Enjoying my miracle

The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him. {Pablo Casals}

Holiday crafting crunch

As I’ve posted here before, (the cupcakes, remember?) I have heavily been into crafting projects from wool sweaters that are felted since the release of Betz White's book, Warm Fuzzies, from the North Light line last year.

I took a break from sweater buying during my pregnancy to save money and towards the end the thought of sitting at a sewing machine was a little too rough to do—although I did get a chance to make Ahren a blanket around the time I was six months along that goes with us every time we walk out the door (so glad I mustered up the energy to do that!.)

A couple of weeks ago I decided to make the mittens out the book for some family members for Christmas and I ended up having to make Hope some as well. They turned out very cute and I will more than likely be making a few more pair before Christmas for even more family and friends.

And lastly for a Christmas party gift exchange last night, I made this great tree made out of the sweater scraps that have virtually overtaken my house. This is not in Warm Fuzzies, but was found online from a link just trying to find some Christmas decoration made from recycled sweaters. It turned out VERY cute, and now I’ve been talked into making at least a few more for teachers, etc. It is a great easy thing to make with all of the sweater scraps you have from prior projects, you just have to get over cutting out 32 circles! It took maybe 1-2 hours, tops.

I’m back!

Life’s turn of expecting a third has now turned into reality for our family and I’m back for what I hope to be more blogging, more creativity, more projects to show and more design inspiration to share. Here is a look at our family’s newest addition ...

12 days or sooner

The bags are being packed, the crib and changing table are all ready. My house is not, (an absolute mess!) but that should be fixed this weekend. I have the urge to nest and clean, but my body doesn’t quite want to as I start to think of it, I get too tired to do it.

It has been a crazy week, of anticipation about the election, let down and then moving on ... and moving on to more anticipation and excitement about our new baby boy.

I have 4 more days at the day job before leaving for 8-10 weeks; at a time when change and consolidation is happening within the company — something that makes me nervous about being out for such a long period. But work is work, and it will all just be there when I return, right?

I picked up this cute little onesie and bib at a craft show back in the summer. I’m contemplating taking his obligatory baby picture in it at the hospital. It is just too funny and cute, don’t you think? The bib is from kunklebaby who sold stuff at that same craft show, but also has a lovely little etsy store here.

OMG it has been a month

A month since blogging. If I have any avid readers out there, I apologize for dropping the ball on this blogging thing.

First, I can blame it on joining the land of Facebook. What a fun timesucker that is. In just one month I have 73 friends/contacts. Some people I haven’t talked to or seen in five years, some in fifteen years, and others I get the lucky chance to see everyday. What an absolutely ingenious idea this facebook concept is. And, also, timesucker. But, a great tool for networking I’ve found too. (It has made me miss my people in Tennessee dearly, though.)

Second, lots of cleaning, prepping, procrastinating for Ahren’s arrival in about 1 month, 6 days. Started nesting a little today, but still a LOT more to do. Anyone want to come and clean my closets out so the little guy has a spot for his clothes? Anyone?

Lastly, I’m bettering myself professionally by becoming more committed to design and photography as a solo artist. I’ve had some fun requests from co-workers and family to do some photography for them, and I've had a wonderful time doing it. Next week I embark on bettering myself as a semi-pro photographer and take on online class to make me love and understand my camera and its functions even more. The first step towards dropping that semi- off the front of that description. The key, of course, is to find the time to market myself as ”me” and maybe my wings can take flight.

Here is my future Cosmo cover girl on her school picture day this week. She has been asking lately about getting into modeling, professionally, herself. I thought about inquiring about it a couple of years ago when we started doing the knitting books for F+W. But I wanted to wait until she could ask, and have interest in doing it. But am I ready to be a mom to a superstar? Probably not.

When evil calls itself a martyr

Entering the grown-up world

Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity to do an engagement photo session for one of my co-workers, Kim. I must admit to having butterflies just before the session, as it was my first time shooting grown ups and not kids semi-professionally. I’m so very pleased with what has turned out, though. Go take a peek over at my Flickr link to see the photos I’ve processed and posted so far.

I shot these in an area of Cincinnati called Northside, an area where we will be doing a photo shoot for a F+W book coming up in a couple of weeks. I think I’ll be traveling back there often for photos, there are so many great spots!