SouleMama

Goodness

Between the mail and a lovely visit from Jessie, the girls and her mom...some fun baby treats have arrived in our home in the past few days. I'll spread them out over two posts (and why not? I certainly don't have any crafting to post about!).

Look at this fabulous thrift shop find that Lisa sent! Isn't this vintage gown just lovely? And the pink (yes, PINK! Ah, I'm love with PINK right now.) romper poking from underneath is so sweet. Thanks for sharing your finds with me, Lisa! I love thinking of you wandering through a thrift store and spotting these for Adelaide. I wish I could be thrifting with you! ;)

And here starts an amazing gift package from Jacquie, otherwise known as "jessie's mom"  (who really must start her own blog--we'd all just drool over her amazing vintage finds and wonderful words and spirit to match).Let me tell you that Jacquie is as lovely, and kindhearted and warm as her daughter, and vice versa--I'm so terribly fond of the two of them, and feel quite blessed to know them. And this gift of sweetness is so perfectly "me", I was giddy opening it (even in the chaos of FIVE children running around), and poured over the contents several times throughout the day after they left. So, above, is a sweet embroidered piece, and some cutie pie mary jane socks!

And this book! Two Hundred Best Poems for Boys and Girls. Such a beautiful cover, and lovely illustrations inside too. Beautiful.

Yumminess!! A box full of vintage trim, buttons, ribbon, pins, and more. YUM!

This is where I get slightly orgasmic. Look at that pattern! And the vintage fabric! And the transfers!

And look at this loveliness in the details--the wrapping paper, card, stickers. Ah! Ah!

Thank you, thank you, Jacquie. Such a lovely treat for Adelaide and I to share.

Thinking Advent

Can I talk Holiday crafting for a minute? I've been wanting to make some kind of Advent calendar for a few years now (even though we primarily celebrate Solstice, I know, it doesn't make any sense), and for some crazy reason, I'm thinking I might get around to it this year. I've been browsing around for inspiration:

Advent Calendar ELves from Garnet Hilll.  I LOVE these elves, but the reality of making something this labor intensive isn't likely for me.

And here's a much simpler, traditional version also from  Garnet Hill. This one could be so much fun with embroidered detail on each pocket, don't you think?

And here's my favorite--a chain of stockings, made by Kathe Kruse. Jessie has one of these that I drooled over last year. I (very poorly) scanned this image from the Chinaberry catalog, though it doesn't seem to be available on their website anymore, and I can't find it anywhere else online. How much fun would this be, in lots of different vintage christmas fabrics? And what a treat to check the stocking each morning for a surprise. I must make it!

Tie One On!

Oh my god. I was sewing! It felt like like it had been AGES and not the two weeks that it's been in reality. Anyway....I tackled the September theme of a dishtowel apron for Tie One On. I am so, so grateful that Amy chose this theme for this month--it was a tiny enough project for me to handle, and give me the boost to get back into crafting after birthing. Thanks, Amy! I used an olive dishtowel from Target, added a waistband, ties and a pocket (I loved how this dishtowel was begging for more Ric Rac by the lines between the olives!). So easy, and so fun. This one will be headed to a certain martini lover I know for Christmas.

Self Portrait Tuesday

Self Portrait Tuesday. September Theme: Body Parts.

My eye. My eye with a very dark circle. Such is my life these days. I always hated my complexion as a child--I was so, so pale and with such black hair, people were always asking if I was sick. Ugh. I've gotten more used to it as adult. Thank heavens for hair color, and a best friend who's a fantastic hair colorist. ;)

Self Portrait bloggers, and lots more body parts found here.

5 Years

5 years ago today, Steve and I (and Calvin, in utero!), and our two closest friends escaped for a top-secret weekend getaway to Monhegan Island--an hour off the coast of Maine. We had a beautiful weekend together--walking on the trails, eating yummy food and visiting the artists' cottages. On the evening of our arrival, after walking through the magical Cathedral Woods (famous home of the fairies!), we had a small ceremony on a quiet cliff where we exchanged rings and our vows to each other. It was intimate, lovely, and very romantic. We returned home to share the news with friends and family, and promised them all a gathering "soon" to celebrate our marriage. But life happened (job change, a move, a baby), and that party got postponed. Then we started planning to have the party on our fifth anniversary. And then this winter we got the surprise that our fifth anniversary would be the official due date of babe #3. Scratch that party too.

