A Picture

The other day I got a new Picture of the Day from Auntie Colleen...........here is the blurb............

"On the weekend, this guy was watching and waiting for his family to come back to the car from their shopping trip inside the store. He didn't care about anyone else in the parking lot or what they might be doing, including the guy taking his photo. He had eyes only for the reappearance of his family. But isn't he adorable?"

 

And here is the picture...........bet you're all curious now!

OK - yes he's cute...waiting so patiently and looking so forlorn....adorable.........well maybe...........but so is this.............

 

And now I would like to introduce you to some very special people.  Remember the lady in New York who just asked me to knit a layette for her soon-to-be-born grandson.  When her first grandchilren were born, a few years ago now, I made layettes for each of them.  Here is Tatiana, Mommy and Layla.  I can't believe how much they've grown since I last received pictures, and I was so pleased to get this from their grandma!

Aren't they beautiful little girls?  In about a month I hope to be able to show you their new little cousin!  Thank you to their Grandma for the picture!  My New York friend was asking about newer pictures of the project......so I took a few today and hopefully I will have time to post them tomorrow while my two little boys are sleeping.  They are visiting until Friday - so I'll be a tad busier than usual.  Oh yes, I guess since I posted a picture of Munchie - it is only fair to post one of Cujee-Wujee too!

I gave him a tubby in the kitchen sink this evening and I think Mommee got some nice smiling pictures........maybe I can squeeze one of those in tomorrow too!  Night All!

Update on Babies and Blanket

We popped down to Munchie's house for a short visit this week - we were missing our little boys.  I got some nice pictures of Cujee.  Munchie was a little too active to get very many pictures.  When we arrived Cujee was awake this time!  I thought you might like to see him with his eyes open!

He looked like he had grown already and he is much more alert and likes to be talked to.  He also likes to eat!

Munchie sat on my knee for a few minutes and let me take one picture.

We decided it would be a good idea to take Munchie out for a walk to burn off some steam...so we got Cujee dressed a little warmer......

And off we headed to the grocery store.....

...where Mommee picked up some necessities and Poppa kept an eye on our busy little Munchie.  By the time we arrived back home Cujee was worn out and fell asleep.  Munchie - who had walked all the way to the mall and all the way back home - was starting to fade a little, but Poppa took a few minutes to help him unlock the door to the balcony.

They played together for a while and then it was time for us to head back to Poppa's house.  And, Poppa's house was the place where the rest of the yarn for my current project was awaiting me.  The cream coloured Dreambaby DK had arrived so I got to work right away on the border for the blanket.  Here is a picture to give you a general idea............

While I was awaiting the arrival of the cream yarn I started the overalls -
 pictures to follow.

Inside The Box

OK - here is what was inside that box.

Now you're all saying "oh - I should have guessed!"  Right?  Hee!  This is Plymouth Yarns Dreambaby DK yarn in baby blue to use for the project I mentioned in my previous blog, for my friend in New York.   This yarn is soft and snuggly and perfect for little people.  It is also nice to work with and one of my favourite yarns for baby projects.  The only problem I have with it, is that it seems to be difficult to get.  I had a hard time finding a source with sufficient yarn for this whole project - and am still awaiting the arrival of the contrasting cream colour for the trim.  I have received notification that it has been shipped and am expecting it any day now.....which is good since at this point I almost have the blanket finished...here is what it looked like a couple of days ago.

This is the beginning........there is a lovely wide border to be added..........I'm quite pleased with it so far.  This part is almost finished now...........so on to the rest of the layette.........I love new projects!  Oh, and by the way Auntie Colleen - I have put the lace on hiatus for now....but only until this blue layette is finished............I always love the lace!

Cujee's First Visit

After the long weekend at Gramma's house, Mommee decided it was time for Cujee to be introduced to Poppa's house.  I think she was hoping for a bit of a break and that Poppa and Nanna would help out with the little boys for a couple of days.  We did our best and we hope it worked for her!  We sure did enjoy it.

Poppa had a turn with both the boys......notice Munchie's little toes in this one!  Poppa looks pleased with this task doesn't he?

Once Poppa had Cujee sleeping soundly, he took some time to show Munchie something new that he had bought for him.  Munchie has always been intrigued with watches, so Poppa bought him a small one of his own.

Munchie thought this was pretty cool, but he wasn't used to having something on his arm and soon decided that he wanted it off.

While we were eating supper, Kev-Inn tried on Munchie's hat.....

It was obviously too small for Kev-Inn and Munchie thought it looked hilarious!

After we cleaned up the supper dishes it was time for Poppa to help Munchie into those new Elmo jammas we had bought for him, to make sure they fit, and would keep him nice and warm while he slept.

The next day after breakfast....

