...Cherish

Knit Swaddle Sock Tutorial

Andrea said:
"So, I just came across your blog with this post. Beautiful pictures! It looks as though you do a lot of knitting. would you be willing/able to create a post with instructions on how to make that blue blanket thing. A friend of mine said it is a tube? Anyway, I have baby number 4 coming in May and I'd love to make him something similar. My favorite part is the way the edges curl. I love it! Thanks for considering!!"

 Thank-you so much! This post is for you Andrea! I love requests.

My favorite baby tool/item this time around is this little swaddle sock. We've often seen adorable knit tubes that photographers use. For newborns,these are more than cute, they are extremely practical. Especially for small babies, like mine. It's great for that awkward stage where they swim in every type of clothing!

I didn't actually follow any patterns, but I will try to convey how it is made. It is a tube, without any increases or decreases. I did crochet a string to use as a draw string in the bottom of it - however, I quickly stopped using it and just took it out. Babies, we all know, like to be warm - this could be worn over just a diaper, or a onsie, or clothing for extra coziness.

The secret to the curling edges, Andrea, is a loose cast on and a very loose cast off. If it is too tight a cast on/cast off, it won't curl the same.

Yarn: Whatever you like. Preferable something that is soft, natural, and washes well. I chose cotton, think it is 3-ply. 

Cast on 58 loosely onto size 4.5 mm Double Pointed Needles OR Circular Needles (it is much faster and easier on circular, but I did them on DPNs because that is what I had in this size - but sometimes stitches slip off of the DPNs)

Knit every row in the round approx. 19-20 inches OR however long you'd like it! Cast off Loosely.

If you want the drawstring closure, crochet a 20 inch or so chord. Using the crochet hook, weave  the chord in and out every inch or so, round the bottom of the swaddle sock. Enjoy.

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Eeek! Look at these bonus Gifts this July 2015!

I am Blessed...Belated Christmas...

 Blessed...

Or Bliss...

I'm still in that newborn-honeymoon-stage...I'm about to find out that he has exceeded the newborn-poundage at my midwife appt. this afternoon. (Here is my pilot cap project)

This was the first Christmas for us that I could tell on people's faces "this is it right?" All children act up, but we have been grateful so far that we've been able to take all our children to a restaurant without the drama that can sometimes follow. Having worked in the restaurant business, I recall the "oh no here comes a table with children" reactions from servers.

Yes, this is me, Thanks to Miss B (sorry I had to do that!)
Our church puts on Bethlehem Live each year. We have somewhere between 5000-6000 move through our modest gymnasium, transformed into the town of Bethlehem. Israel was one of a few babies who played that main role. He preformed for over 2000 audience members.

This, I will never forget :: I could not understand why so many of the teens and children from the school tours KNEW his name. I mean, not the name Baby Jesus, but my baby's name, Israel. Until it finally occurred to me what they were actually saying -"It's Real, It's Real!" - sounds like "Israel"! For more of Miss B's great photography you will just have to stop by her website!

Over the holidays, one extended family member looked me in the eyes and told me how blessed I was with these children, as she described the pain in their own family of pregnancy loss. I looked at her (knowingly from my own experience), and said, "you are so right (with tears in my eyes), we may not have a lot of money but we are blessed with these precious gems!" My heart goes out to the many Mamas that I know, and do not know, those that I've met through this blog, or through Above Rubies who've experienced this painful thing of loss. My 100 year old Grandmother-In-Law just passed away, just days before she'd mentioned seeing a vision of her daughter that she lost (due to pregnancy loss) in heaven, waiting for her. It warms my heart that we have children waiting for us in heaven!