So many things keep getting in the way of this supposed party that I'm beginning to think we weren't meant to have it. That we should leave our wedding memories to how the actual wedding was--perfectly comfortable, and full of sincerity. Kind of the way I'd describe our relationship too. I guess for now, I'll put aside the plans for a party and save that for the future--perhaps we can get these three sweeties of ours to throw the party FOR us in another 20 years. The thought of how much more our love, connection and memories will grow in that time fills me with joy already.

Happy Anniversary, Baby.

 

Stripy Socks

We're big fans of stripes around here, but not necessarily big fans of socks (my mom says that I only put socks on my kids when we're going to the doctors--same thing with onesies--I can't explain it).  I was, however, intrigued by the stripy sock competition and just had to snap a picture of the littlest stripy socks we have on the littlest toes in the family.

The Week in Review

Adelaide, 10 days old.

We made it through the first week at home alone. It was full of:

• moments of absolute bliss with three amazing little beings I can't believe I'm blessed to hang out with for a few years
• playing, loving, holding and kissing a new baby sister
• engorgement (ouch!)
• letting the dishes and laundry and emails (sorry!) and *everything else* pile up around us
• total convenience food (hello, Annies Macaroni and Cheese! and Amy's Frozen Pizzas! Welcome to our house! Stay awhile!)
• not a single lick of sewing or knitting (*sigh*)
• atleast 5 phone calls to Steve at work saying, "I can't do this! Come home NOW!"
• many tears (from EVERYONE including Mama, sometimes all at the same time)
• and in my worst moment of all--some "angry voices" (the gentle way to say that yes, I yelled at my children who don't deserve that. Ugh. Awful.)

But we made it. And I think we're all okay.

I'm taking a 48 hour weekend break from EVERYTHING before starting this all over again on Monday morning. I'm thinkin' it's only going to get easier from here.

Back Tack II

My secret back tack buddy has been leaving anonymous comments lately, and I've been a total slacker about responding (okay, maybe slacker isn't the best word...I've been, um, a bit busy lately!). So here's some hints that I hope are helpful to her (I'm assuming it's a "her"...hey, where are all the crafting men in this blogging community??!!). And feel free to ask me any more questions that might help you out!

My "passion" is equally divided by knitting and sewing, though I anticipate having more time to knit this winter than sew. As for "new" crafts that I really want to try, I'm apparently in good company in wanting to attempt Crewel since I saw these sweet kits from Wool and Hoop. I love them all, but am particularly drawn to the red ones!

And this book coming out this fall (by the same designer as the kits) looks fabulous:

And even though I've done quite a bit of embroidery from my kids' art, I don't actually *know* that much about embroidery, nor do I have that much embroidery "stuff"...so that would be cool too! I'm very excited about this new book, also coming out this fall, pointed out to me by Lyn of Molly Chicken:

But with all of that said, I'm up for trying ANY new craft! So have fun, my back tack partner--I'm sure I'll be thrilled with what arrives! Surprises are just so much fun. ;)

(Oh, and P.S. -- to answer your question, yes, I ADORE Catimini's whimsical designs...and Oilily too! If that helps you figure out my taste a bit!)

A few more answers:
*What are you favorite color combos of the moment?
I'm really drawn to reds and pinks right now.

* What colors combos are your least favs?
not such a big fan of yellows and oranges.

* Are you allergic to anything?
nope. well penicilin, but you won't be sending that, will you? ;)

* Coffee drinker,or tea drinker?
definitely tea.

FUN!!

Sewing!

Alright, I'll admit this was all done before Adelaide was born. Hours before Adelaide was born, to be precise. I was working on this batch of projects the weekend when my water broke, while waiting for labor to begin. They'll be going to my sister soon, who's due with her own first babe (a girl!) in November. Some of the fabrics wouldn't have been *my* first choice, but she's way into fairies and butterflies and pink, so I think she'll like these. Forgive the photography--it was all done with Adelaide in the sling, and the boys, well, at my feet.

A super duper big diaper bag, loaded with pockets on the inside. (Hey--doesn't my minivan make a beautiful background for a photo! Ha!)

