Hopefully I won’t get a case of frogs with what I’ve stitched!

Blue Jeans and Daisies from Blue Ribbon Designs has been going well. All three parts of this pattern have now been released. What I’ve stitched is the full height of the piece, and most of part one that didn’t carry over into part two width-wise. Since this piece has a combination of framed and unframed motifs, I’m kind of just stitching wherever I feel like going. I loved stitching the tree. It’s a very striking square on the piece so far. I’m really looking forward to placing the large central motif on sometime over the summer.

For now, though I’m taking a brief break from Blue Jeans, since it’s all I’ve really stitched on in 2013. I had a piece kitted over the summer that I’d been itching to start and just didn’t get around to once pregnancy took over my life. And since this past month on the WIPocalypse was the Mirabilia month…

I finally started Shakespeare’s Fairies. This is what I focused on this past weekend for International Hermit and Stitch Weekend – mostly stitched during the Boston Bruins hockey games.  So far I’ve only been working on the central lantern carried in the piece, but it absolutely glows on this fabric, which is what I was hoping for. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the piece develops on the dark fabric – ever since I saw the original pattern, I knew I wanted to do it on dark fabric, allowing these bright lanterns to just glow in the dark.

I’m stitching Shakespeare’s Fairies on the remaining fabric from the full yard I had to purchase for my Chatelaine (Deep Blue Sea) piece. For months, I’ve been ID’ing the color as Phantom from Picture This Plus… but this cut still had the label on it… it’s actually Gothic from PTP – which explains why my fabric doesn’t have quite as much purple in it as Phantom does!  It’s 28 count, which will play nicely with the beading at the end (this is a Mira, after all… there will be bling!) I’m going to continue playing with this for the next couple of weeks and see how things go.

And the most recent photo of My Biggest WIP:

Max is now 6 weeks old, fast approaching 11 pounds, and already outgrowing his newborn sized clothes.  The little outfit he’s wearing today was what Erich and I bought from the gift shop in the hospital.  Max isn’t the best at breastfeeding and has been rather chompy since the beginning.  When we saw this little jumper, we had to get it.  The text on it reads “Hungry for a little attention… chomp chomp, snap snap” (and is decked out with an alligator).  We had a lovely day of 70 degrees in the afternoon, so it was just warm enough that I could comfortably keep him in short legged clothes (which is good… because I’m overdue to do some baby laundry!).

It’s amazing how he’s literally a completely different baby day to day. He even looks different. He’s getting stronger – he’s able to lift his head now on his own, although only for a short while (so the Boppy pillow comes in handy for pictures like this one). He isn’t very fond of naps during the day – by the time Erich gets home, I’m generally pretty wiped out because I’m on constant baby focus from the time Erich wakes me up (usually between 4 and 5 am) until he gets home from work (around 6 pm). At night Max will sleep in his swing, but during the day, he’ll only take little five minute cat-naps on top of me while nursing. It’s exhausting, and I’m going a bit crazy by the constant sitting (I’ve tried walks outside… it’s not a pretty scene), but I’m trying to deal as best I can. I know it won’t last that long. He’s a good-natured baby who just really, really wants to be cuddled right now, and I will oblige!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Spring has sprung here in New England. Our forsythia bushes are in full bloom these days, which I absolutely love – those huge firey balls of yellow just brighten everything up. Tulips and daffodils are up as well. Now the weather just needs to get a little warmer so I can comfortably leave the windows open all day (or comfortably head out with Max for some fresh air).

Having the little kiddo has kept my own stitching to a bare minimum these days, although I have managed to get perhaps 100 stitches in during the last couple weeks. Definitely far less than I’m used to doing – but I know someday I’ll be able to stitch at my regular pace again.

Looking forward to reading through your entries – they’ve definitely helped me keep awake during that deadly 4 am hour feeding!

Happy stitching everyone!

- Mel.

Important SAL Announcements…

Next month’s posting date: May 24

Themes for the upcoming month: If you’re looking for a way to decide what to work on, and want to play along with a theme idea, maybe try one (or more!) of the following:

Designer – Blackbird Designs

Project Theme/Style – Humor

Focus Colors – Purple and Brown

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Please remember that this stitch-a-long is intended to be fun – so if you’re too busy to post, too busy/ill/etc. to stitch – no worries. Post when you can and share what you have going, even if you’ve only been able to toss a single stitch into it. If you miss a few months, not a problem – just jump back in when you’re back with us! It’s not a race or a competition – we’re all just here to cheer each other on with our progress.

