Hey! Hey you guys!

I have an idea! Let’s blog about every thing that isn’t sad and/or confusing!

Bean sprouts are probably some of the best things in the world. Just yesterday morning these gigantic babies were still under the soil. Bean sprouts are just so dramatic and satisfying. I also like how the seed is part of the sprout in a way much more obvious than in other plants. (Those two bottom fake-leaves are actually bean-halves. Totally awesome.) I’m growing three variations of garden beans this year; one green, one yellow, and one deep purple. Those tall babies in the background are corn, obviously.

Also, this just made me realize I should blog about the specific ways I overcame the magnificent massacre that was last year’s garden. Noted.

Jeanette gave me this awesome dollar-store candy bracelet the other day, and I loved it. Huzzah for awesome lady-friends.

Grady prettymuch tries to copy everything her Grandpa does. When he took a wee grass-nap, she tried but only lasted about 30 seconds. Toddlers must never lie down! Did you know this? In any case, I am obsessed with this photo.

Norm! I heart Cheers so much right now. I’m watching it all the way through (as it’s available for instant streaming on Netflix) and it just brings me so much happiness. Currently in season 8, which came out the year I was born.

Smooshy sleepy baby. There is nothing better in the world than holding a sleeping baby. (Excuse my near-boobage; Grady fell asleep atop me while I was wearing a bathing suit.)

Straight from smooshy sleepy baby to fancy drinks? I suppose so. I made this strawberry gimlet thing and am super proud of it. ‘Twas delicious.

AAAAH I LOVE HER SO MUCH IT HURTS. Also, I like how she kind of makes intellectual faces while watching Bubble Guppies.

Squee, bathtub baby! She has recently decided that bubbles are the most delicious things, so we don’t do bubble baths any more. So I thought I’d capture her last bubble bath for a while.

A solemn vow.

I hereby declare that I will never ever knit a beanie or toque for a newborn, infant, or toddler. EVER.

I am of the opinion that a proper baby/toddler hat has some sort of earflaps or chinstrap. Anything else is, in my opinion and experience, far far far less useful.

(But, because I am loathe to become one of those interneters who never credits sources, here are the links to these patterns, top-to-bottom and left-to-right: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.)

Perfect creature.

(I know. I’ve shared pictures more or less just like this about a hundred times. But a sleepy happy baby is just the best thing.)

Sneak preview

You’re going to see more photos like this in a couple days or a few minutes or something, but I wanted to show you this one first, because it just pulls on my heartstrings.

This is what my relationship with Grady is mostly like right now. I’m standing up, working at some stupid thing, and she’s right in my face pulling on the hem of my skirt and looking at me. Asking, asking, asking. And that doesn’t sound too wonderful now that I type it (and sometimes it isn’t too wonderful, to be honest) but most of the time it makes me happy.

The beautiful dress she’s wearing was knitted by my friend Caitlin for her birthday, and I’m just now getting around to editing photos of it. More on the way.

 

Stuff I made

First of all, I made this gif of Ron Swanson getting kissed by a puppy. It was for a friend, but I think I’ve gotten more enjoyment out of it.

I also made this awesome baby. And the hat she’s wearing.

It’s a touch big, but that’s intentional. The pattern is Aviatrix, and I think this is the fourth time I’ve made it. Love, love, love this pattern.

Oh man. I love her a whole lot.

Baby baby baby

A couple days ago Grady tried to pull off this hat while I was driving on the freeway, unable to pull over to free her from the entanglement. The hat got twisted to where she couldn’t take it off (yay chin straps), and covered her eyes. And then she fell asleep. Too cute.

I guess this also counts as an FO post. The hat is from the book Vintage Baby Knits. It’s also available online, but you should buy the book because it’s awesome. The yarn is a merino from a discount store.

(Written from my phone because I don’t have the will to get out of bed. Happy NaBloPoMo.)

10 cool things for babies

DIY tutu! Grady needs one.

Shirred dress from a men’s shirt. So cute.

I love this nursery wall hanging.

Ah! Too many cute things!

This is too adorable, and it’s a free pattern – not just a tutorial. But “Go To” should be hyphenated.

Not too shabby. Unfortunately we have a zillion baby blankets. But this would be pretty cute as a lap blanket, or even adult-sized quilt.

DIY learning!

This is a soup for babies that I really need to make for Grady someday. Really really really.

Cute cute cute cute cute. Pattern from Sew, Mama, Sew.

Solar dress pattern. I love the simplicity of it – it could handle some serious prints without being out of control.

As promised

I am embroidering this thing. Slowly, as I’m seldom in a mood devoid-of-hate-towards-it-enough to work on it.

She is so perfect. And she looks absolutely nothing like me.

Last month I was driving to school, and this mascot for some local sports team was riding a motorcycle. No big deal.

Little-little (one of her many nicknames) in the newsroom.

And at home. She’s working on her dissertation, so she needs to chew on a lot of pencils. Also, I love that dress.

Kitty kitty kitty. Sometimes Grady almost says “meow;” I’m pretty sure it will be her first word. Except she says it like Winston, and Winston’s meow is more of a nasal “mrrrrrrrrrrrow.”

Seriously. This kid.

Yum, pants! Don’t worry – they’re clean. Also, my apartment is a mess.

Speaking of pants, Grady tries to put almost everything she picks up on her head. And sometimes she succeeds. Too lazy to change the orientation of these shots.

Reading, while wearing a knitted dress! She makes me so happy. Caitlin knitted this dress for Grady for her birthday – and we love it. Caitlin, I’ll get around to editing and sending these pictures to you soon.

10 cool things for babies

IT’S BACK! I’m going to try to not just type “squeeeeee!” about every photo, but can’t make any promises. The selection this week is pretty damn cute. Also we’re trying WordPress’ automatic gallery settings this time, because it is late and I am tired.

1. AH! I don’t actually know where this image comes from. But still – it’s amazing. These would be a blast to make out of re-purposed fabric.
2. Soft baby book by Kristena Derrick. Um, this is immaculate. If I ever make this, it will most likely be far in the future, for someone else’s baby – you know, when my life is totally under control and I have a ton of time on my hands.
3. Um, I used the wrong photo for this. It is an amazing tutorial for a fitted crib sheet. And you should click through, because this person’s nursery is amazing.
4. I get the feeling that Grady would totally not buy this toy laptop from Journey into Unschooling. At least not yet. She doesn’t go for the fake cell phones she already has.
5. Child’s sweater vest from an old sweater tutorial from Made. Ah! Grady needs this!
6. DIY baby toddler yoga pants from Samster Mommy. Yes. So much yes.
7. GASP!
8. Cute toddler dress from a t-shirt from 3 Red Buttons.
9. Sock bunny! From Whipup.
10. My favorite toys to make for Grady are always bunnies. And this one from Chez Beeper Bebe is just perfect.

afternoon of June 25

Fragrant honeysuckle outside the window.

Sweet baby sleeping on my bed.

Good book waiting to be finished.

Fat cat hogging all the carpet.

Beautiful backyard asking for a hammock.

Bowl of cherries to be frozen.

All as zombie-bowie supervises. Not too shabby.