...it was my turn to hold little Cujee..........who fell asleep soon after we had a little chat....

He looks so small!  He has his little monster jammas on, and he seemed to like being fuzzy and warm - he slept a lot!  Such a good little tiny fellow!  After a while I handed him over to Mommee (while Squeegie looked on!), so she could hold him while I got supper ready.

When supper was ready, Poppa picked up Aunt Peggy and brought her out for her first visit with Cujee and to have supper with us.

Soon Munchie and Poppa escorted Aunt Peggy out to the car and took her home.  And once they were back at Poppa's house, Munchie headed off to bed once again.

Another peaceful night.  Cujee only wakes up once or twice through the night - usually just once - which is a nice change for Mommee - Munchie woke up every couple of hours - or sometimes less!  Poppa, myself and Munchie didn't hear a sound during the night and slept soundly - which was good because bright and early in the morning, Munchie was asking Poppa what was on the plan for the day.

They both got dressed, had breakfast, played with some toys, and took a walk over to the playground, but they couldn't play because everything was too wet and the ground was soggy from all the recent rain.  So, as a special treat for Munchie, Poppa once again got the tractor out of the shed....

Yep - you're seeing correctly!  Munchie is out there cutting the grass with Poppa - again!  He loves to drive the tractor and was quite pleased with himself.

They weren't quite done the whole yard when they had to stop for some important visitors!  Uncle Brian and Aunt Denise had come to have a look at the newest arrival and Munchie didn't want to miss his chance to have a visit with them either.  Here he is showing off his little brother to Aunt Denise.

When Aunt Denise and Uncle Brian left, Mommee decided it was time to get on the road before the rush hour traffic started on the highway and our little visit ended.  Poppa and I were both feeling a little sorry that it was over while we waved good-bye to our tearful little Munchie, who seemed sad too.

What box?  Oh yes - that box.  I'll tell you all about it in my next post!

Labour Day Weekend

To celebrate the Labour Day Weekend, Mommee and Daddee took the two little boys to visit Gramma.  Munchie had a wonderful time playing with Daddee in the pool....

..and playing with cousin Reese beside the pool (being supervised by Auntie Melissa) ....

....and by the end of the day - all the boys were tired and worn out.....

Thank you to Gramma for the pictures!

A Parcel and A Picture

The other day I got this parcel in the mail....

And then I got this wonderful picture from Auntie Colleen.  She had gone to a memorial service for the residents (several of our relatives are buried there) of the cemetery adjacent to this beautiful little church.  It is the first picture in quite a while since - due to the economic recession - Uncle Shaun has fonnd himself looking for a new job - and they have been extra busy working on that project.   So, I was surprised and happy to get this shot of the church interior........

The Squeegie Blog...

We are all familiar with this little fellow...........

His name is Squeegie.  He is nine years old.  I discovered him in a Wal-Mart store in Kississimee, FL in February of 2001.  He was so fuzzy then - for some reason - perhaps a lot of loving - his fur is a little less fuzzy now.  His favourite past-time is eating and he loves KFC, Longhorn Steakhouse and anything chocolate.  He has always been a good little bear. Over the last three weeks he has been exemplary though - let me explain.

Munchie will be two next month - and is currently suffering through the terrible twos!  Up until recently he got whatever he wanted - his wants were simple - food, drink, change, a few toys and lots of loving.  Suddenly his world is expanding and suddenly there are all sorts of things that he isn't allowed to do, or isn't allowed to touch.  Suddenly he is expected to go for a nap because the big people think he's tired.  Suddenly he is expected to eat carrots when he really wants cookies or treats.  The big world is just not as fun as it used to be and he is trying to assert his will over the big people.  It's not always a pleasant experience for any of us.  And - that is where Squeegie comes into the picture.  For instance, it is nap-time and Munchie tells us "I don't like nap".  Squeegie says "OK - I'm tired - I'll take the blankie and go to bed".  Squeegie grabs the blankie and heads to the bedroom.  Munchie watches him and quietly follows, climbs into the crib behind Squeegie and settle down easily for a nap.  Yay Squeegie!

After nap-time Munchie needs to be changed, but tells us "I don't like diaper change".  Hee!  Squeegie decides he does like diaper changes - and lays down on the change pad to get a diaper on.  Munchie watches him quietly and when Squeegie is re-dressed, Munchie lifts him off the change table and gets on himself.  Mission accomplished!  Yay Squeegie!

The epitome of the ingenuity of this little bear was demonstrated the day Mommee wanted to cut Munchie's fingernails.  Mommee was telling me how much Munchie abhorred this event and wondered if Squeegie could help.  Sure enough, Squeegie requested that Mommee cut his nails.  After watching in silence while Mommee used her clippers to cut Squeegie's nails, and Squeegie giggled and laughed each time the clippers snipped - Munchie climbed up on Mommee's knee and held out his hand.  Mommee was able to get fingernails and toe nails clipped with ease.  Hip-hip-hooray Squeegie!