Due to different browsing software, some bloggers have found it difficult to check-in with their posts. There are three different ways to check in:

• Via Auto-link
• Via comments (make sure you include your blog address!)
• Via email – to measiwitch(at)gmail.com, only if the other two options are not working. Again- make sure you include your blog address! I’ll add it to the auto-link myself as I have a free moment.

Write a quick comment

Not that this is a newsflash to anyone who’s experienced first time parenting, but wow, it throws you for a loop.  Especially when the baby’s only five weeks old and needs to be held virtually all of the time, and Mom’s a bit frazzled from the newness of everything, her hormones (still) being out of whack, and oh god, let’s not go into the complications of breastfeeding (if you’re friends with me on Facebook… you’ve heard it a million times already).

Overall, we’re fine.  Max is doing great – at his one-month checkup, he’d gained 2 lbs and almost 2 inches in length.  We’ve now moved out of newborn sized diapers into the size ones (only about six diapers into a large box, of course… but thankfully we have friends expecting in September that we’ll pass the unused diapers to).  He’s settling into a routine that includes a couple of decently long evening/night sleeps.  Still isn’t in the crib, but likes to sleep either in his swing or tummy-to-chest on anyone.

It’s honestly more my struggle than Max right now.  Physically – I’m doing great.  I really don’t need my pain medication on a regular basis anymore.  I’m moving well. I’m a little sore at times, but nothing serious at all.  I really only notice pain or difficulty when I’m going up the stairs.  Emotionally, things are a bit more complicated.  I’m still figuring out how to read his need signals (especially the actual hunger vs. random fingers in mouth or just need to suckle for comfort).  Breastfeeding in general has been confusing and frustrating, and the professional consultation help has been, honestly, not helpful (and often contradictory and counterproductive).  Erich and I are working on a balance of breast and formula, and my logical brain vs. hormonal instincts are at war with each other about it right now.  Brain will win eventually… but for the moment, I’m a bit crazy.  I’m concerned I may be dealing with some post-natal depression due to the very drastic mood swings, appetite issues, and frequent bouts of feeling absolutely crap about myself and the whole being a mom situation,  even when I know that honestly… we’re doing fine and I need to just relax and roll with it.

I don’t doubt that a lot of it is just from sheer stir-crazyness. Erich went back to work last week, and that’s been a huge adjustment for me. Max just wants to be on top of me all day, nursing and cuddling. It’s cute and adorable, but when it’s been every day all day for over a month… it gets a bit trying on the adult brain. I’ve tried quite a few options (stroller, car ride, Moby wrap) to make it better, but the only success I’ve had is moving from the living room to the bedroom.  I just can’t seem to move on from the internal emotional struggles I’m having.  Maybe I’m wrong, but things just don’t quite seem right… and Erich’s also concerned.  I’ll be talking to my doctor about them on Tuesday when I see him for my six week post-operation checkup, albeit reluctantly. Hopefully I’m wrong – but I tend to be prone to some nasty funks from time to time, and it’s one thing when it’s just me dealing with it. It’s another when I need to be responsible for a baby’s welfare, too.

Part of that funk has also carried over into my stitching.  I’m struggling to focus on it when I have the opportunity to stitch.  So nothing really to share for updates at the moment.  I’m debating a new start on one of my already kitted pieces just to see if it brings me some new energy, although part of me is yelling that I already have a bunch of stuff in progress, and I really should do some focusing on one of those.

A big help for the boredom/funk, though, has been visits by grandparents and friends. Matt has been down almost every Sunday to get his “weekly baby time” and give us a little bit of a break (and watch Doctor Who and Game of Thrones). The lucky little guy has seen almost all of his grandparents already. Erich’s dad and his wife Linda came down a couple weeks ago for an afternoon, and then the next evening my dad and my brother flew in from out west for a three day visit.  My mom’s heading up this afternoon for a couple days. That leaves my dad’s wife, Anne, and the two living great-grandparents.  I’m happy that they all get to spend time with Max, and I’m hopeful the visits will stay relatively frequent.  No one is local to us – Erich’s dad being the closest at a bit over 2 hrs away, and my dad’s 2,000 miles away.  It may be a while before I’m able to get out to my dad’s with Max due to the amount of time it takes to fly out to Billings, but I’m hoping we can take him at least to Erich’s dad’s house in New Hampshire and down to my mom’s in Pennsylvania before mid-summer.  We’ve had mixed, but generally pretty good experiences in the car (so long as one of us sits in the back with him).  The eight hours of flight may be pushing it, though.