And a matching blanket--chenille backed with pink piping, of course.

A little pouch to match the bag, a la Thimble's great tutorial.

A bib--with the most adorable ladybug fabric, and more piping. And hey, look! I used my snap press!!

Last but not least, some very poorly photographed, but trust me--adorable--baby booties. I actually made these a few months ago, and I *think* the pattern is from a Jil Eaton book, but I can't remember which one-- the first Minnowknits perhaps? I think they're called One Hour Baby Booties, or something like that. I remember being surprised that that was actually true--they knit and felted up fairly quick. The yarn is Lamb's Pride bulky.

Almost Knitting

No crafting happening here yet, but atleast I'm thinking about it! I'm itching for a new knitting project--something for a grown up (ME!) out of some fabulous yarn. I just saw that HandPainted Yarn has two new yarns, Ejido 160 and Colonia 140. I've been a huge fan of their Merino Worsted in the past, and used it for lots of projects (bummer that they don't seem to carry it at all anymore). Check out these yummy colors:

But then there's this one from Knit Pixie  that is just oh-so-heavenly too:

I don't even know what project I want this all for. I'm just CRAVING NEW YARN! And browsing around, I've seen two new knitting books that have my interest piqued, but so far, not many reviews about either are around. Has anyone picked either of these up yet? Any thoughts?

Handknits for Kids by Lucinda Guy. You can see some of the patterns in the book at the KnitPicks website (View Inside Pages).

And, Alterknits, by Leigh Radford.

Has anyone seen these yet?

Self Portrait Tuesday

Again, here I am with the cheating. I didn't take this Self Portrait photo, it was taken by Calvin, unbeknownst to me. Kath had a wonderful post last week (scroll down a bit) about children taking photographs. This summer we started keeping a disposable camera around for Calvin. We've gone through a couple now, and it's simply wonderful to see what he chooses to take pictures of, and how. They're so lovely! He has his own photo album for his pictures that he's just so proud of, and we all love to look through them. The one above he took with my camera, and I love how it came out with the lighting all funky (he doesn't know how to turn on the flash).

Self Portrait Bloggers here.

There's some craftin' headed to this blog soon. I can feel it.

How We're Doing

I'm afraid after my last post, I may have left you with the impression of a perfect, blissful house of happiness over here with this new babe. Of course, that's very true...but there's balance to that as well. So let me show you the flip side to how we're REALLY all coping....

Calvin has disappeared and been replaced by Lucy.....

Lucy (who wears 80's leotards and topknots on her head) likes to use Ezra's head as a drum.... (Really, Ezra was consenting to this! I swear!)

Which, in turn, makes Ezra into "Monster ZaZa".....

....who I spend all my time fending off from attacking his new sister....

...while Papa sleeps.

...Yeah, I guess you could say we're "adjusting".

Today begins my first week at home alone with three children. Ah!!!!! Let's hope you hear from me again.

So here's the story...

The tub.

First my apologies to all you non-birth curious, non-baby people that might read this blog. Bear with me for the next post or two--I swear there's some regular craftin' comin soon, very soon.

And then I must say a huge thank you to everyone who commented and emailed this week with blessings and well wishes. I was blown away by the kindness and sincerity expressed by so many people I've never "met"....I can't tell you what that did for my sense of "kumbaya..the world is good, people are kind"--a good sense to have when welcoming a new little one into the sometimes scary world, surely.