Better late than never - Merry Christmas! (smile)

Birthstory: The Israel Story

 That rosy, content, face of a newly fed baby rests on my lap while I type. We welcomed little Israel, 6 lbs, 14 oz. this past November 18th, born in my bedroom at 2 minutes past noon. Surrounded by 2 dear midwives, my husband at my side, my 7 year old daughter and her "sibling support", 16 year old Amy. There is no comparable feeling of relief than when you've just birthed a baby. What an extreme emotional sensation I shared with the 100's of 1000's of other women who also birthed on this day across the world. Going from that intense war physically, mentally and emotionally to it being over...over...over, and this healthy baby resting on my abdomen, chord still pulsating, the midwife is giving him a massage seconds after he is born. I greet him, laughing, crying seconds before, now laughing, welcoming him, and minutes later he has his first breastfeed.

 He nurses like a pro. Like he's been practicing this for many months.  It's hard to believe that this little one, my smallest of my 4 babies, was my hardest homebirth so far. My waters, with my first 3 did not break without the help of a midwife just prior to baby being born or while I was pushing baby out. I had always wondered what it would have been like to start labour with the breaking of my membranes. Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it. And now that I've experienced it, I don't recommend it.

 

It was my due date, Thursday November 17th, and my excited Selah, 7, had been saying all day, "I hope it's tonight, God, please let it be tonight". I gently reminded Selah, that I usually start labouring in the morning, and that that is more convenient than labouring all night. But as chance would have it, that evening,  it was between 7 and 8pm when I realized, with one hard contraction that my waters had broken. By 8:00 I texted my husband, who was at a church meeting.  My midwife had told me to give her a heads up, when contractions were 10 minutes apart, so I did. She'd come over when contractions got to 5 minutes apart.  Rene stayed for the meeting, because contractions were not close enough together for him to come rushing home.
 

My husband and Amy arrived about 10ish. The midwives both showed up somewhere around 11pm. And my contractions were all over the place, without consistency, yet more intense than I had ever felt before. By midnight I was sure I was in transition, and felt like pushing. I'm told that with posterior babies, that's how it is - you just feel some relief with pushing far earlier than it's time to push. Only one of my babies was actually born posterior, but the other 3, I am sure I also laboured with them in posterior position, because of the back labour. When my midwife checked to see if it was indeed time to push Israel, she said, Nope, that his head is not in the right place and I was far from fully dilated. I was shocked. I should know by now the sensation of transition - the "I can't do this anymore", "I'm done". This continued for another 10 hours. Exhausted by morning, my husband and midwives talked about the 18 hour antibiotics, 24 hr. mark induction at the hospital and choices as such.

 When I heard, I marched to my room, and said out loud to myself  "I'm having this baby by noon!" Not that I'm against hospitals, many women have wonderful experiences, but I knew I was a prime candidate for intervention, with the membranes rupturing before labour, dysfunctional labour, primed for induction, and I was hardly managing as it was. I had a little cry, called up 2 like minded Mama friends, who prayed with me over the phone. Following that, on my midwifes recommendation I took the lemon verbena cocktail at around 10am. The contractions picked up a little, especially in intensity, but not in consistency. My brilliant husband called our Chiropractor. We were desperate, and he would do a house call. If I've ever been on the fence about chiropractors - I am NOT anymore. What I experienced was amazing. I don't typically enjoy adjustments - I just know it's good for our immune system and that it is preventative.  Immediately after the adjustment to my sacroiliac, lower spine, neck and lower spine again, I felt a surge of fresh energy. My husband said, "let's use that, and don't sit down". So staying vertical, contractions immediately became back to back, and endorphins were finally kicking in to manage those contractions. Just 45 minutes after that adjustment, Israel was born.

 Is there any other time in a woman's life where she feels as savage and ungraceful as when she is pushing a baby out? It is not the time to worry about what you look like. As baby's head was crowning his heart rate plummeted and my midwife said loudly and firmly that I needed to push the baby out now (which I had never experienced with my previous 3 births). With my pushing history, this was going to be interesting. But I was on the home lap, sprinting to the finish line, and with all the power I could muster, he came out with the chord bunched up on his shoulder, causing the drop in heart rate. And he is beautiful, healthy and strong. His name is Israel Chets (pronounced Sh-ay). He has a 2 year old mother who dotes on him all the time, a 7 year old mother who truly is a great help to this mother, while his brother, is eager to show him his tribal fighting dance!