Visits have been a little awkward because I feel like I should be doing more as far as hosting goes (I blame my mom, who can keep up with Martha Stewart at times) – but for now, I know that I need to be realistic with a newborn.  Even house tidying is a bit of a struggle.  And yes, I know I should be asking them for help, but that just feels… weird to me.  Mom, for example, offered to clean when she’s up here, but I told her that instead of that – she could enjoy the time with Max, and I would get some time taking care of my house (as a break from the aforementioned “staying stationery with Max on me all day” issue).  I did take my dad and brother up on a couple small projects around the house, but it just felt… strange.  So back to respecting the comfort zone.  :)

But overall, things are going pretty well.  It’s a huge learning curve, but we’re getting there, despite my emotional freak outs. I know it’ll get better on that front… it’s just a slow climb.

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In any case, happy spring (or autumn, if you’re on the opposite side of the equator) everyone! I know I’m definitely looking forward to being able to push open the windows again and get some fresh air in the house once again. Those first few weeks of spring are always fun for me as I peek in every flowerbed for the first signs of spring blooms. They always seem to take so long to get going, and then we’ll get a couple of very warm days and BOOM! The world explodes into color. Love it.

Keep plugging away on your projects, regardless of how much or little time you have. Remember that every stitch helps you get toward your completion goal.

Happy stitching everyone!

- Mel.

Important SAL Announcements…

Next month’s posting date:  April 25

Themes for the upcoming month:  If you’re looking for a way to decide what to work on, and want to play along with a theme idea, maybe try one (or more!) of the following:

Designer – Mirabilia

Project Theme/Style – Samplers

Focus Colors – Blue and Orange

***************************

Please remember that this stitch-a-long is intended to be fun – so if you’re too busy to post, too busy/ill/etc. to stitch – no worries.  Post when you can and share what you have going, even if you’ve only been able to toss a single stitch into it.  If you miss a few months, not a problem – just jump back in when you’re back with us!  It’s not a race or a competition – we’re all just here to cheer each other on with our progress. 

Due to different browsing software, some bloggers have found it difficult to check-in with their posts.  There are three different ways to check in:

• Via Auto-link
• Via comments (make sure you include your blog address!)
• Via email – to measiwitch(at)gmail.com, only if the other two options are not working.  Again- make sure you include your blog address!  I’ll add it to the auto-link myself as I have a free moment.

Write a quick comment

Life takes some funny turns when you’re pregnant.  You know how websites emphasize that you should have that overnight bag packed and ready to go by week 36, because you never know when you’re going to the hospital?  Yeah.  They’re not kidding.   I’d like to add a little bit of advice to that – bring it with you to any doctor appointments starting at week 36, because you really never know.

The last few days of my pregnancy were a bit of a whirlwind.  On Thursday, March 7th, I worked at the office but left a bit early for two back-to-back appointments at the hospital – one for an ultrasound to double-check Max’s weight and that everything was going okay, due to my gestational diabetes diagnosis.  Immediately following that appointment, I went upstairs to Labor & Delivery for a Non-Stress Test (NST), which involves relaxing on a delivery bed with the baby heartbeat monitor for a minimum of a half hour, tracking how often the baby moves and also taking my vitals to see how baby’s responding to pregnancy.   The NST kicked off a series of events in my case – Max was doing great and passed the test with flying colors.  I, on the other hand, did not.  My blood pressure was high and all over the place.  My doctor then ordered some blood work and a urine test, both of which came back with some borderline iffy readings.  I was sent home to do a 24-hour kidney test to check for protein in my urine and was told to reschedule my prenatal for Monday.  Depending on the results of the kidney test, I was told to expect that I could be induced as early as Wednesday.

Meanwhile, poor Erich was sitting down in the hospital parking lot with no news as to what was going on.  I’d told him I’d be done with the second test by 8 pm, and it had passed 9 before I was able to leave the hospital.  In the whirlwind of events, I’d forgotten to bring my cell phone to the bed with me, so I had no way of updating him on my status, and he was a bit panicked with the text messages.  When I finally was able to leave and met with him in the parking lot, I filled him in and watched the reality bomb drop.  I was a bit shell-shocked, too.  I mean, yes – here we were at 37 weeks.  It’s not like Max’s arrival was that far off regardless.  But suddenly, we were looking at possibly less than a week.

