Following Him at Home

Okay, it is getting harder to keep myself busy. Yesterday I did cleaning chores (normal for any end of pregnancy woman, lol) and I made paper plate snowmen with my girls. Then I made a crochet turkey that hangs on a doorknob from Annie's Attic free pattern of the day recently. It turned out really cute, lol. Then I made a scarf while watching a Christmas movie with my girls. The boys spent the day playing with Dad.

Today I go to the doctor where she will perform a non-stress test on baby and an ultra-sound to check baby's condition, size and level of amniotic fluid. Then she wants to set a date for induction. Now I want this baby in my arms and out of my tummy, but if my body isn't ready to be induced (as it hasn't been and hasn't shown any signs of) I don't want to be induced. Those types of inductions tend to be long and not have the greatest outcomes. Yet at the same time, my husband has to be back at work by a certain date and so I have to deliver relatively soon. And then there is Thanksgiving to think about.

Well, I guess I'll spend this morning working on another scarf as I found a cute pattern that looks easy and fast. I can't really focus on anything detailed right now. And I will trust the Lord to work out all the other details that are clearly out of my hands. This whole pregnancy the whisper of c-section has gone through my mind. I've never had one, and don't want one. I've had surgery before and recovering from it wasn't a fun experience. But I have wondered off and on through this pregnancy if that whisper was the Lord preparing me for one. As I go through this time and notice my body not doing any of the things it did with the other babies, I wonder more. Soon I'll know for sure.

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Nov. 24, 2008 - Day 4 overdue

Today I am 4 days overdue. And I am just sure that this will be the day. Why am I sure? Well, being sure that today is the day, is a lot better than sitting around upset that labor hasn't happened.

And part of me feels like it's me that has been preventing the normal beginnings of labor. So today I am sure the baby will be born.

Nov. 22, 2008 - Day 2 overdue....

Posted in This and That

Hmmm, what will I do today to keep my mind off the constant question of whether or not this will be the day.

So far I have written out my Christmas gift list and designed and printed out some labels on the computer. I have washed several loads of laundry to take to the laundromat to dry later on today. And I've done a load of dishes.

Not a whole lot, but something at least. Yesterday I had some regular contractions, but nothing today.

So, other than my weekly laundry trip, what should I do to keep my mind occupied? I have two crochet projects I would like to work on, but no yarn to do them, so that is out. I could clean the garage with my husband, but I'm still too sore from my two mile walk with the dog yesterday.

I guess I'll just continue to focus on the laundry today. And try to keep my mind off of food, because I have a serious case of the muchies today, lol.

Nov. 21, 2008 - Today's encouragement

Posted in My Heart

Mornings are not my best times now days. I am stiff and sore and it is soooo hard to move.

So, this morning I'm hobbling over to the water cooler to refill the water tank on the coffee maker to make my dh coffee. As I'm doing so, I'm mumbling to myself how hard it is to move in the mornings. I look up and spy the artwork that we have hanging in our dining room.

The first one is a cross that says a portion of Psalm 46:10:

"Be still, and know that I am God;"

And under that a small picture with Philippians 4:13:

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

So, the Lord really blessed me by reminding me that I need to rest in Him, and that with His strength I can get through these last days of waiting.

Nov. 20, 2008 - Today is my due date!

So, considering that my body still doesn't seem close to ready to give birth I thought I would occupy myself by sharing some statistics, lol.

1. only 4-5% of women deliver on their due date. That means the 95-96% percent of us will miss the date given. So, why do we pay so much attention to that magical number, lol?

2. 5% of women deliver in week 37 of pregnancy.

3. 10-20% of women deliver in weeks 38-39 of pregnancy.

4. about 28% deliver in their 40th week of pregnancy.

5. about 18% deliver in their 41st week of pregnancy. This has always been me, sigh.

6. about 9% deliver in their 42nd week of pregnancy.

7. about 1.5-3% deliver in their 43-44 week of pregnancy. I really feel for those women and assume that most of them have midwives and homebirth. Most obstetricians would't let a woman go that far with her pregnancy before inducing.

Now, while I have always wanted to give birth a week or two earlier, or hey, even just in my 40th week. Research shows that in the long run it's much better for baby to be born later as has been my pattern. Here is an article that reinforces that a bit, As Babies Are Born Earlier, They Risk Problems Later.