So, I think I mentioned before that the last month of this pregnancy had been like one long contraction. I can't tell you HOW many times I thought I was in labor. Seriously. Daily. Um, slightly frustrating (and very tiring), especially as I passed both the dates at which my boys were born and this became my longest pregnancy by weeks. And then my birthday came, and I think I might have wished a little too hard for a birth, because that night (Thursday), my water broke in the middle of the night. Fabulous, right? But no...the moment that happened, those contractions I'd been having EVERY hour for a whole month? Yeah...those stopped. Completely. And slowly, the clock started ticking until it had been 12, 24, 48, 60 HOURS..and still....nothin'. (I'll stop here and mention for anyone who isn't a birth junkie, that traditional "standard of care" western medicine would be just about having our neck at this point for "negligence" for not going into the hospital for induction that long after water breaking, but I was NOT interested in the chain of events that would trigger, so we waited it out at home with our patient, knowledgeable midwife, and very responsibly and cautiously monitored both me and the babe for signs of infection. Okay, 'nuff said aboug that). I wasn't just sitting around waiting for labor, my friends. Oh no- we tried EVERYTHING: acupuncture, reflexology, walks, bumpy roads, nipple stimulation, herbs, homeopathy and all of that all over again..until I reached the ultimate end--the (looming music, please) Dreaded Castor Oil. I had been so fearful of this--hearing how terrible it tasted, and then what it does to your body. BUT....blessedly....the castor oil was the magic ticket. Drank it with some ice cream and oj (didn't even taste the oil!), completely avoided the whole, um, intestinal effect of the oil, and suddenly a contraction appeared. And then another, and another...and instantly, at 2 pm on Sunday, they were two minutes apart. We called in our birth team (yay--Jessie made it!), I labored a bit on the floor before getting in the tub around 4pm, when the contractions picked up a bit in intensity, but I was still able to be pretty mellow between them, and wasn't even convinced that I was "in" labor. The boys were popping in and out--playing outside, snacking in the kitchen, coming to say "hi" by the tub. It felt so perfect to have them there and doing their thing, everything staying mellow and "normal". I had a few contractions at this point that let me know the baby was coming, and on the next one, my body took over and started pushing. I *think* it was with two of those that the baby's head appeared (at the same time the second midwife arrived!), and into the water, and up on my chest appeared our baby at 4:47pm! The boys were watching with awe, and we all waited a bit as it slowly, slowly pinked up. And then Calvin and I took a peek to see....a GIRL!!!! It was an amazing birth...and so fast (3 hours from first contraction to birth!). We were once again thrilled with our decision to have a homebirth, and in love again with our gentle, loving midwife (who also attended Ezra's birth). After a meal (prepared by my sweet friend Rachael who sadly missed the birth by just minutes!), and clean up, and goodbyes to the birth team, we all snuggled into bed together for the night--changed into a family of five. Amazing. Peaceful.

And so here we are five days later, and everyone is adjusting. Mama's feeling good (yay--only a little tearing this time!), and overwhelmed by many powerful emotions I couldn't yet begin to put into words. Papa's learning to cook (I caught him READING a cookbook), and falling in love with his little girl. Calvin's adoring his new little sister (though he did say he was going to "lock the doors" on all the visitors we've been having this week!). Ezra's managing the best he can to adjust to not being "the baby" anymore. And sweet, sweet Adelaide is doing just perfect--nursing brilliantly (of course she's already brilliant!), sleeping well, and being as beautiful as I could have possibly imagined. Papa returns to work next week, so we've got just a few more joyful days of Babymooning together this weekend...

I'll end this painfully long post (thanks for bearing with this hormonally charged Mama) with a little more sweetness from Miss Adelaiade...

Self Portrait Tuesday

I'm briefly emerging from the land of baby bliss to bring you my special self portrait tuesday.  Adelaide and I, just seconds after her birth--before I even knew if she was a girl or a boy. Technically not a self portrait, but a photo by Jessie (thank you, my friend!). I really like how Steve's arm reaching in the tub, together with mine, sort of frames her. I have no memory of her facing "out" like this, so it must have been a very brief moment.

I'm headed back "in"....we're all doing lovely. Thank you, thank you for all your sweet well wishes and warm blessings--we've felt them all. Much more to come soon, I promise.

Welcome to the World!!

Adelaide Margaret Soule
born at home, in the water, on September 11th at 4:47 pm
7 lbs, 3 oz

More details to come when I'm done staring at this gorgeous baby GIRL!

A Birthday Recap

Aw, you guys are too much! Thanks to everyone for all the sweet, sweet birthday wishes you left here yesterday--I wish I had a chance to reply individually, but this very pregnant body of mine is not happy sitting at the computer for long these days. The "One Thing About You" was just WAY too much fun--thanks to all of you for sharing what you did, I loved learning a little more about everyone. It was a birthday treat that kept popping into my inbox all day long!

 
Here are my sweet flowers and cards from my boys...the big ones from Papa and Ez, and the super cool vase and "people" flowers from Cal. Aren't they adorable? He even had to dip into his prized toilet paper roll collection to make it. Aw, he loves his Mama.