I worked at home on Friday as I did the kidney test (fun fun) and let work know I’d also be home on Monday since I had to reschedule my doc appointment.  Thankfully I’d brought a good amount of stuff home to pass the two days.  Throughout the weekend, I came to terms with the idea that I was going to be induced.  Erich thought I was crazy and that I was over-reacting, but this time, I absolutely knew it was going to happen.  Here I was – 38 years old, obese, with a gestational diabetes diagnosis and now possible symptoms of at minimum prenatal hypertension, and at worst pre-eclampsia.  I was going into my 38th week of pregnancy.  Max was at a safe gestational age to deliver.  For me, this wound up being a no-brainer.  I was going to be induced, both for my safety and his.

Monday wound up being a normal work day, with my prenatal appointment scheduled for 4 pm.  I went through the day, got a bunch of stuff done, and then headed off to my appointment.  With that “I just knew” feeling sitting in the back of my brain, I put my overnight bag for the hospital in my car just in case.  My appointment went quickly – a review of the tests, which came back with mixed results.  My blood pressure was still a bit high, and the doctor decided to send me directly back to the hospital following my appointment for a follow-up NST and blood work, just to see where things were at.  So I sent Erich a quick text message to let him know what was up and drove over to the hospital, a mere 2 blocks down the road.

And this time, I made sure to keep my cell phone next to me.

A few things were happening now that hadn’t been at the last NST on Thursday – first, Max’s heart rate was a lot higher.  He was very active, but his heart rate just seemed to stay elevated the entire time.  Mine was also higher, less stable, and oddest of all – completely different when taken on the left side of my body vs. the right.  By 8 pm, the nurse came in with the hospital johnny and let me know I was staying “for a while.”  The on-call doctor would be in within the hour to examine me and see where things were at.  I let Erich know he should head down.  The doctor arrived and did the physical exam.  Due to the combination of all of my tests, my doctor and the on-call doc had decided it was time.  I was getting induced not on Wednesday, but starting Monday night.  Since I was only a centimeter dilated, the process had to start with an attempt to ripen and dilate my cervix using a foley catheter, and then in the morning, I’d be given the pitocin to induce contractions.

The next several hours were awful.   I was in a ton of pain, experiencing what can only be described as the worst menstrual-like cramps I’ve ever experienced.  They were completely random in duration and timing.  Some would pass quickly.  Others would build, start to die off, then go through a huge ramp-up.  I was given two separate doses of Ambien to help me sleep (the first didn’t work), plus an IV dose of some pain medication which immediately made me all woosy.  But thankfully, the combo worked – and I did get a few hours of sleep.

My doctor came to check on me in the morning around 8 am.  By that time, I’d received my first dose of pitocin and I was dilated about 3 centimeters, but my body wasn’t really responding well to it.  He went over my symptoms and confirmed that I did have pre-eclampsia.  With another physical exam, he expressed concern about my ability to deliver Max naturally and recommended we go forward with a c-section.  The Thursday ultrasound had placed Max’s estimated birth weight at over nine pounds.  My blood pressure was still all over the place.  And when he did another physical exam, he expressed concern that I might not have a large enough pelvic opening for such a large baby.  That final detail was what sealed it for me – I wanted no part of pushing for hours and hours, only to have Max get stuck and have to go in for an emergency c-section anyway.  Erich and I agreed – going immediately into the Cesarean was the best choice for us.  After all – healthy baby and healthy mom were the only important goals here.  We called my dad to give him the information, and he talked with my OB/GYN.  My dad, who’s a semi-retired OB/GYN himself, told me that based on all of the facts, he completely agreed it was the right call all around.  The pitocin was discontinued, and I was left to rest comfortably until it was time to prep for surgery.

I was wheeled into the OR around 11:20.  For those who don’t know about c-sections, the patient is fully awake during the procedure (unless there are other special circumstances).  I was given a spinal block to numb me from roughly the bottom of my ribcage down.  Erich was given scrubs and sat next to me the entire time, for comfort and support.  My arms would absolutely not stop trembling the entire time.  While I was numb to pain, I could still feel pressure… and felt a TON of pressure as they worked hard to get Max out.  He was pretty determined to stay in there.  At one point, I swore that the doctors were using some sort of a horrific wine corkscrew device on me – it just felt like my insides were being twisted to extremes.  Turns out that they had to use the suction device to get a hold of Max’s head to get him out. Either way, it was scary and I was crying and just wishing for it to be over.

And then suddenly, it was – and I heard baby cries on the other side of the room.

Max entered the world at 11:45 am on Tuesday, March 12th.  He weighed 7 pounds even and was 20.5 inches long.  After they checked him out, Erich brought him over to me (while still in surgery) so I could see him for the first time:

Our first family photo,around noon on 3/12/13.