Now, I don't agree that we should take the risk of more stillborns to prevent these problems. But inducing for convenience which is so common now days is not a good thing. I think we all need to remember that our Father set up the length of a pregnancy for just the right amount of time. And if we decide that we can't take being pregnant another minute and insist on being induced, or that we need to deliver when it is convenient, then we need to be prepared for lifelong consequences that may occur.

This pregnancy has been a struggle for me. With all my pregnancies I have been ready for baby weeks before baby has come. But this one has been harder for me to wait for, I admit, because of the upcoming holidays. I don't want to be in the hospital on Thanksgiving and ruin my children's day. It's a silly reason, but still I have struggled with it. I'm glad that my doctor is good at playing dumb and overlooking the whines of her patients when there is no real valid reason. If she had been more "sympathetic" I would have had the courage to ask for an induction based on convenience.

Anyway, there is my post for today. Hopefully it will be interesting to someone out there.

Nov. 14, 2008 - Another busy weekend coming

Posted in This and That

Even though my energy level is low, I'm thankful for another busy weekend. It really helps to know that I'll have lots to do to keep my mind off of when this little darling will make her arrival.

Each day of this weekend has a lot packed into it. And today does too.

Now, if I could only get my mind to focus so that I could get a proper shopping list made out, lol.

For now though, I'm off to have a nap before the children wake up. Hopefully that will bring a clearer head, lol.

Nov. 13, 2008 - OK, I'm ready

For this baby to come out. She isn't showing any signs of cooperating with my desire, but I still want her out. I admit it. I don't deal with the end of pregnancy with grace. I'm miserable physically and always impatient for baby to be out of me. Perhaps that's why they are always late? Lord can't you teach me patience some other way????

And today I'm so uncomfortable that I don't want to do chores, I certainly don't want to cook, and I don't even want to work on any crafts. So once again this day will involve discipline, sigh.

I will make waffles for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and spaghetti for dinner. I will get my load of laundry washed and hung out and both of my bathrooms scrubbed. I will also get my bedroom tidied and vacuumed again. And I will do History with my darlings and work on a simple craft. I will do my best to keep myself busy and active and my mind occupied, instead of just sleeping the day away like I would like. As if sleeping the day away is an option with my darlings home with me anyway, lol.

If you think of me please pray that either baby is born quickly or that the Lord gives me grace and peace in my heart to wait for His timing.

Nov. 7, 2008 - I'm depressed....

Posted in My Heart

And I hate being depressed. It makes me feel like a spoiled child that is pouting because she isn't getting her way. I mean really, doesn't that seem like what it is? I'm not talking about clinical, needing meds depression, just the normal run of the mill depression. For comparison, a pouting child will pout because they didn't get what they wanted. So they are irritable and silent with an unpleasant look on their face. Hmmm, sounds much like depression. A depressed person will be irritable, silent, weepy etc because life isn't working out like they want. In other words, because they didn't get what they wanted. So basically the same as pouting. The only cure for a child's pout is to be thankful for what they have and to not focus on what they can't have. It's the same cure for depression. Focus on your blessings and being thankful for them, and not how your life isn't matching your imaginary ideal.

So, you see I don't like to be depressed. And I want to stop it right now I will choose to be thankful for what I do have.....and I have a LOT. And I will choose to look for ways that I can bless others, instead of coming up with ways that I think others should bless me. I mean how backwards is that? Let the Lord decide how I should be blessed, it's not my business to worry about. My job is to serve Him by blessing others.

So today with the Lord's help I will conquer this depression and spend the day rejoicing in my Lord! No more pouting for me

Nov. 5, 2008 - It's been a while...

Posted in This and That

I've been really busy lately. Busy trying to get my home in better order before baby comes. Busy making gifts, and baby things and things for my girls. Busy with school, and errands. You know, normal busy.

I have finally finished all of my crochet projects, except for legwarmers which I want to make my girls for this winter. So that is next and last on my list. I made 4 cardigan's for the girls to go with their Christmas skirts I'll be making. I won't be making them until after baby though, this huge belly is just making cutting anything out way too hard, lol. And yesterday I whipped up another little blanket for the carseat.

I discovered that blankets 28-20 inches square are the perfect size to tuck around a baby in a carseat, but they don't fall out and they don't drag all over the place. So I made a few of those. My girls are way excited about those because once baby grows out of them, they get them for their dolls.

