through the night.  I pray each of my readers spends time with family and friends this week remembering all the things they have to truly be thankful for.  Godspeed... ~ Tiffani

ps.... oh... Janelle... Phoenix is gorgeous THIS time of year.  But, it's mighty hot in July and August.  ;-)  I'm looking forward to your return.

A day for relaxing

Well, today is a day for relaxing... sort of.  I am staying home today and resting as much as possible because of how much is going on the rest of the weekend and my OB appointment is Monday morning.  I actually have a lot I want to accomplish today.  But, most of it is going to require that I point and "grunt" instructions for other family members to take care of.  At least I got all of my wooly laundry finished on Thursday.  :-)

My visit with the endocrinologist went perfectly yesterday.  I have to call the nurse on Tuesday after I fax my latest updates to her so that we can go over everything.  And, I'm supposed to go back for an in person followup in the next 2-3 weeks.  I'm waiting until my OB appt on Monday to schedule it to coordinate with my next OB appt.  This business of having to drive 2 hours each way to appointments in Fairfax twice within a one week period has to go.  But, the good news is that so far I don't have to worry about starting insulin... yet.

I am really not as optimistic about the possibilities surrounding my ob appointment this coming Monday.  I am concerned with some of the recent signs of pre-eclampsia again.  Even more reason for me to be resting as much as possible and getting things ready for this little guy.

So, today I am going to be continuing the laundry... which includes prepping the cloth diapers for this little guy.  And, I'm going to be knitting the i-cords that I've started over on.  They are tedious and time-consuming... but at least I am more pleased with the tension on these.  Perhaps I'll post pics when I'm done.  ;-)  I'm also working with the rest of the family to get the dining room cleaned out.  I've got fabric and sergers on the table... and my hubby has a bunch of other stuff in there.  It all has to be cleaned out so that we can have Thanksgiving dinner in there.  Then, there's the baby afghan.  I have been struggling for the last two days with a dropping/picking up stitch problem that is driving me buggy.  So, I'm working with mom this afternoon to fix that so that I can move on.

Then, I've got some other knitwork that I want to get started on next.  But, all in due time.

Seriously though I am going to be parked on the couch for most of the day.  I might even get Tabi to snuggle with me since she is fighting an ear infection and generally not feeling very well.

Dead tired

I am exhausted today.  I could seriously lay down and close my eyes and I'd be asleep.  However, with three little children... that is NOT going to happen right now.  I've increased my iron intake and I'm praying that that helps things a bit.

I've been sitting in the playroom knitting while they play for most of the afternoon and I had to get up and get something to drink before I fell asleep at the needles.  But, at least I'm getting some good progress on this afghan.  I have so much that I really want to knit.  But, I learned a long time ago that I really NEED to finish one project before starting on another.  Or nothing ever gets done.

Jason is going to pick up some pizza for the children's dinner.  Then, I'm going to make a run to Walmart while he's feeding them.  I need to pick up some basics and the new Shrek 3 for us to preview before allowing our children to see it.

Mom has been very busy in the sewing room today doing prep work for two orders and some in-stock stuff.  She's been struggling with back pain for nearly a week now and I'm sure has called it a day.  She left to go eat some lunch and relax.  I'm going to call over there shortly and see if she or daddy want to drive me to the store or if I'm driving myself.

Time for me to go find a Baby Einstein that might entertain the children until the pizza can get picked up and brought back.  I might just have to find a cup of coffee too.

The afghan

This is the work in progress so far... Not the best picture, but it's as good as it gets right now.  This is being knit from the "Little Boy Blue" pattern from Leisure Arts "Our Best Knit Baby Afghans" book.  I've always been a fan of variegated yarns and threads... so even though it called for a solid baby blue... I'm doing it in Plymouth Yarn Encore Colorspun color #7518.  It's got a really neat striping effect.

Perhaps one of my next afghans for the little one will be a bit more expensive and I'll splurge on some really really nice wool.  But, it makes my heart race to think of the cost of some really nice hand-dyed merino or Black Berry Ridge would run me for this.  Perhaps I shouldn't think so much and consider it an heirloom investment next time.

Anyway, I am starting the 38th row on this after I get some lunch and we'll see how far I get today.  Right now, it's time to eat and I think I'm hearing Tabitha begin to stir upstairs from her nap.  Today is a good day.  :-)

Just relaxing

That's what I'm doing these days... just relaxing.  I have learned that I really must listen to my body and take things easier if I want to keep feeling well.  My eating yesterday was pretty awful... not at all like plan and I'm paying for it today.  My blood sugars were very wacky and I have to talk to the nurse again tomorrow with my numbers to see if we are going to have to start insulin.  Yuck!  So, I've been a good girl and eaten according to my plan and rested today.

I am also enjoying plenty of time knitting and playing with the littles.  We are all fighting off a touch of a head cold... so I'm afraid that they were all quite grouchy for most of the day.  But, we got through all of Noah's homeschool work and rested in the living room watching movies after lunch.  All in all, it was a good day.  I am praying that tomorrow is still better.

The afghan for the little guy is coming along well... slowly, but well.  I'm glad to have something productive to do while resting so much.  It also helps the time go by faster.

Janelle... we missed you too and can't wait for you to return!  Black Friday is the term that is used to refer to the shopping day after Thanksgiving.  Perhaps it's because so many people end up black and blue from all the elbows and being run over by others trying to get to the best sale items.  ;-)  Oh... and I asked my mom and daddy to pick up the stuff that I needed from Costco today.  I could have gone with them, but wasn't feeling well and opted to stay home.

I'm still working on getting things prepared for this little guys arrival and praying that he holds out till January 1st.  In some ways, I would be glad for him to arrive sooner.  My body is surely feeling overwhelmed this pregnancy.  But, financially and for his best health... it would be so much better if he arrived January 1st or later.  I've got diapers to gather and prep for him... clothing to launder... and things to get organized.

I've got my basic hospital bag packed, but now I need to finish it.  I'll tackle that in the next couple of days... just to be safe.  Anyway, I'm off to get ready for bed.  I'll probably knit a few more rows of this afghan before turning off the lights and drifting off to sleep.  I'll try to get pictures of it tomorrow.  Today was just too dark and dreary to get any decent photos.

11/12 To-Do List

Here is this weeks list (updated as of 11/17 9:54am):

1. Knit afghan for the expected new little guy.  - Cast on and up to the 50-somethingeth row.  I'll post updated pics as I'm able.  I'm trying to fix a problem in one of the chevrons right now.
2. Knit i-cords for the three pairs of longies that I've finished. - Starting over.  I'm not happy with the tension so far on the first one.  It's a tedious, time consuming task.
3. Endo Visit on Friday.
4. Have Jason schedule full physical with Dr. Duck.
5. Plan housecleaning for Thanksgiving - in procss... waiting for a return call from Judi of Maid 4 Today... she doesn't have any openings at the moment, but is still waiting for return calls.
6. Church leadership dinner in Manassas on Friday.
7. Dispute credit report issues. - dealing with this now in preparation for house sale/hunting in the new year.  Need this resolved right away
8. Take care of bills.
9. MiddayFaire November Stocking(s) Prep
   • 11/13 stocking
   • Work on listings for Black Friday Stocking - in process
   • Listings for the month as able.
10. Complete UFO and stock at MPB this month.  Plan December stocking. - in process... stocked some small AIOs Monday
11. Update fabric options on the website.  In process
12. Supply orders
    • Elastic - ordered 10/30... still haven't heard anything back on this.
    • Aplix
    • Snaps?
    • PUL  Checking into co-op