I spent a couple hours in recovery, holding Max and attempting to breastfeed him as I regained feeling in my legs. I was told that I’d be in the hospital for the next four days, and that I’d be confined to bed until at least the following morning. A few extra details about what was going on with Max in utero confirmed that the c-section had absolutely been the right decision, and that it would have been the outcome regardless. And I’m relieved that I’m completely comfortable with it and don’t have any of the feelings of regret or that I missed out by delivering naturally. My goal was accomplished – I had a healthy baby, and I was coming out of my pregnancy in good shape, too.

A bit before 3, I was wheeled out of Labor & Delivery, pressed the official “new baby” button on the wall, which played Lullaby throughout the hospital, and was wheeled to my private room on the maternity ward. My mom arrived at the hospital that evening. We updated family with the news, and over the next few days, Max met his paternal grandparents, had a whole slew of tests done (including tons of blood sugar sticks, because he was hypoglycemic for a while), and spent essentially the entire time in someone’s arms.

We headed home from the hospital on Saturday and into this whole parenting insanity that’s exciting and overwhelming and exhausting. I’ve had a few emotional breakdowns from being overwhelmed, but they’ve been few and far between compared to just sitting and staring at this little baby in my arms in wonder and awe. We’re doing great (albeit a bit sleep deprived)… but the cats are looking out for me:

Colley was happy to help with my spare hand. Jack wanted to make sure my legs stayed still to support Max. (or so they tell me)

While I still don’t want to ever endure pregnancy again, I’m completely in love with this little guy.

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With the storms that have been flying through New England every weekend, I’m getting quite a bit of stitching done, and I imagine fellow New England stitchers probably are as well. While this weekend’s storm is due to bring my area rain, up to a foot or so may fall only about 30 minutes north of us. It’s crazy, especially after last winter’s complete lack of, well… winter. I guess this is Mother Nature’s way of making up for lost time.

I keep forgetting to post my own progress, but I’ll blame that more on pregnancy brain than anything else! If you’ve seen my pregnancy progress ticker, I’m now in the final days, so things are a bit crazy around here with final preparations. Out of precaution, I’m creating March’s check-in post now and scheduling it to post on time… the check-in date is only two days after my due date. I imagine I’d forget about the blog post if I didn’t do it now!

Looking forward to browsing through everyone’s progress photos during my bleary-eyed feedings with Max in the middle of the night next month.

Happy stitching everyone!

- Mel.

Important SAL Announcements…

Next month’s posting date:  March 27

Themes for the upcoming month:  If you’re looking for a way to decide what to work on, and want to play along with a theme idea, maybe try one (or more!) of the following:

Designer – Chatelaine

Project Theme/Style – Springtime (or, if you’re on the opposite side of the equator, autumn)

Focus Colors – Green and Yellow

***************************

Please remember that this stitch-a-long is intended to be fun – so if you’re too busy to post, too busy/ill/etc. to stitch – no worries.  Post when you can and share what you have going, even if you’ve only been able to toss a single stitch into it.  If you miss a few months, not a problem – just jump back in when you’re back with us!  It’s not a race or a competition – we’re all just here to cheer each other on with our progress. 

Due to different browsing software, some bloggers have found it difficult to check-in with their posts.  There are three different ways to check in:

• Via Auto-link
• Via comments (make sure you include your blog address!)
• Via email – to measiwitch(at)gmail.com, only if the other two options are not working.  Again- make sure you include your blog address!  I’ll add it to the auto-link myself as I have a free moment.

Write a quick comment

Pregnancy news
All continues to go well. As of Monday, I hit the “one month until due date” mark. My mom and I are both figuring I’ll likely go a little early, and for some reason we’re both in agreement that I’ll deliver sometime around March 8-13th, around my grandparents’ birthdates. We’ll see if that holds true, or not. That would put me safely in the 38 week range.

I’ve had two ultrasounds since early January to verify my due date and check on Max’s progress. Since I’m one of those mamas who flunked the glucose tolerance test AND I’m measuring quite big on the fundal height scale, I’ve been testing my blood sugar 4 times per day since New Year’s Eve, and the ultrasounds were to measure Max’s size and the amount of fluid I have. Thankfully all’s fine. My blood sugar is doing just fine – I’ll go a little high after some meals (we’re talking 130s, maybe 140s), but it always comes back down, and my fasting levels in the morning are nice and steady in the upper 80s/low 90s. The gallstones have been kept under pretty good control, although I have had a couple flare ups – mostly due to eating too big of meals for the amount of space I have available for food in my stomach these days.