My husband and I are pretty sure that this little darling will be our last baby. So, I am determined to enjoy every minute of her infancy. We have chosen a name, Grace Ariella. Actually, my husband picked it out and this is the only girl of ours that he has named. I think he made a good choice and I was completely stumped as to a name for her.

I can't believe that I only have 15 days until my due date. For me that will probably be longer because I have always gone past my due date. I'm curious about this baby though. This is the first baby that has measured right on as far as dates go during my ultrasounds. All my others always measured a week behind, so I'm curious to see if this baby comes out closer to her due date or if I'm still a week behind.

Honestly, I don't really want her to be born on Thanksgiving, but whatver the Lord wants.

Well, I have better get going. Today's list is just as long as every other day's list, lol.

Have a wonderful day!

Oct. 22, 2008 - The nesting has begun

Posted in This and That

Yesterday I spent hourse sorting the children's clothing and removing summer clothes etc. Then I reorganized the clothes room. Afterwards I spent the rest of the day having contractions. It was lovely, lol.

Today, I will be deep cleaning my kitchen. It will be so nice to remove some of the junk that has accumulated. And hopefully I won't let myself go down too many rabbit trails.

At some point this week I would like to get some sewing done. Hopefully, Friday and Saturday. I want to make several laundry bags to hang up.

Anyway, this is just a short post because I have lots to do today and need to get busy, lol.

Have a great day!

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Oct. 20, 2008 - My latest baby afghan

Posted in Crafts

Here is my latest baby afghan. I made it this weekend between chores.

I used this pattern: Bubble Baby Blanket

I used Red Heart Super Saver in a light pink (about 8.5 oz), light raspberry (about 3.5 oz), and pink cammo (about 2 oz). I adjusted the pattern by using only 1 strand of yarn and a K hook instead of the N and two strands the pattern calls for. To start I chained 92 instead of the 62 called for.

It is the perfect size for the carseat and is a really warm stitch.

Oct. 18, 2008 - I added PDF's to all my patterns

Posted in This and That

I have heard of a small percentage of people that have trouble viewing my blog. This from investigation appears to be an issue with the viewers browser settings. I can't help them fix that but I wanted them to still have access to a pattern that they may have come looking for.

So, this morning I converted each of my pattern entries into a pdf. That way all they have to do is download the pdf version and they can easily read the instructions for that pattern. They aren't the pretties or most professional looking pdf's as I just copied the posts and converted them, but they will work. I don't think any links inside them work though, so information to specific stitches will have to be searched out.

I hope that making these patterns available on pdf will help those that have trouble viewing my blog.

-half-double crochet (hdc)

Oct. 16, 2008 - Ruffle sweater to match hat and booties....0-3 months

Posted in Crafts

Well, the pattern matches, but I didn't have enough of the color yarn, so it's color block, lol. But you will get the idea. I did make one mistake and I sewed it with it buttoning on the wrong side as for a boy. Oh well, it works. I had it right and flipped it the wrong way at the last minute, lol.

Here is my daughter's dolly modeling the whole set:

It really looks better on in person that the photo shows.....hmmmm, it's a lot like me, lol!

And now here are the instructions: (PDF instructionshere)

Basically this is made by crocheting 5 rectangles and then sewing them together and then adding the ruffles. Very simple especially for the beginner, which I am still.

Items needed:

-1 skein of baby yarn (I used Bernat baby coordinates)

-G crochet hook

-measuring tape

-darning needle

-stitch markers

-buttons and thread

Skills used:

-single crochet (sc)

-Joining pieces together

Okay, here we go. And these are very basic instructions. You will need to figure out gauge for your yarn and make your rectangles the appropriate size according to that.

BACK: Measures 11" wide by 7.5" long

1. Ch 48. Sc in second chain from hook and in each stitch across.

2-?. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across. Repeat this row until piece is 7.5" long. Fasten off on last row.

Front Piece 1: Measures 6" wide by 7.5" long

1. Ch 27. Sc in second chain from hook and in each stitch across.

2-?. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across. Repeat this row until piece is 7.5" long. Fasten off on last row.

Front Piece 2: Measures 6" wide by 7.5" long

1. Ch 27. Sc in sedond chain from hook and in each stitch across.

2. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in next sc, ch 1-skip next stitch-hdc in next stitch. Hdc across in remaining stitches.

3-8. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across.

9. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in next 23 stitches, ch 1-skip next stitch-hdc in next 2 stitches.

10-15. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across.

16. Repeat row 2.

17-22. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across.

