Girls weekend renamed...

Happy as clams

Val suggested that we rename our Girls' Weekend to Knitting Weekend- and I think we're contemplating calling next year's Knitcation.
It does seem that since we all like knitting and it was super hot and humid here in Atlanta this past weekend that we did a lot of knitting, chatting (while knitting), chick flicks (while knitting), pedicures (while knitting) so perhaps this change would be appropriate.
Tim took the pictures and he thought we should definitely have our newly pedicured feet in the shot.

Val is knitting socks as a surprise for her husband's birthday in October (I am assuming he doesn't read my blog and I won't ruin the surprise), I am knitting a baby sweater that has a darling owl pattern on it (will post pictures of it when I am finished), and Christi is knitting Elsa an elaborate sweater for this Fall/Winter.

Father's Day

If you know Tim at all you know he LOVES to fly-fish and now that he's having a boy I thought a few books might get his imagination going on what it will be like to share his love of fishing with his son.

First gifts

Since this is sort of my online line baby book so I can remember things later on I thought I'd post some of the lovely gifts I've received on behalf of this baby.

Sue Johnson (Christi's mom) gave us our very first baby gift. At the time I couldn't imagine having a baby by Christmas that would fit this reindeer onesie, but I am slowly getting used to the idea.
From my sister, Krista, a cuddly bear for snuggling. The softest of all materials. I am sure it will be loved.
Christ and Jarrett went to Oregon earlier this year and brought back this great monkey for the baby. And then last Monday when we found out we are having a boy Christi got us our first boy outfit.
That same day I bought my first boy outfit- couldn't resist a little shopping celebration.
I also stopped that day by the local consignment store looking for some summer maternity options. Didn't find anything for myself, but did find these for $17. The outfit on the right has tiny fish on the pants and hat that I thought Tim would like.
At least two years ago when I was living in VA I went to my local Hancock's fabric store just around the corner and browsed through their flannel options, found some great ones and whipped up these blankets and burp cloths. I have some of the duplicates away, but saved a set for me for my someday baby.

My darling Momma

When I was 13 I went to summer camp for a week- one that my sister, Krista, had gone to the summer before and loved. When I went I was still in the throws of teenage shyness and awkwardness- not knowing anyone there and not wanting any attention.
Unfortunately the camp had a supposedly fun policy that any camper who received more than 3 pieces of mail on a given day had to get up and sing 'I'm a little teapot' in front of everyone. My mom knowing this and being totally taken in by the idea this is a fun policy had everyone in my family - including the cats - write me separate letters. I knew I was in trouble when I got the camp counselor was calling out the names of the campers to come up and get their mail and when he handed me mine I noticed the envelope had a small number 4 in the upper corner. Then came the rest for a total of 5, dooming me to singing with hand movements the chosen song.
Even though I was mortified to get up in front of everyone I still loved my most darling mom for being so thoughtful and thinking of me that week. She's like that, loving, thoughtful and willing to go to great lengths for her children. The best of all mommas.
The reason this camp memory returned to me recently is that lately I've been getting a small package each week with one item of gender neutral baby clothing or other baby article. This last week (the 4th week of the packages in my mailbox) I noticed a small number 4 written in the upper corner and I gave my mom a ring and asked about it. Apparently when she and Krista went to Carter's a while back there was a great sale on and she couldn't resist the darling baby things but thought it would be way more fun for both her and me to send me one at a time rather than one large package (5 more to come). Like I said, she's like that, loving, thoughtful and willing to go to great lengths for her children. The best of all mommas.

Week One
Week Two
Week Three
Week Four

Val and Christi

Weekend with the girls

Every year I get together with Christi and Val for a girls weekend- we've all been friends since sophomore year of high school in NC. In the past we've gone to the beach, the mountains and this year we all gathered in Atlanta since Christi's daughter Elsa is still nursing.

It's a pretty low-key weekend- not too much planned: chatting, playing with Elsa, knitting, pedicures, making homemade mozzarella, chick flicks, eating at favorite restaurants, and in general catching up. It's all wonderfully relaxing....sigh.

The above picture is my pedicure in action...some sort of heated boot with lotiony something or other on my feet, a growing belly and the beginnings of a sweater for baby.

thoughts on girl vs. boy

Anyone who asked me prior to today knows that my answer to the question "Are you hoping for a boy or girl?" has been a definite "Girl!". I know girls, I have two sisters, I understand what girls go through...but boys, they are an enigma to me. So I've gotten quite a few emails and responses from friends and family after finding out he is indeed a he wondering how I am feeling about having a boy.
Here's what I wrote to my friend Shelly:

I know it sounds totally cheesy but part of the reason (a very small part) of why I preferred a girl is that there are so many cute knitting patterns out there for girls. :)
However, Tim had said a little while ago that he'd be a bit more comfortable with a boy b/c he'd have a better idea what to do with him- as a child, I think, not so much a baby....that'll still be quite the adventure for him! But he can imagine fishing, woodworking, playing with radio-controlled cars, etc (you know, all the things he loved as a boy) with a son. I think he couldn't imagine doing the same with a girl (and maybe he also had some thoughts that I'd take all of a girl's time baking, knitting, etc).
So since Tim said that I'd been thinking more and more that I'd be okay with a boy and enjoy seeing Tim with a son. And recently my thoughts about finding out the sex were supplanted by silly worries about whether or not it would even be healthy...so seeing that everything looked good was good enough for me.
Not to say that I wouldn't have had a special leap of heart if he had been a girl, but from the very get go I had guessed we'd had better odds of having a boy based on the timing of when I got pregnant.

So I am having a boy- and I will love him dearly, even if he pees on me when I am changing his diaper, even if he wants to hang out with papa on the river on the weekends instead of with me in the kitchen or at the yarn store.
But I think I'll still want a girl next time...if, after labor and delivery, I still want to go this route again and if I can convince Tim!