I’m just measuring big on my fundal height (which is a low-tech measurement done with a tape measure over your stomach from the top of your uterus to the bottom… almost at the top of the genitals), and really… I pointed out to my OB that I didn’t start this pregnancy as a small woman. A lot of that fundal height measurement has to be due to my obesity to begin with, right? It’s the elephant in the room, but there you go – fat chick is going to measure fat when she’s pregnant. I’m still down nearly 20 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight, believe it or not – and my current weight includes whatever is in my uterus right now between Max, placenta, and fluid. Apparently pregnancy is my Weight Watchers.

I am having the typical end-of-pregnancy annoyances, and the cold/cough I’ve had this month haven’t helped. One day I’ll feel pretty good, and the next day I’m sore as hell and can barely walk. I tire easily like I did at the beginning of this adventure. I’m trying not to be whiny and cranky and just try to take it easy as best I can. Hard to do while working full-time with my commute from hell, but I’m managing. That’s all I can do.

I will say – Erich’s been amazingly awesome about everything. He’s picking up some extra chores around the house and trying to get me to sit still and be quiet in the evenings and over weekends. If anything, he’s perhaps a little over-protective of me. Right now, I’m loving it. I really am. Although I still have to protest because I feel a little helpless, and that just makes me grumbly. I know it won’t last for long, though – so I should take advantage of it while I can!

Baby Incoming Prep

Erich’s been working on prepping the nursery over the past few weekends. He also was nailed with this cold/cough, and was sidetracked one weekend when our power went out during the massive “Nemo” storm that came through… but he’s getting there. The wallpaper in what used to be my office has been extremely cranky to remove, even with a steamer, and there’s a lot of wall repair to be done due to what I’ve called “load bearing wallpaper” on one wall where the plaster fell off as the paper was removed. He’s hoping to get the walls completely stripped this weekend so he can do the wall repair over the course of the next week. Then it’s just painting.

We had planned to purchase one of the 4-in-1 convertible cribs from Babies R Us and then just use my desk as a changing table/storage hutch… but plans have changed (thankfully before we ordered the crib). We’re getting the nursery furniture via my mom for a great deal. She sells new homes, and the model she’s working out of is about to be sold. Since the buyer doesn’t want the furniture, it has been put up for bids first to employees, and then I guess whatever’s left over will be sold off in some fashion or re-used in other models (maybe?). This particular model was set up with a nursery, so we’re getting the entire room for a great deal. The furniture is all black and comes with a sleigh crib with an understorage drawer, a changing table with a hutch, and a bookcase. It looks like the instructions for the crib are in the drawer from one of the photos Mom sent me – so hopefully I can track down whether it converts into a post-crib bed or not (like so many of them do these days). The furniture will come with all of the bedding and such. It’s adorable bedding but entirely girl (think pink and white 1950′s poodle skirts… seriously, it’s adorable… but girly to the extreme). I’ll store that away for now. It’s never been used, and maybe will make a great gift or hand-me-down to a friend who has a baby girl later. (or who knows… maybe Max will be into pink poodles…). We’re going with the monkey/jungle theme for the nursery – soft greens, yellows, and browns.

Other than the nursery, all of the basics are pretty much together or will be shortly. Last weekend we picked up most of the basics we need to start off. Diapers in both disposable and cloth varieties are ready and waiting. This afternoon I’m going to get the replacement parts for the breast pump, since I do plan on breastfeeding and pumping (partially for when I go back to work, but also so Erich can share with feeding times), covers for the pack-and-play bassinet (since that will serve as a crib until the real one arrives), and a swing (for another sleep option and “mom needs to grab something or rest her arms” option). We’re installing the car seat this weekend. I’m gathering the basics for my hospital bag so it’s ready to go. Tomorrow is the big birthing class event (I’ll try not to think of the Bill Cosby routine when I’m “learning” to breathe). I just have a bunch of baby laundry to finish washing.

But honestly – other than being scared to death of this whole giving birth concept that’s looming, I’m feeling pretty good about where we stand on the supplies for now. I mean – toys aren’t really needed at this point. It’s basically safe sleeping spots, safety for traveling to the doctor, tons of diapers, clothes, and comfy spots for feedings and cuddles. To start out, at least, I think we’re in good shape… and worst comes to worst, Erich has to make a run to grab something.