23. Repeat row 9.

24. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across. Fasten off.

Sleeves (make 2): 7" wide by 5" long

1. Ch 29. Sc in second stitch and in each stitch across.

2-?. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across. Continue repeating this row until piece measures 5" long. Fasten off on last row.

Now, all the pieces have been made and layed out it should look something like this (I have the two front pieces overlapping and pinned together with stitch markers:

Next we will sew up on the two light pink pieces 3.5" from the outside edge at the shoulder seams. Making sure to leave the opening between the two seams for the neck:

Next we will find the center of your arm pieces and align it up with your shoulder seam. Stitch centered arm piece onto main body like this:

Your piece should now be sewn up to look like this:

Okay, now we will fold the piece in half and sew up the arm and side seams, like this:

After side/arm seams are sewn up. Weave in all loose ends and if this is for a boy, you are finished. If it's for a girl add ruffles around the neck, the bottom and each sleeve by single crocheting around the edge and then doing this, adjusting instructions if you are crocheting back and forth as for the bottom or in the round as for the sleeve::

IN BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch: Ch 2. Hdc in joining stitch and in each stitch around. Join.

Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stitch, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join.

Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stich, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join and fasten off.

Join yarn in Front loop on back of bootie with slip stitch. Sc in each stitch around. Join.

IN BACK LOOPS ONLY: sc, ch 2, sc in first stitch; sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join.

26. IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY: ch1. sc in first stitch, hdc, dc, hdc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join and fasten off

And you are finished! Enjoy wrapping your baby in this soft and warm sweater that you made just for him or her!

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Oct. 14, 2008 - How to make super cheap cloth pad (when you don't really sew)

Posted in Crafts

Okay, here is today's idea. Cloth menstrual pads. I know many of you are getting sick right now, but for those of you that aren't getting sick and are interested here is my tip for getting a supply made inexpensively.

First, take you favorite disposable pad and lay it out flat onto a sheet of paper (you may need to extend the wings so they overlap, as some adhesive winged pads aren't long enough to overlap around panties). Trace around it and cut out your pattern. Then take some fleece fabric and cut out your pad shape. Next cut a horizontal strip on each end of the pad (the top and bottom), this will hold in you "pad". Next sew snaps on your wings. You can buy snaps to hand sew on at Walmart or any fabric store. Next, find yourself some washcloths, towels or flannel fabric and fold it to fit. Slip fabric under strips and you are good to go. When fabric is soiled just remove from holder and slip in fresh fabric.

Here is a pic of mine:

For my pad I have some ready made pads that slip right in. If you do sew you could make some of these really quickly by cutting out several layers and sewing around the edges.

Enjoy your fast and frugal new cloth pads!

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Oct. 12, 2008 - I started designing a sweater to go with the hat and booties!

Posted in This and That

It will be a different color since I only had a smidgeon of the original color left. But I think it will be cute. And it will be EASY to make. Because I'm really just a beginner at these types of things. It should be ready in the next few days.

And here is a tip for anyone that is exhausted at night and doesn't always get the things done they should at night. If you are using the Flylady cinnamon bun recipe, and you flake out and don't assemble it the night before, you can still succeed in time for breakfast. Just get up at 6:00 a.m. and assmebe it with the frozen rolls, then pop it into the oven at 140 degrees for about an hour and a half and then it will be ready to bake. I was so tired last night that I fell asleep before assembling my oldest son't birthday breakfast. Bad mommy! But all is well, it's smells wonderful as it's baking right now.

half double crochet - hdc

Oct. 11, 2008 - Super Easy Hat and Bootie Pattern

Posted in Crafts

Being baby bootie challenged I was getting frustrated that I couldn't find a bootie pattern that worked for me. Either I couldn't interpret the pattern, or I didn't like how the bootie turned out. I wanted something soft, with a weave that didn't have too many holes. I also wanted a nice cuff so it didn't need ties. So, I designed my own bootie and I'm sharing the pattern. Hopefully I wrote the instructions down in a way that can be easily understood and won't cause frustration. After I made the booties, I wanted a hat to match so I designed this simple hat to go with them. Have fun! These instructions in PDF form.

BOOTIE

Stitches used:

magic ring

slip stitch

Chain (1 or 2) -ch

single crochet - sc

double crochet -dc

front post hdc & back post hdc

crocheting in front loop only (FLO) or back loop only (BLO)

*Do not join rounds unless noted. Work in a continuous spiral. Use a stitch marker to mark your beginning stitch.