For the love of Dress-Up!

I love dress-up!
Some things that I am pondering right now....

These days my goal is to be more disciplined with homeschooling, with the baby due in about 3 weeks....a little break from the regular routine for a couple of weeks after baby arrives will be nice. 

This week I added Squaw Vine to my pregnancy tea, hoping it will contribute to a sooner and smoother labor. And nesting has begun.

I met a lovely lady through Kijiji who graciously sold me AND posted to me her prefold diapers. I'm selling my old variety of diapers, and working towards just prefolds and similar stock so that it stacks and packs nicely!

A brief follow up on my week of kcwc? It was a week full to the brim of activity! And I got less sewn than I had hoped. The sewing area, however, is now ready for sewing and that is a great accomplishment in itself. 

 

On the list was a baby quilt (which I am sorry that I have no photos of that yet, but it should be about half done this week), a nightgown for my oldest, made from vintage linens and a 2nd hand pinny or apron.

 

I did manage to crochet a baby hat or two...no pics I'm afraid, so here is one from another year, and Elousia's vintage coat with added wool felted leaves covering a stain.

  

There are some gorgeous lovelies on Elsie Marley's kcwc flicker group!

:: October 2011 kcwc ::

Thank-you to Jenny from Peas n Carrots (my new Above Rubies friend and Waldorf Inspired homeschooler!), for introducing me to the Kid's Clothing Week Challenge at Elsie Marley's Blog! This is just the motivation I need. From Oct. 10-17 the challenge is to sew for one hour a day towards my children's projects.
It just so happens that I'm starting my first attempt this week at a Real quilt. As in, an expert quilting friend, Joyce,  is walking me through, starting from the basics, and ending with a crib or throw quilt for this fourth baby, arriving in approximately 5 or 6 weeks.
There are few art disciplines that I really got my hands on the basics other than maybe music and dance....when it comes to the fine arts, fiber arts, hands-on-art, I tend to hack my way through it. Sometimes the results are pleasing, and many times not so pleasing. I learned most of what I know of knitting and crocheting from Youtube videos and other online resources. So, (or should I say "Sew"), I'm excited about Joyce bringing me to the basics of quilting!
Other projects for this week will include some upcycled creations toward's some children's clothing items that have been in the procrastination basket, I mean project basket for a while.
Today my KCWC accomplishment was preparing my work space and washing fabric to prepare it to SEW!

Indian Summer September Moments

::Harvested Basil in the bath tub::

:: A day of exploring limestone cliffs at Steep Rock - If you want to exercise your adrenalin.....bringing young children to this outdoor adventure is an excellent way::

:: A day at Memere and Pepere's::

::Breathing in the colours of Fall::

Explained Procrastination and A Visit

Spring is peeking around the corner....Here in the Canadian Prairies, the weather taunts and teases us. "Spring is here, no it's not, yes it is, no it's not"....The snow is mostly melted, but the wind is cold today.

I have a couple of reasons for my silence around here. But I do want to apologize to those generous caring folk who've dropped by and not seen any updates from week to week. I know how that is, visiting friends blogs, and wishing they would update it - sorry about that.

My #1. reason for being tardy is technical difficulties.

Yes, I am a snob in the sense that I cannot bring myself to write anything unless there is at least one photo. That is just how it goes. But on the upside of this, my technical difficulties were as a result of a very great blessing. MY NEW (new to me) PENTAX  K100! I know nothing about photography except that I like to play! My trusty Sony point and shoot has served me very well....but I have secretly been desiring to delve a little deeper - and my husband GREATLY surprised me with this never-used-used digital SLR.