Stitchy Updates
On the first day of February, I finished Pocketful of Peppermint by Blue Ribbon Designs:

Those who have followed my blog may recall that this was the piece I obtained via my first Stitcher’s Hideaway retreat back in 2010. Belinda Karls-Nace taught an ornament to go with it in class.  Mine is stitched on 36 count Legacy linen from Picture This Plus.  The only change I made was not using the Kreinik called for in the pattern – the color wasn’t working with my adjusted fabric choice (Belinda’s original was on a darker, raw linen color).  I opted to just use the white floss on its own (rather than the Kreinik/white blend).

I realized I never posted my ornaments from the end of 2012, so here are all of my finishes.  I was very busy in November!  (If you click on the photos, you’ll get a larger image from the page on my Flickr account for a better view)

For the exchange on the Super Serial Starters/Divine Disciplined Divas group on Facebook. This is from the 2012 Just Cross Stitch ornament issue. I stitched with GAST sampler threads and scrap fabric I had in my stash.  I twisted the cord out of DMC.

This was a fun, quick stitch… I think I did the entire ornament in a week, which is a record for me.

For the 2012 TWCOE (Teresa Wentzler exchange). This is TW’s Peacock Tapestry ornament. I pulled DMC colors between 792-800, plus a couple other colors to add in greys and such. I really like how this color variation came out… completely unplanned. I would just pull a color and start stitching.  I was a bit stupid and forgot to write down the color-to-color conversion, though… so it’s now officially a one-of-a-kind.  Cord is again twisted by me in DMC.

This was the ornament I stitched for the exchange for the Teresa Wentzler group on Facebook. It’s TW’s Father Winter ornament in called-for colors, finished as a hanging biscornu. I honestly LOVE how this came out, and I think I may finish my TW ornaments like this from now on, because I just love the three-dimensional finish (and it’s SO EASY).

Twisted cord again in DMC.  My mom’s kitchen drawer pulls got a work-out one morning over Thanksgiving weekend with all of these.  :)

So these days, I’m stitching on the new Blue Jeans & Daisies sampler from Blue Ribbon Designs… it’s the 3-part mystery that just was released in January. I chose to stitch on 35 ct fabric, which took a bit longer to ship due to a mix-up at some point in the supply chain, so I only received my chart and supplies about 10 days ago. I’m making good progress, though. Photo on the right is where it stood as of my photo yesterday afternoon. This sampler is MUCH bigger than the Pocketful of Peppermint one above. Just as with Peppermint, I’m working Blue Jeans on my 11 inch Q-snaps. Peppermint fit entirely in them. This is just part one of three for Blue Jeans, and the fabric is only a single count “bigger.”  The height of the sampler is about the same (I’ve stitched top to bottom to frame the left side already) – but  I have a lot of fabric width tucked under the Q’s in this photo.

It’s a nice, easy, relaxing stitch – so I’ll probably stick with this until I give birth.  And then we’ll see what I stitch on once I’m functionally able to again.  I haven’t made any real goals for 2013… just to stitch when and if I can.  Blue Jeans & Daisies was my only splurge purchase for the year.  I don’t plan on spending money on stitching supplies at all this year, unless it’s to replace a missing bobbin on one of my many WIPs.  I’ve been told by friends that I may have more stitching time than I expect once we have a baby routine down, but for now I know it’s best not to make any plans and to just let life come as it’s going to come.

So phew!  Status updated!  That took a bit longer than I expected… I’d better get my butt moving and get out to shopping for these supplies I need to buy.

I imagine, with how my updates have gone, that the next one will include Max saying hi in person.

Until then…

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If you’re a returning participant of the WIPocalypse – welcome back!  Glad you’re sticking around for another year of the insanity.    If you’re just joining us, welcome!  We’re glad you’re here.  Guard your wallet – because these update posts can get a tad dangerous at times!  Introduce yourself in your post, show us early pictures of some of the pieces you’re hoping to make great progress on this year, post some of your crafty goals.  You’ll find that really, anything goes with these posts.  Some folks wait and post all of their updates in one WIPocalypse post.  Others post frequently throughout the month, then do a quick recap to check-in.  There’s no wrong way to do it… however works best for you works best for us!

So before I go any further… there’s a drawing winner to announce for 2012.  I added the check-in links from each person to an Excel spreadsheet, and then used a random number generator from the internet to select the winning “row” on the Excel spreadsheet… and the winner was…

Rachel of Does the noise in my head bother you?

Congrats Rachel! I’ve already dropped you an email – but if you see this before reading your email, please contact me at measiwitch(at)gmail.com with your mailing address, and I’ll get the big stashy box mailed off within the week. :)

So off we go for another year, folks – I hope 2013 treats you well, both in crafty and everyday life.  Looking forward to browsing all of your progress posts over the next year!

