Restless

It was a restless night in our house. Duncan fell out of bed once, and after he was tucked back in, he proceeded to spend the better part of the night whining/moaning/crying/talking. I got up at least 3 times to check up on him, and he was fast asleep each time. Once his feet were threaded through the bars, up against the wall. Once his face was smashed into the side rail, like a prisoner. Sometime toward morning he got up and wandered into our bedroom before Jamie ushered him right back to his. Sometimes, I feel like he'll never sleep straight through the night again like he used to. We still have some good nights; Saturday night he didn't make a peep between 7:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. I guess the sleep deprived nights are more memorable. It's ironic as I watch Marcie and Roger going through their own sleeping issues with Ben and keep saying "It gets better." I guess better is relative. When you're child had been sleeping like a champ and then stops, it's hard to remember that it's still better than nightly feedings every two or three hours. Wish us luck tonight.

Wary of the Ides

Today is:  Einstein's birthday, Baby Benjamin's original due date, the last Friday before Spring Break, and one day before the Ides of March (of which we are wary).  I'm not sure how we can mark this excitement, so close on the heels of Duncan's birthday, except by posting a picture of the ever-famous "TRACTOR!"

Cotton: The Fabric of Our Lives

This yarn has been kicking me in the teeth for at least a week now - longer if you count the 3 separate internet orders to accumulate the yarn (plus extra to replace what I used in numerous gauge swatches), stitch holders, and long enough needles. It has required two gauge swatches, neither of which actually "GOT GAUGE," though one came closer to the other. This is a secret project for a secret person; its identity will gradually become apparent, however, and if you know me, you'll be able to guess the recipient. I decided to make a bold foray into the land of knitted garments, leaving the scarves, hats, and mittens far behind. I am doubting whether I have the fortitude for this project.

The yarn is nothing fancy: Lion Bran Organic Cotton in Sage. It needs to be wash and wear, and the recipient's mother (too many hints) will appreciate its organic nature. I've never knit cotton before and am struggling with its lack of stretch. It's taken me 4 inches to achieve a tension that is almost comfortable. I'm also not fond of the feel of this cotton on these plastic needles. Next time (I aim to make three more of these babies), I'll knit it on metal circulars (probably Turbo Addi's). I'm glad that it's beginning to feel better because I need to get some better karma into this piece!

Today is a day for rain, vanilla cupcakes, meatloaf, painting with Duncan, and the long wait for more pictures of baby Ben. In short, hibernation is the name of the game.

A Healthy Sense of Wonder

Our new friend Ben was born today.  I haven't met him yet; I haven't even seen him yet for that matter, but I hear that he is pretty special.  His arrival has left me nostalgic for our early days with my own son, Duncan, who will turn 2 in 6 days.  How these little people arrive in the world is nothing short of magic, no matter how they get here.  Sometimes, I can't imagine how Jamie, Duncan, or I survived to see him turn 2 given our lack of experience with the whole baby rearing game.  Sometimes, each day feels so long that you can't foresee waking up to do it all over again; then, suddenly, 724 of those days are gone.  Childhood is fleeting.  My eyes have welled with tears all day as I have been completely overwhelmed with love for my beautiful, 2-going-on-20, little boy.  I hope that I can always recapture this feeling.  Especially after he drives my car through the garage door.