My #2 reason for being away...is because I've been away, kinda. I haven't totally been myself these days, I think it's because I'm not just me anymore. What I'm trying to say is that the sixth member of our home will be arriving by the time the snow prepares to return next year. I'm just finishing my 10th week OR his/her 10th week.

On a completely different note, we dropped by spontaneously at Uncle Rob and Auntie Lois' place a little while back. These are from there. They host Farm Fest each year.  And this is the most amazing out outhouse. You may not be able to read the sign, it says, "Outhouse of Wonder". It is a double, with mosaic tile around the seats of the outdoor thrones, and displays a stunning large porcelain mosaic tile covered sink, hidden around the side (the snow covered it enough that it did not seem photogenic).

Dear Aunt Lois, a force to be reckoned with when it comes to warmth and affection, threw together some delicious homemade pitas filled with hot buttered chicken for supper .  Everyone needs togetherness with saints such as these!  It is women like her, and like Kate and like my Mom, who I draw strength from. Their wisdom and listening ear puts strength in me. I hope that one day I can be as inspiring and blessed in the art of hospitality as they are.

 

A Weekend of Washing the Soul

I feel washed.

This past weekend I had the great pleasure of attending my third Canadian Above Rubies retreat.  This year was pretty spectacular.  Spending Friday evening through Sunday afternoon with an incredibly unique group of women.  Hearing the heartbreaking stories of infant loss, life's challenges and exchanging inspiration was truly a cleansing experience.  I love Nancy Campbel's writing - and hearing and meeting her three daughters is always a pleasure.  We enjoyed Serene and Pearl last year, and this year Evangeline came along and blasted out encouragement.  She began each of her sharing times by blowing a small shofar (ram's horn), calling us up to the adventure and Land of Motherhood. Yes, I know what some of you are thinking - sounds cheesy - It is definitely one of those "you had to be there".

These are a few shots of my vision poster I created a number of years ago.  It still inspires me to look at it today. The writing in the center is the very same quote I posted here.

This quote sums up the vision of Above Rubies.

 

  One of the most refreshing part of the weekend is all the different women we meet.  As eccentric and alternative as I feel I'm perceived amongst my community at home at times, I feel quite the contrary amongst the interesting blend of company at these retreats.  I'm just one of the bunch, who perhaps chooses to birth at home, makes choices contrary to main stream society, and in fact really not as extreme as some of the other beautiful women I meet.

One of the most heart warming scenes (besides the breathtaking Canadian Shield spread), is the amount if nursing babies and toddlers.  Every where you look at an AR retreat, some one is breast feeding.  It is not often you find yourself in the company of 150 or so women with at least a quarter of them accompanied by a nursing baby or toddler!

I hope for you this week, that you find the moments, the community that inspires and refreshes you!

A Cure For Fussy Babies (Day 4)

Dealing With Fussy Babies and Infant Sleep Problems

On this Day 4 of my 5-Day Challenge my post is two fold.  Today I'm writing in response to a recent conversation on facebook - proud Mommies of newborns who are sleeping on their own  through the night AND I'm also testing out some more SEO with the use of the tag phrases, "fussy babies" and "infant sleep problems".  But don't you worry dear google, my post will be appropriate to the tag phrases.

Sleep; A precious commodity in a parent's life. 

Sleep; something we are ALL emotional about.

 
A most common question a mama receives in the first weeks of baby's life is, "how is your baby sleeping?"  Sometimes I'd like to knock that naive, well-meaning person over the head, when I get asked that.  How do YOU think a newborn sleeps? Like a baby.  Lots of waking, lots of nursing.


Infant sleep problems are normal for Most babies.  Dr. Sears provides a wealth of resources and encouragement to parents with fussy babies.  Our solution was to have our babies in bed with us.  It seemed natural to us, and it seemed unnatural to put our baby in a crib, alone in a room down the hall.  Hard core NINO mamas (Nine months In  Nine months Out)  feel that fussy babies best thrive in an outdoor womb, which would be baby wearing and co-sleeping.  Baby wearing can really help fussy babies and even cure infant sleep problems.  

