September 29, 2011

~37 Weeks~

It is almost October. Which means it is almost baby month!!! I am getting very excited to hold this little one in my arms and not this big belly. I am surprisingly not anxious, though. I know with Trevor and Ethan I was like get this baby out of me by 37 weeks but not this time. I am just fine with her staying put three more weeks, it will come soon enough as it is! I am also remembering and always thinking about the two babies that I lost in October (and of course will never forget the one I lost in January). October is miscarriage and stillborn awareness month, it would be great if you could say a prayer for all of the families that have been through such heartbreaking losses. These are babies that are angels in heaven, and always in the hearts of the ones that never got to hold them in their arms.

Last week I was dilated to 2cm, not shocking as I seem to be one that can walk around at 4cm for two weeks and still need drugs to really get labor going. Maybe this time will be different, I am so hoping for it to just all happen on its own. No cytotec (wish i would have know more about this drug, would never have let my doctor give it to me with Landon...horrid stuff!), no cervidil, no pitocin....that sure would be nice!

I am getting a lot done around the house, probably this is why my blogging skills have been terrible lately. Too busy doing laundry and organizing EVERYTHING! And purging, oh man am I getting rid of so much crap that we just don't need. I am taking advantage of just having Trevor and Ethan right now and getting this all done before a newborn will be taking up 95% of my time!

Belly shot with my scarf on, then realized the scarf kind of defeats the purpose of the belly shot...maybe not so much when it is this big hahaha
So here is take 2, no scarf :)

 

~Chunky Owl Hats~


I love these and have been eyeing different owl hats on etsy and ravelry for some time now. It has been on my never ending crafting "to do list" that I keep in my head. I finally made one for this baby girl that should be here soon. Turns out they are a hit, and so far I am in the process of making ten more for people who have wanted one. I am charging $20 a hat, if you want me to make you one let me know! If you know how to crochet it is a really easy project and only takes about 2 total hours from start to finish.
Infant/Newborn size
Toddler size (Ethan is always such a good sport always trying on the girly things I make!)
Two hats waiting for me to sew on the owl faces, one kid size and one toddler size

To make your own you will need:

  • extra bulky yarn (I use Lion Brand, Hometown USA), two skiens are needed, you can choose all the same color or make the earflaps a coordinating color
  • I use a size K hook for the hat, earflaps, and ears
  • Worsted weight yarn in white for the eyes, orange for the nose, and black for the eyelashes
  • I use a size H hook for the eyes and nose
  • Needle for sewing in ends and sewing one the eyes, nose, ears, and eyelashes
How to make it (this is not a pattern or even the best instructions, if you have questions please ask or google is always a great tool!):
  • First just make a basic hat, sorry instructions on how to make a hat....but a tip, use the magic loop to start the hat. It is the best way! And I also half double crochet this entire hat. If you need instructions on how to crochet a hat, search ravelry for a free patterns or just google it! 
    • For a baby hat, I usually start with 6 stitches and then increase until I get to about 36 stitches.
    • For a toddler hat, I usually start with 6 stitches and then increase until I get to about 40 stitches.
    • For a kids hat, I usually start with 8 stitches and then increase until I get to about 44 stitches.
  • If you are doing two colors, I do three rows of the trim color and then cast off. 
  • Once the hat is done, I do the earflaps. Again size depends on the size of the hat. I mark the middle left and middle right of the hat and then mark the starting points of my flaps, making sure to have 12 stitches across the front of my hat. I then do one side at a time, starting with either 6, 8, or 10 stitches.
    • Gradually decrease to get the desired length of earflap, cast off. Repeat on the other side.
    • Add either braids or tassels to the ends of the flaps.
  • Next I make the ears by chaining 4, 5, or 6 and then I use single crochet. Decreasing to get little triangles. Make 2. Tie a few scrap pieces of yarn at the top to make little tuffs. You can either sew these on now, or set aside and sew everything on at the end.
  • With the white yarn and size H hook, make 2 circles. I use single crochet and magic loop to start the eyes. 
    • round 1: single crochet 6 in loop (6sts)
    • round 2: 2 single crochet in each stitch around (12sts)
    • round 3: 2 single crochet in each stitch around (24sts)
    • round 4: single crochet in each stitch around (24)
    • If you want the eyes bigger, repeat round 4. 
  • With the orange yarn and size H hook, make a triangle for the nose.
    • Same concept as the ears, chain however many stitches you want it to be long and then decrease the stitches until it is the shape you want it. Tip, I usually decrease every row but one row I will repeat with the same amount of stitches to make it a bit longer...usually right in the middle so row 3 is usually a repeat row with no decrease.
  • When I chain/cast (not sure which is right, is cast off for knitting?), anyways, I leave a long tail and then use this tail of yarn to sew the eyes, nose, and ears into place. 
  • Now do just that, sew the ears, nose, and then eyes into place. Then sew on some black eyelashes with your black yarn. Finished, and so darn cute!

September 19, 2011

~35 Weeks~

Baby and I are doing great, I have my 36 week appointment this coming Friday and then I start going weekly...only 5 more doctor appointment. How is that possible??!!
Auny Pole came out to my house Friday evening and took some pictures of me at 35 weeks. She sent me a few of the pictures as a sneak peak and I love how they turned out, can't wait to see the rest of them!