And then there was the Kodak moment when Mommee and the little boys were here visiting last week, when Squeegie took some time out from his busy day to comfort little Cujee as he was falling asleep.

What an amazing little bear - no wonder we all love him!

Oh Gosh!

I was talking to Mommee on the phone this morning.  She is coming with Coogie and Munchie for a visit - tomorrow!!!  Whee!  Anyway, I thought I'd better tell you about my visit with them last week - before they get here for the next visit!  I stayed home on Monday  to give them a chance to recover from the weekend, and Monday evening Poppa took me to their house.

When we arrived we found Daddee sitting with both boys.  Coogie was a little fussy and Munchie thought that a soother should help.

The next morning Daddy went to work and the day flew by - in fact the time passed so quickly that I forgot to take many pictures!  We went to the grocery store and picked up a few things for supper - which was quite interesting with a wailing infant and an adventurous toddler!  But we managed.  That night after supper we thought we could see some resemblance between these two boys....

....as Daddy once more took a few minutes to visit with his newest son.   Soon Munchie was ready for bed.  He grabbed Squeegie (and tried to get my camera!) and headed off to his crib for the night.

Next morning we were up bright and early.  Coogee thought that when he grew up he would like to be a professional tourist for one of those travel shows on TV - so he donned his Hawaiian shirt and a tiny pair of shorts.

And, after some considerable thought and a lengthy contemplation about the clothes in his drawer, Munchie decided to reconsider one of his earlier career ambitions - and put on his giraffe outfit in anticipation of a zookeeper position.

Here he is loading the zoo visitors into the bus for a tour through the wild animal section.  When the tour was done, Mommee sat with her two little boys and watched Toopy.

Then, a little later, after Munchie had a nap, we headed over to Costco to get some staples that Mommy needed.  This trip was less stressful than the grocery store, since we convinced Munchie to ride in the shopping cart - this was easier since, Coogie was riding in the large part!  Unfortunately I didn't grab my camera when we were leaving, so I couldn't get a picture of our trek!

Once again it was soon time to get to bed - since Poppa was coming to get me in the morning.  Wow - time flies when you are busy with little people!

Knitting report:  I finished the last piece of lace I was working on and started another one from the Nicky Epstein book, Knitting On The Edge.  This one is called  - fittingly enough - Baby Tears.

And, in an effort to create something to replace that favourite blankie of Munchie's, I started a blankie in the same colour scheme, hoping it will be accepted before the old one is totally shredded.  I'm hoping you can see the detail on the blankie - I'm sure none of you will be surprised to see the pattern I chose.

The pattern is called Teddy Bear Merino 5 Baby Blanket from Crystal Palace Yarns.  Since it is absolutely critical that this blankie be very washable, I am using Bernat Baby Sport yarn, which comes in conveniently large skeins for making blankies and afghans.    I am working in shades of blue and green with some white added in - partly to try to match the colours in the old blankie and partly because that is what I had in my stash.  It's hard to see the detail in the photo.  When the blankie is finished I should be able to get a better angle.  Right now it is attached to two large skeins of yarn and therefore not very pose-able!

The exciting news on the knitting front is that I got an e-mail from a contact in New York state whom I hadn't heard from since 2005!  She is having her fourth grandchild (a boy!) and wondered if I could make a layette for her.  The yarn is ordered and I am hoping to receive it shortly!  The baby is due in October - so the sooner that yarn arrives the better!

Home Once Again!

Here is Nanna at home again after a short visit to Munchie's house this time.  While I was home last weekend, Poppa made supper on the barbeque to keep the heat out of the house.  The air conditioner was running, but it was soooo hot that he thought it would be wise to generate as little heat as possible inside.  He put the frying pan on the side burner to brown some hamburger for gloop!

As you can see, Squeegie kept a watchful eye on the proceedings to make sure his supper turned out yummy!  Meanwhile, Taffy used the time to read her book while she sat on the patio swing in the shade - enjoying the nice summer weather.

It was so hot that our fridge gave up the ghost......well we're going to blame the hot weather, but actually a part was not functioning correctly - which caused the fridge to heat up instead of cool down - and Poppa couldn't get a replacement part - even though the fridge was only six years old!  So I picked the fridge I liked the best - bottom freezer!

So far - I love it!  It is so nice to open the door and have the everyday stuff at normal height.  No more bending to get the vegetables - or the milk for that matter!  The freezer opens like a drawer and it is so easy to find what I am looking for!  Love it!