And here's the sweet loot that Calvin and Papa picked out for me at some local antiquey shops...so perfect--BUTTONS, a scarf, all those yummy gold napkins and a very fun plate. Love it all.

I napped this afternoon (heavenly..thanks,Steve!) and was startled awake by some craziness going on in the kitchen. This is what I found. Ah! Look at my kitchen! Yikes! But oh, the carrot cake was so so yummy. (Oh, and the leotard bodysuit Cal is sporting is another old dance costume of mine that has become THE "circus costume".)

Thanks, everyone for such a wonderful birthday! An awesome start to the last year of my twenties (Ah! I'm still in my twenties! Think I won't mention THAT a million times in the next 364 days?)

Twenty Nine

Happy Birthday to Me. Here I am on my first birthday. I hope this is exactly how I look (and feel) after eating my cake today, too.

I love the "100 Things" lists that I see on some blogs, but I'm way too intimidated--and introverted (believe it or not)--to come up with, and share 100. So, how about 29 Things on my 29th Birthday? Here goes.

1. I failed Home Ec one semester in Middle School
2. I wish I was more outdoorsy than I really am
3. I wanted to be a librarian when I was little
4. I'm left handed, but I write with my right hand because my kindergarten teacher made me sit on my left one
5. I love butter. gobs and gobs of butter on everything
6.  I've only ever lived in Maine
7. I was a vegetarian for 10 years until one drunken night when I succumbed to bacon, and haven't turned back since
8. I want to learn to spin wool
9. I moved in with my husband two weeks after we started dating
10. We were pregnant 6 weeks later. and totally thrilled. and crazy too.
11. I'm reluctantly learning to be a baseball fan, and I kind of like it
12. I was "Amy" until I went to college
13. We have two dogs, even though I'm really a cat person
14. I was a Women's Studies major in college
15. I have an obsession with all things striped
16. I like baking, but not cooking (chopping is a bore)
17. I swear a lot. too much.
18. I have a crush on Cate Blanchett. she makes me blush.
19. I like to kiss my babies' toes when they're sleeping
20. Thoroughly Modern Millie is my favorite movie
21. I don't like to sweat
22. My first concert was Cyndi Lauper when I was 9, who I dressed as for Halloween three years in a row
23. I'm terrified of frogs
24. I believe that a HOT bathtub soak with a bowl of ice cream will solve any problem. add some Maker's Mark Whiskey on the rocks and life is really, really good.
25. I used to wear a shaved head, and would now if my husband weren't bald too (oh, I love his shiny round head!)
26. I really want a Vespa
27. I want lots more tattoos
28. I *will* learn to play violin this winter
29. I'd love to share this birthday with a new little one

Update: Okay, so for my birthday present (hee hee), I want you all to add "One Thing" about YOU in the comments section. (Yeah! Fun!)

Two Amazing Sisters

Sneaky, sneaky these two are, I tell ya. For weeks there have been hints, sneak peeks and mentions of a collaborative effort on each of their blogs, and yet it was a complete surprise to me when the results of those efforts arrived in a package on my porch this afternoon.

After taking all of this out of the box (with a beautiful Mia illustration on the outside!), I was so impressed with my ability to restrain myself from tearing into each package long enough for a picture. You can see that Calvin was ready too...

Once these were both unwrapped, I was crying. I'll spare you all the long, rambling "amazement" at the blogging crafting community rant I'm known to go on, and just say that these sweet handmade gifts from Lisa and Stephanie meant a lot to me. This quilt (by Lisa) is so lovingly and beautifully made with the perfect fabrics (oh, I love, love, love them!), and the softie (by Stephanie) that matches (matches!) is so snuggly and sweet that I might have to sleep with it until the baby arrives.

And they were so thoughtful to include a little giftie for Calvin and Ezra. So perfectly chosen it was, too, this play circus, as you can see from their intent play with it, ignoring all requests for a "camera smile".

Thank you, thank you my friends. Really and truly.

Miss Molly

This is Miss Molly. She's my first attempt at a human-ish doll, which was, as everyone says about making dolls, much harder than I thought! I like the general shape--I wanted super long limbs, but the head and neck were hard to get right for shape (she looks a little frog-like to me, or maybe ET-like!). And I really struggled with the face and hair too. Animal creatures are much more forgiving!

