Santa's Workshop T-2 days

I've been slowly collecting items (ok, I admit it - yarn) for handmade gifts for quite awhile.  At least since June.  But that's all I've been doing - collecting.  Only one project has been started, and it's been collecting dust on my fireplace mantel for well over 3 weeks.

I've been in denial about the short amount of time that actually exists before Christmas rolls around.  I also ignore the fact that I have a little boy who is essentially my Christmas countdown.  To scare you all, he is 9 1/2 months old.  That means we only have 2 1/2 months until Christmas.  About 10 weeks?  See, that is scary isn't it.

And on my "handmade" queue I have:

The owl vest is for Aidan's 1st birthday...

And there are also two scarfs (one I mentioned above) and one yet to be started.  On top of all of this, I have decided to sew Grace a housecoat as her main gift from Nate and I.  Do you feel tired?  This list makes me laugh in a crazy not sane way - lol. 

So I've decided to prioritize.  The two critters (Fox & Owl) will be knit first.  The Owl is for Grace, Fox for Aidan, for their stockings.  Next up, the owl vest.  Then Nate's sweater (now been on the needles for over a year) :|  After that, the rest may get yarn wrapped up with a promise note. 

As of November 1st, my "workshop" will be full steam ahead for the holidays.

Are you gifting handmade?  What's on your queue?

A Gift

It started with my midwife Aisia.  She knew how much I wanted to breastfeed and told me there was a lactation consultant in Calgary who could help.

I met Dr. Woolgar when I was 36 weeks pregnant.  She told me I had sufficient colustrum and gave me hope.

When Aidan was just 4 days old I started going to her clinic every 2 days, then stretching out until every week.  By the time Aidan was just 2 weeks old we were solely breastfeeding.  By 2 months, we had "graduated" from the clinic.

Fast forward and Aidan is now almost 9 1/2 months old.  I had been nursing him everytime he woke from a nap, but while we were in Victoria, I started getting him up, waiting til he fussed, then nursing him.  Today, for the first time, he never "asked" for his morning feed.  He nursed in the morning, had breakfast, then waited until his solids at lunch.  I knew he was starting to wean, at least during the day, but today was full evidence of it.

It has been a wonderful journey and one I feel so blessed to have experienced.  We aren't done yet - I still have potential afternoon quick nursings, then his nighttime feeds where he likes to snuggle in close.  I'm going to cherish these next few months.

Babes grow into Toddlers so quickly.

Comforts of Home

I've been on the West Coast long enough now (one week) that it is starting to feel like home.  I like I can get anywhere in 10 minutes, that there are beaches (& Starbucks) everywhere, and that Grace can safely play in the frontyard without fear or that she can hop across to the park.

BUT....

Sometime last night, I started wishing for my actual home.  To see my crazy dog, to be there for my hubby when he gets home from work.  To sift through the mail that has been piling up, to drive on two lane streets that are rushing with traffic. 

Being away is so good, but going home is so sweet.

Tomorrow we board the plane and land back in the prairies at 3:59.  This prairie girl just can't wait.

West Coast Turkey

The kids and I snuck away from the City & Prairies last week and stole away to Vancouver Island. 

 We've been busy going to Aquariums, throwing rocks in the Ocean, playing at the playground across from my In-Laws place, and taking in as much of the sea air as possible.

More adventures this week will include going to a Pumpkin patch & going to a wave pool to swim.  

I didn't realize how much I missed this place until I came back.  I think it is going to be sooner than another 3 years before we return.

Did you see on the sidebar?  It's true.  My Etsy shop is up and an item is listed!  Once I get home there will be more going up!  Woot!  I'm excited for this new adventure :)

We're ready!

The Mice are out...

The ghosts are hung...

Candy is by the front door along with the spider wreath...

And new this year, we've added Spiders hanging from the windows!

The Mice & Spiders are from Martha Stewart.  She has some seriously fun Halloween decorations.  Click here to head over to her 'Halloween Central'.