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I'm usually bah humbug about this particular Hallmark Holiday... 

but my sweet little darling just melts my heart every time. 
Happy ♥ Day, everyone!

Hurry, Hurry! Knit, Purl, Sew!

Stay on Booties, Aviatrix Hat and mittens of my own design.

Sipping my Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (love Alvita from Whole Foods), whilst on a break from nesting, I'm finally making it a point to post.  The idea has been nagging on me for a while.   I've neglected the site, yes...but for good reason(?).

Nesting has taken over my every existence.  Running after time.  I'm agitated and anxious.  I've scoured bargain upon bargain for baby gear & furniture.  Heck, it's been 4 relocations and 6 1/2 years since my not-so-little-anymore precious darling, U, was born.  Needless to say, I'm starting all over again.  But thanks to my awesome Bay Area friends, who lovingly transported a van-full of baby gear across the wide open desert, I've luckily gotten a head start.  Co-sleeper, crib, glider, changing table, swing, bouncer, Pack n' Play, car seat, sling, baby gym, the bare essentials are covered (I simply refuse to fall prey to the heavily marketed idea of amassing-baby-gear hype). A few essentials still remain in the list, but I'll get there in due time.

So now, the clock's a-tickin' and I can't seem to put the needles down.  This past month, I've knitted my fingers away to produce a cocoon, 2 hats, a pair of mittens, fingerless gloves,  leg warmers and booties.  I've also managed to sew 2 bibs and a burp cloth.  Never mind my messy house, which too, was neglected.   Still on the agenda, 2 nursing covers (+ 1 for my sister who just gave birth 3 months ago), as many appliquéd receiving blankets & onesies as I can muster, more burp cloths, a knitted blanket and another pair of fingerless gloves (they're just too adorable!).  Also on the list, will be to bust out Photoshop and come up with some iron-on designs.  Oh and yes I'm also making my own baby mobile.  At least that's the plan.  I've decided to put the quilt on hold (since learning to make it will take some time).  

I'm beginning to think I've gone mad... maybe just a little.  But then again, it's madness with a purpose. :)

Button Up Baby Wrap found in Ravelry (I'm still undecided whether to place the buttons as indicated in the pattern or use a ribbon instead).

The Lovebot & Kittybot Applique designed by the author.  

Beanie designed by author, Leg Warmies from Never Not Knitting and fingerless gloves by author.

 

Treading the Blue Skies Ahead

The beginning of the year always brings me to contemplation. Look back in order to look forward.  2010 has brought many changes to our family.  The mark of a new decade, a new phase in our lives, with some transitions, more welcomed than others.  A promising new job for the hubby, a new (and roomier) home, a new school for the kiddo and a (much anticipated) little pea in the pod.  

We miss our old home, our friends, the ocean, the vineyards, The Bay.  But the 831-mile change has enabled me to  trade-in the paycheck for little hugs and kisses (and yes, the usual tantrum).  This year I was able to make her little trinkets, bake for her, volunteer in school, watch her bloom.  All definitely worth the budget adjustment.

2 years ago, stressed from work and feeling a long standing guilt for leaving our pride & joy to the local kid center (10hrs/day, 5days/wk), I found myself thinking on what was important to me and our family, and that was how Epiphany came to be.  This new year,  with all its changes, my values still hold true.  Our family will be treading the blue skies ahead with 2o1o in the rearview.

Cheers to New Beginnings!

“Another fresh new year is here . . .

Another year to live!

To banish worry, doubt, and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

To pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs!”

~William Arthur Ward

A Christmas of Firsts...

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year.  But this year’s a little bit more special because of a few firsts…

First Christmas in our new home. 

First time in years that I actually have the time to prepare,

and enjoy the season.

First to make handmade gifts. 

 

First time in years to stay at home (instead of party hopping on Christmas day. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but it's just a good change)

and prepare Christmas dinner.

First time with my In-Laws.

I hope your Christmas was as meaningful, and peaceful and loving as ours.  And though I'm still recuperating from the sleepless nights of gift wrapping and endless cleaning and cooking, I'm definitely looking forward to the next one.  For a few more firsts are bound to happen, this time, with our new little addition.

Today We Celebrate Those Who Willingly Gave Their Lives In Freedom's Name

To all those who have served and continue to serve, Thank You!

Raising Our Child With Patriotic Pride

U was so proud to have her Veteran grandpa celebrate with her today!  

This Flag was made by the little hands 

of our Future.

In honor of all the men and women who fought for our freedom and that of our children's, U's  school celebrated by hosting a free-for-all pancake breakfast.     

Handmade With Love

My little tokens of love for my brand new niece.

Sharpie Couture

Here's what you get with a few Sharpie markers, some scrap fabric, a little imagination and a lot of child's play:

Project Runway: Barbie