*Supplies used:

G/6-4.25 mm crochet hook

Small amount of Bernat Baby Coordinates yarn (I used Sweet Pink)

Stitch markers

Yarn needle

Toe Area:

1. Make 6 sc into a magic ring.

2. Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around ending with 9 stitches total.

3. Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 2 stitches. Continue this pattern around ending with 12 stitches.

4. Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 3 stitches. Continue this pattern around, ending with 15 stitches.

5. Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 4 stitches. Continue this pattern around, ending with 18 stitches. (If you want a bootie to fit an older baby, then you would add one or more increase rows here following the same pattern of increase. So, the next increase row would be 2 sc first stitch, sc next 5 stitches etc. This would give more width to the bootie for a bigger baby)

6-13. Sc in each stitch around. (This works out to 8 rows) (If you want to make the bootie longer add extra rows here to increas toe area.)

Heel Area:

14. Chain 1, turn. Sc in each stitch around, leaving 3 stitches unworked.

15-19. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each stitch around. (This works out to 5 rows) (Again to increase the size add an extra row or two for an older baby.)

Cuff:-Double Ruffle Option:

Working in top edge of heel area now to make a cuff:

20. Ch 1. Sc around entire top area, including 3 stitches left unworked, joining two sides to make circle.

21. IN BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch: Ch 2. Hdc in joining stitch and in each stitch around. Join.

22. Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stitch, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join.

23. Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stich, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join and fasten off.

24. Join yarn in Front loop on back of bootie with slip stitch. Sc in each stitch around. Join.

25. IN BACK LOOPS ONLY: sc, ch 2, sc in first stitch; sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join.

26. IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY: ch1. sc in first stitch, hdc, dc, hdc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join and fasten off leaving a long tail to sew up back of heel.

27. Sew up back of heel, weave in ends and cut any loose yarn tails.

You are finished! Make the second bootie :)

Cuff-Single Ruffle Option:

Working in top edge of heel area now to make a cuff:

20. Ch 1. Sc around entire top area, including 3 stitches left unworked, joining two sides to make circle.

21. IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY: Ch1. sc, ch2, sc in first stich; sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join.

22. IN BACK LOOPS ONLY: Ch 2., hdc around. Join with a slip stitch.

23. Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stitch, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join.

24. Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stich, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join and fasten off leaving a long tail to sew up heel opening.

25. Sew up heel opening. Now make the second bootie :)

To make the booties for a boy, just leave off the ruffle completely.

HAT:

* Join all rounds.

1. Make 6 sc into a magic loop. Join with a slip stitch in first sc.

2. Ch 3. 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (12)

3. Ch 3. 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (24)

4. Ch 3. 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (If you need a larger hat for an older baby, continue to increase in this method) (48)

5-10. Ch 3. Dc in each stitch around. Join. (This works out to 6 rows.) (If making this hat larger for an older baby, add extra rows here for length as needed) (48)

11. IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY: Ch 1, sc, ch2, sc in next stitch; sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join with a slip stitch.

12. IN BACK LOOPS ONLY: Ch 1. Sc next stitch; hdc, dc, hdc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Oct. 10, 2008 - Nothing new and exciting

Posted in This and That

There is nothing new and exciting happening today. At least I hope we don't get some unexpected excitement, with 6 kids that is not always a good thing, lol.

So today I will knuckle down and actually pay the bills (I don't know why it's like pulling teeth lately to get me to pay the bills....what is up with that?). And I will work on getting some of the recent patterns I have designed organized to be placed on my blog.

The children are still sick with the flu and I don't feel really great so we will take it easy.

Oh, there is a mix up at the DMV involving our car insurance and the DMV wanting to suspend our registration on two of our cars. I contacted the insurance company and the DMV weeks ago and thought it was resolved. But registered mail recently recieved shows that the insurance company dropped the ball and the DMV is suspending our registration on the 17th. So, Monday I'm going to head into town and try to get this resolved. If you think of me, please pray for this situation.

Well, I'm drowsy and chilly, so I"m going to curl up in bed with some pink yarn and a crochet hook. Have a wonderful day.

Oct. 9, 2008 - YAWN

Posted in This and That

Today I am just tired. I haven't done much of anything. A little laundry, a little dishes and that is pretty much it. And now I'm so tired I just want to curl up and sleep. Hmmmm, I wonder if there is any way I could work that out......