Back in the (Creative) Saddle Again

Shortly after having Collin, while I was in the midst of feeling VERY overwhelmed, hormonal and weepy, I had moments of feeling as if I didn't know myself anymore. And while my hobbies and interests don't define me (the forgiveness of my sins through Christ does), the fact that in my low moments I couldn't envision myself ever pulling out my knitting needles, sewing machine or ever hosting a fun party again scared me a little bit.

The fact that I've regained interest in these hobbies as well as gathered the energy to do them again, is significant to me. So I thought I share with you some photos of recent crafting and party hosting endeavors... : )

Baby shower given for my dear friend who is expecting her first child in March! (the first picture is rather dark and not very good).

A tutu for Lucy- just for fun!

Texas Tech themed bib and crinkle patch for Collin (pattern for the bib found in the book One Yard Wonders by Rabecca Yaker and PAtricia Hoskins, "Crinkle Patch" was my idea.

Fun new purse for me (pattern also from One Yard Wonders)

Too-small sweater for Collin : ) Pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson

Too-big pinafore for Lucy, pattern ALSO from One-Yard Wonders

The sweet babes together in their made-by-mommy garb

Thanks for letting me share what I've been doing during Lucy and Collin's naps during these cold midwest months! It's been a lot of fun.

The Stevenson Sweeties

I thought I'd give the current "lowdown" on the babies. I figure that the out-of-town family and friends would especially appreciate it. Lucy and Collin sure keep me on my toes. This is a very physically demanding stage of parenting right now, but I love spending my days with them and think that taking care of them is a good way to get tired...

Lucy

Hobbies: dancing, playing with Collin, taking care of her baby dolls, chasing Minnie, looking at books, building and knocking down block towers, taking baths,being chased and caught by her daddy, watching "Baby Signing Time", playing with cousins and friends

Favorite Foods: cheese, strawberries, mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, ham, raisins, cinamon toast, Mommy's cupcakes

Dislikes: being told "no", having Mommy pick her nose (yes, I do this, and if you're a mother, I know you do it or did it to your kids too), having her clothes changed, listening to Collin cry.

We can't believe Lucy is almost two! She has adjusted so well to being a big sister and plays really well with Collin except for the occaisional times she tries to stuff baby wipes in his mouth. She is the apple of her daddy's eye- she still thinks Darin's the greatest thing since sliced bread and just squeals in delight when he gets home from work everyday.

Here is Lucy dancing to "Cornelius"- the Apologetix's parody of "Cecilia"

Collin

Hobbies: GROWING! Our little mister is 18 lbs and 28 " long now!, playing with Lucy,drooling, giggling, cooing and babbling, chewing, rolling, climbing, trying to crawl, and EATING.

Favorite Foods: aside from still being my champion nurser, Collin likes sweet potatoes, bananas, carrots, and peaches.

Dislikes: baths, getting his nose picked, being in one position/spot for longer than ten minutes, being away from Mommy, being in his carseat.

Some interesting trivia on Collin is that he is cutting two top teeth right now, but not his front teeth. The two on either side should pop through any day now. Apparently, this is how Darin's teeth came in when he was a baby. I'm afraid he's going to look like a little vampire. Thankfully, due to the popularity of the Twilight series, this should only make him more endearing... like a baby "Edward".

Here is Collin's first experience with rice cereal: