Grady lately

Darling girl

Dear Grady has been so lovely lately.

What I shouldn’t do

So I’m watching the original Star Trek, after finishing and absolutely adoring Next Generation and Voyager. There are parts of the original series I like (Spock, episodes written by Mr. Roddenberry) but for the most part I’m actually pretty disappointed. In my opinion, TNG and Voyager’s strengths were in how they rose above petty boring typical conflict and actually talked about interesting important ideas. But more often than not, the conflicts in the original series are just a tool to talk about sex. Which is boring and limiting and kind of infuriating. And also the first season is just so incredibly sloppy. And also Kirk is a boring ass.

Anyway, one thing I like about the original series is this thing the doctor says in the episode where Romulans (seriously, SUCH a typical and boring adversary) are introduced. I like it so much that I want to change the last word and embroider it for miss Grady Edna Isabel:

“In this galaxy, there’s a mathematical probability of three million Earth-type planets. And in all of the universe, three million galaxies like this. And in all of that, and perhaps more, only one of each of us. Don’t destroy the one named Grady.”

It’s spiritual but not religious, it’s honest but loving, and I really really love it. Reasons why I shouldn’t make it:

• Because those figures are probably totally inaccurate.
• Because what if Grady grows to resent Star Trek and eventually hates me for making it.
• Because I should focus my time on actual practical things.*

But you know what? I’m going to do it. Granted, it’s going at the end of my very long list of things to make, but I’m going to make it. I think I’ll embroider the Enterprise in light blue on white, and then embroider the words in dark blue over the ship.

 

*Psh. What am I talking about, that’s all the more reason to make it. Time-wasting as a form of revolution?

Inspiration struck

After writing this post I combed the internet, twitter, books and my refrigerator for an idea of what to stitch next. I kept gravitating and then getting repulsed by negative ideas for stitching – like those cancer cells I mentioned. I think I couldn’t get them out of my head because the freeform shapes I made are so reminiscent of atoms and cells. Finally, I heard Grady cough in her sleep and remembered that she’s really all the inspiration I need.

I had no desire to stitch up a birth announcement after she was born, but now felt like the right time. I’m really excited about how it’s turning out, but unsure of how to display it. I don’t want it framed, but am concerned about just pinning the fabric up because I used quilt batting to back it. And I think that kind of takes away from the simple beauty of the handkerchief. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll figure it out.

What have you been making lately? I so love learning about what readers have been working on.

Shivering and nostalgic

It’s snowing for the first time outside, and I’m putting a lot of effort into sending my mind back to June. Playing with Grady by the Virgin River, watching a friend’s dog swim her heart out while playing fetch. Feeling some warmth from the sun, knowing that we had all of summer to look forward to.

It cracks my heart wide open.

Grady has never been a particularly snuggly kiddo. She’s wiggly, she’s busy, and she likes to figure things out on her own. It’s taken her almost two years to figure out that a hug from me can help her feel better when she’s sad. This trait of hers is partially why we love nursing so much; some days it’s the only snuggling we get in.

But recently, this little sweetie has decided that it’s nice to snuggle with me. She loves to fall asleep with me before I bring her to her bed, and I am definitely not complaining. It’s my favorite feeling in the world to have her fall asleep on my chest. I look forward to it more than anything else. It’s so nice to hold the person I love most, to smell her hair and feel her breathe. Motherhood can be pretty wonderful.

Seriously, there is nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby or toddler.

One year ago today.

Look at that little peach-fuzz head. With Grady’s second birthday quickly approaching I’m getting all sentimental. She’s such a wonderful girl and thrilled and grateful to spend every day with her.

Bah-lub bah-lub bah-lub.

That’s the noise Grady makes when she’s bouncing. She’s an old pro at jumping on beds and the trampoline now, but these bounce houses in July were close to her first experience with jumping. Pretty adorable.

Polkadots + Bananaphone

Having a chat on the bananaphone before visiting the pool in Vegas.

Independence day?

What’s that you say? July 4 was more than a month ago? Shut your mean little mouth.

This year was the first time we held the family party at my house, and it was a blast. I’ve probably blathered on about this before, but my backyard is so excellently set up for parties. I just want every party to be there. (In fact, I’m throwing one in the backyard tomorrow! Just an excuse to celebrate friends and summer and crafts. If you’ve met me before, you’re welcome to come! And if you haven’t met me before, don’t worry. You’ll see pictures of the party in one month and 9 days.)

Grady’s dress is adorable, right? It’s just a thrift store Swiss-maid toddler dress. No big deal.

This was also Cade’s first time meeting that side of my family. He also met my neighbors, which are basically more intimidating than my family. But, you know, he’s unflappable*.

Grady and Ben (Jenn’s husband) hung out in the sitting hammock.

There were bubbles. Oh, were there bubbles. Also: volleyball, motorcycles, motorcycle burns, deeelicious food, trampolines … let’s just say that by the end of the party Grady was so happy that she couldn’t stand up. Literally. She kept falling over because her smile was too big.

Elsie! This is Grady’s slightly-older cousin Elsie, and the aforementioned trampolines. We have a hole in the yard that is meant to be a trampoline, but we’re missing a few springs. So now it’s just a hole filled with sharp rocks. Party!

I’d like to thank my lovely sister Jenn for taking every picture except for this one. Not that she didn’t take it, I just don’t want to thank her for it.

I made some lovely decorations for this party that I’ll blog about either tomorrow or on Monday. Or in a few months.

 

*Unflappability (shut up, it’s a word) is a quality that drives me nuts, so naturally I have a list of things to do/say that will make poor Cade insane. Flappy? Is that what we’re saying when someone is unflappable? That they are the opposite of flappy? Anyway, when I get bored or blue I peruse the list and laugh about how much fun I’m going to have. For some reason he still likes me.