Best,

Mel.

Important SAL Announcements…

Next month’s posting date:  February 25th

Themes for the upcoming month:  If you’re looking for a way to decide what to work on, and want to play along with a theme idea, maybe try one (or more!) of the following:

Designer – Little House Needleworks

Project Theme/Style – Love/Family

Focus Colors – White and Red

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Please remember that this stitch-a-long is intended to be fun – so if you’re too busy to post, too busy/ill/etc. to stitch – no worries.  Post when you can and share what you have going, even if you’ve only been able to toss a single stitch into it.  If you miss a few months, not a problem – just jump back in when you’re back with us!  It’s not a race or a competition – we’re all just here to cheer each other on with our progress. 

Due to different browsing software, some bloggers have found it difficult to check-in with their posts.  There are three different ways to check in:

• Via Auto-link
• Via comments (make sure you include your blog address!)
• Via email – to measiwitch(at)gmail.com, only if the other two options are not working.  Again- make sure you include your blog address!  I’ll add it to the auto-link myself as I have a free moment.

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I know I’d stated that I’d announce the winner of the WIPocalypse drawing this past weekend.  My excel spreadsheet that was gathering all of the information over the course of the year has crashed horrifically, and I’ve been recreating it slowly but surely this week during my evenings.  All of the auto-links are added back in for the drawing, but now I need to get the manual comments and email check-ins included.  With the exception of one month, that thankfully isn’t a long list, and should go quite smoothly.

So stay tuned.  I’ll announce the winner with the 1st 2013 post late tomorrow night (U.S. Eastern time) when I post the first 2013 check-in!

- Mel.

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All’s well. Kiddo’s measuring in the middle of the range of normal for size. Which is good,because I’ve had a couple of rocky weeks pregnancy-wise, and the less I have to worry about the baby, the better!

I spent a good chunk of New Year’s Eve Day in the hospital due to an intense pain that flared up under my right ribcage.  It kicked up around midnight, and by 4 am it hadn’t subsided and I finally declared I was done.  Off to the hospital we went, where I was promptly brought up to the maternity ward, put on the baby monitors, and went through a series of tests.  The pain is as a result of gallstones (which I didn’t know I had before now).  Not sure what’s next on that front – only that I need to watch my fat intake because there’s nothing that can be done at this point until I deliver.  I need to meet with the specialists and see what happens.  I’m hoping that I don’t have to get my gallbladder out, but if that’s what has to happen, then it will happen (ick).

The on-call OB/GYN also informed me that I’d bombed the glucose tolerance test the week before.  She was very preachy and decided RIGHT THEN that I instantly had gestational diabetes, declaring that I didn’t even need to do the three-hour tolerance test, and that since my doc wasn’t available for consultation, she was making the executive decision. She commented that my doctor (who is also a partner in her practice) had been “far too lenient with me.”  She also harped on my weight, insisting that I shouldn’t gain an OUNCE during pregnancy (apparently she didn’t bother to see that I’ve lost 22 pounds during my pregnancy, not including baby weight, and haven’t gained anything back), and wouldn’t listen to me when I explained what was going on with my weight.  She immediately put me on a 4 times per day blood sugar monitoring program via finger stick, which I’ve been very good about adhering to.

Trust me when I say… there’s no way I have diabetes with these numbers. And this is without any diet change, aside from watching my fat intake due to the gallstone diagnosis.  When half of my post-eating blood sugar numbers are below 100, and the max I’ve had at all was 150… after intentionally eating chips and a sub on potato bread?  Yeah.  No.  Sorry.  But whatever – I’m obese.  It’s not a bad thing to keep my blood sugar monitored.  It’s frankly a more reliable way to see what’s going on than chugging a bottle of glucose and sitting around for blood tests.

Needless to say, I really hope she’s not the doc on-call when I deliver… and I’ll be mentioning the experience to my OB/GYN at my next appointment.

Anyway… back to today’s ultrasound… I’m measuring about one week further along than my calculated date according to my last period back in June – but that’s been consistent throughout all of the ultrasounds. Considering that only about 5% of women deliver ON their due date and I’m within the margin of error, there’s no change being made officially.

BUT – even better this time around, we had a clear shot of gender. SURVEY SAYS….

(now watch my blog get flagged for porn because of that photo).

It’s not the clearest of shots… but we did get a big yawn and a smile at the camera… say hi to all of the bloggers out there, Maximillian!

More from me later (gotta get back to work…)

- Mel.

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