Even with all her wonkiness, we'll take her into our home with loving arms. (I hope she'll forgive me for all the things I've said about her, and especially for photographing her in the stinky, dirty "dog corner" of the house--it had the only light in the house!)

The sewing machine is obviously "back"....all that waiting and trying to keep things neat just wasn't working for me. So now, I've been sewing, and there's a mess...sure to bring on labor, right?

Self Portrait Tuesday

I'm not feeling like being in front of the camera today, so here's an old self portrait from about 10 years ago. I remember taking my camera and tripod on this hike alone in the Camden Hills, and this is the one picture I took. It's kind of how I'm feeling today--or more accurately, what I long to be able to feel today--alone and silent. I hope I'll find some way to squeeze those needs in amidst the moment to moment chaos of parenting two little ones today.

Kathreen has created a new page for Self Portrait Tuesday, and there's also the Flickr pool.

Quilts for Katrina

Here's my contribution for the Quilts for Katrina project started by Shanna. The blocks will be put together and auctioned off for the Red Cross, with some being donated as well.  I think she's accepting signups until the end of day today (Monday)--there's been an amazing response, and some wonderful contributions already posted on the Flickr group. There's something that feels good about using my hands to DO something about the nightmare going on for so many people, so I'm grateful for the chance to do this.

The embroidery is of course, from one of Calvin's drawings. He drew this, among lots of other houses, last week after learning about the hurricane. There's a really fine line at this age (or any age, for that matter) of deciding how much to expose him to of the world and it's sadness, while still wanting to protect that amazing, innocent 'cloud' that they have hovering over them the first few years of life. So while his knowledge of this incident is limited, his heart about it is enormous..like most other children right now, I'd imagine.

Finally, Some Knitting

This labor may not be progressing much (but we're not talking about that, okay?), but atleast there's some knitting progress around here. I made these booties for my sister who's having a girl in November (unless, of course, I have a girl first and can't possibly give them away..hee hee.)

The pattern is the Simple T Strap Shoe from the book 50 Baby Booties to Knit by Zoe Mellor. I used Debbie Bliss Cashmerino yarn. Yummy. The pattern was straightforward, pretty easy, and they were quick to knit up--even on size 3 needles. But for some reason when I knit, I don't feel like sewing...and I think her patterns require a lot of sewing, so for that reason this is only the second pair of bootees I've knit from this book in the three years that I've had it. Oh well, another bad knitting book investment.

Now on to finishing the Wild Stripes baby blanket--I'm almost done, just lots and lots of weaving in of ends to finish.

Waiting

There's a whole lot of nothing going on around here this week. At 37 weeks now I'm officially pregnant longer than I ever have been, and I must say this game of waiting is kind of a drag (I know, all you 42 week-ers are rolling your eyes at me right now..sorry). I've had bouts of thinking I'm in labor each day (so many contractions!), but so far, nothing progressing. And since I'm trying to keep the house semi-clean, I haven't even been crafting since last weekend, besides some knitting, which seems to be progressing at about the same rate as my labor.

So, what to do when waiting for baby, with a birthing tub in the living room? Why, swim in it of course. Hours of entertainment, I tell ya...all while Mama gets to lay on the couch. Ah....

And here's Calvin's way of passing the time waiting for babe(besides asking every five minutes, "you havin' any 'tractions, Mama?"). He's working his way up to making 80 (his favorite number of the moment) of these signs, and after a day of this project, he's got 8 done and on the front door. Let's hope we have the babe before he reaches his goal.

Something Good

I know you've probably all seen this a million times over by now, but I'm posting it anyway, 'cause it's just such an awesome thing for Hurricane Katrina relief. I don't think I have the energy to post anything to sell, but certainly I can do some buying, can't I? And you can too....over at Etsy.com. There are some beautiful items up, and I'm sure more coming.

Also, Jenny of Queenthings has listed on Ebay a wonderful mixed media collage she did, to benefit the Red Cross.

And Hillary has listed her adorable Mini Me Apron and Doll on the Wee Wonderful Auction page, also to benefit the Red Cross.