Baby wearing and co-sleeping with babies, have been practiced in most cultures for millenniums.  It has only been in the last century or two amongst industrialized countries that fussy babies have been left to cry it out in their cribs alone.

There are 2 complaints I have received from disapproving parents of our sleep choices. The first, that parents will not get intimacy - I'm not going to go into detail here, except to say that this is not a problem.  There are many co-sleeping choices. Co-sleeper cribs, bassinets, hammock beds like ours, are just a few solutions for the infant with sleep problems.  With baby close by, it is easy to then bring them into bed to nurse. The second complaint is that we are spoiling our babies.  I assume that this is rooted in Christianity somewhat; "taming the flesh".  Here is my approach.  A mother working outside of the home may need or want to create an independent baby quickly and will train her newborn to sleep on their own for extended periods of time.   I will not argue with the fact that co-sleeping and wearing fussy babies can and may create a dependent baby, or even a needy baby.  But I do believe that there is more and more evidence that a worn, co-slept, dependent baby creates a more independent toddler and grown child.   Keeping baby close to us in these early years, we believe is creating a foundation of security and offers them a springboard into confidence and independence later - while still holding to a healthy respect and closeness with their parents.

The most valuable practice I learned as a new mama was nursing while lying down.  After my first and hardest birth, a home birth as well, I could not sit to nurse for several weeks.  The healing process was long and slow and I honestly did not feel I had a choice, when it came to co-sleeping and nursing in bed.   Now we thank God for the journey we had, as it laid the foundation for us in our parenting choices today!

My heart goes out to you Mamas if you have a fussy baby or are dealing with infant sleep problems - it can be hard on Mom and Dad.  We also have had seasons of fussy babies.  Joash, our 2nd, I was told he had colic - but I did not agree - Yes, he could be categorized with fussy babies BUT he was consolable in a sling!  

Wise blessings to you and your family in your parenting choices!

Day 4 - Fini

going green baby green

What A LOVELY week - A WONDERful start to this new year AND new decade!  T'was a snowy day yesterday - You know the KIND...Big, Soft, Fluffy snowflakes that fall at a Slow, S L O W speed!             My friend had her first baby this week - and she invited me to be a birth attendent - OH....if you haven't noticed I LOVE Birth, pregnancy and all the magic that happens there!  She was amazing, she asked for the drugs right at the right time - when she was fully dilated, thus did it naturally and narcotic free!   It was truly fate that I sadly missed the actual birth part - between dear husband's schedule and nursing my own baby  - I had to leave just as she was ready to push.....when the story unfolded later, I knew it was best I wasn't there, else I may have lost my cool with the OBGYN - I won't mention it now - don't want to spoil your day, all to say that, like many births she DID some UNNECESSARY things......On to a brighter side - WHAT a BEautiFUL Baby she was, gorgeous!   By whatever measures, whatever circumstances something AMAzing came!    So in this year of new beginnings....taking BABY steps there is a wonderful thing happening through Hip Mountain Mama. Just under 200 people are envloved so far with One Small Change .  AND so I am jumping on board aswell - the Blog community is really a wonderful thing! 

When an idea or concept crosses my path more than once....I think the Creator is speaking to me!  This week I participated in a Green Smoothie challenge brought to us by Enchanted Chameleon !  She had some fabulous smoothie recipes to cheer us on with.  I was encouraged, encouraged that I should really be sprouting again on a regular basis - SO THAT is what my change will be for this month!  A weekly Sprout Jar.  I love feeding my children LIVE, nutritious, flu-fighting foods...so this is perfect....and a perfect ingredient to our daily green smoothies!  We buy locally as much as possible, we cannot grow cocoa beans sadly - perhaps one day - so the next best thing is ethical chocolate right?  So sprouting it is!  THanks Hip Mountain Mama and Enchanted Chameleon!