Spanish Dancer

My parents-in-law recently returned from a Mediterranean Cruise. While in Spain, they found a sweet little "Flamenco" style play dress for Lucy. Too cute for words, so I'll share the video we took after once we put it on her and turned on some music:

The Swagger Wagon

I love, love, love this. I relate to it on so many levels.

Bookbinding!

Some of you may remember way back in November of 2008, Iblogged about how I asked Darin if he could teach me to read music/play the piano. He managed to evade having to actually do soby gently telling me that he thought I was too busy to start a new hobby, but he assured me that yes, my hobbies DO keep me interesting and "mysterious" to him...

Well, shortly thereafter my pregnancy and eventual birth of Collin took center stage, and I forgot all about wanting to learn to read music/play the piano. Soon after Collin was born, Darin completed the Crafting Studio he was building for me in the basement, and after several months, I got back into the swing of crafting as told here and started my little grassoots crafting business, Tabitha Designs.

Well, lately with the arrival of spring, I've been getting out and about with the babies much more and love walking with them around downtown. As a result, I've become acquainted with this charming little shop in Des Moine's East Village shopping center called Ephemera. Ephemera calls itself a "stationery studio" but I call it a "breeding ground for creativity." They offer lots of fun classes to bring out the inner creative soul in you (creative writing, knitting, drawing, etc., etc.). The friendly store owners convinced me to take their one-night class on "Beginning Book Binding". So used some birthday money, enrolled and attended with a friend last night! Here's what I made and I'm so tickled:

Well, now I'm dealing with all these urges to learn as much about bookbinding as I can, looking up bookbinding material suppliers, envisioning all the possibilities there could be for me and bookbinding. And um, well, I'm afraid I'm gonna need to calm myself down a little bit before Darin's fears about what might have happened with me learning to play the piano might be realized through my new bookbinding interest.

Oh dear. I'm afraid that this complusively creative soul is going to need some large doses of self-control and self-discipline... what do you think?

Oh, and one final little thing... I checked out Ephemera's site today and was pleasantly surprised to find that a picture of little old me and my bookbinding creation made it onto their blog today! Go take a looksee: http://www.ephemeradesign.com/blog/?p=536

Good night, friends!

Elmo's Ricky Gervais Lullaby

If you are a mom to a preschooler who is a Sesame Street fan, you've likely already seen this. If you're a Ricky Gervais fan, it's also possible you've seen or heard of this. Regardless, I saw this for the first time watching Sesame Street with Lucy this morning during Collin's nap. I laughed hard. And sweet Lucy laughed too, but I think it was because I was laughing so much, she figured she ought to laugh too... even though she didn't actually "get it". : ) Don't we all do that in those uncomfortable social situations when a joke is told that we don't get?

Enjoy:

Fargo and Frila

Darin and I took a long time to jump on the "texting" band wagon. We held out and we held out until we just had to stop paying the fees for the texts that kept arriving on our no-texting-plan phones. When we did cave in and add the plan, the responses from our friends when they first received texts from us, illustrated how behind the times we were.

They said things like this:

"Wow, you can text now?!"

"A text from Erika? I'm shocked!"

"Look who's texting?!"

"Aww, I'm honored to have gotten a text from you!"

You get the point. It's kind of amusing when my baby-boomer parents know/use texting lingo more skillfully than I do.

Last night Darin was here at home and the babies and I were a couple hours away at the home of my parents-in-law while our furnace was being replaced. Darin and I texted back and forth for about half an hour before going to bed. I felt all warm and fuzzy each time I got a text from Darin... kind of like he was my boyfriend again. It was kind of cute. (Am I allowed to say that about myself?)

Anyways, even though I've been texting for about a year now, there are still little things that I just really get a kick out of that show my texting youthfulness. Mainly, I really get a kick out of using the t9 mode on my keypad to spell out people's names and it cracks me up to see the alternate options that pop up while doing so.

So I love the fact that when I spell out Darin's name is also pops up as "Fargo" and mine shows "Frila". I kind of want to start calling Darin "Fargo" now and hope he'll start referring to me as "Frila". I think they'd be charming new terms of endearment. What do you think?

I bet I know what you think... You probably think that the fact that I haven't yet purchased a phone with a separate keypad for letters and that I still have to use t9 to text shows all the more how much of a texting novice I am. And you'd be right. I AM pretty old fashioned with my t9 texting ways. But if you know your "alternate" name using t9 mode, would you humor and tell me what it is in the comments section? I'd love to have a new nickname for you.

Thanks,
Frila

Biter Biscuit

Collin REALLY loves biter biscuits. This video makes me smile. Hope it makes you smile too. : )

Two

Just a little narrative from this morning about my now TWO year-old.

Lucy and Collin were sitting in Lucy's room with me. Things were great, we'd even just finished with a great giggle session when Collin grabbed one of Lucy's "babies". Lucy took it from him.

He grabbed another "baby". She took it from him too. We went through this until there were four babies in Lucy's lap. I grabbed a different toy and gave it to an unaware, happy-go-lucky Collin. Lucy started to take it from him, but mid-grab, I intercepted her arm and told her a firm "no". She proceeded to throw her body on top of the FOUR toys in her lap while Collin sat grinning with his one toy that she desperately wanted. Tears were streaming down Lucy's cheeks and she began wailing at the perceived injustice of the entire situation. I sat, watched her and quietly laughed at her, but then sobered up when I realized how often I surely act like a two-year-old when my Father in Heaven is exceedingly generous and gracious to me.

After Lucy worked her way through the pain and disappointment of not being allowed to take a fifth toy away from her brother, she walked to me, arms outstretched for a hug. Which I was happy to give.

And if only-human-me, was happy to hug Lucy, it makes me confident that the Father is truly pleased to receive those who come to Him for comfort even when their own greed or other shortcomings were the cause of their hurt.

Get Acquainted With Tabitha Designs

Well, after a few years of putting it off and giving lame excuses when people have said to me, "You should try to sell the things you make!", I am plunging in and attempting to start my own grassroots business selling handmade crafts. I am very much learning as I go, but having a lot of fun starting "Tabitha Designs".

The thing is, Darin and I are adequately provided for, so I'm not doing this because I need to earn extra money. In fact, lately I've almost felt strange about all the material excess I truly have. But there has been a part of me that has just wanted to see if people might actually want to buy what I design/make. So I came up with a solution to my dilemma!

Tabitha Designs will be dontating 40 % of all sales to three charitable organizations that are pretty important to me: Ruth Harbor, The ALS Association, and Samaritan's Purse. When customers shop Tabitha, they may select which of the three to designate their purchase towards...

Click on the graphic below and take a peek at my under construction website for Tabitha Designs and let me know what you think so far! (FYI- I don't have any items listed for sale quite yet, but will be trying to get that in order soon!)

Also, you can follow Tabitha Designs on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/Tabitha_Designs

And for those of you who are Facebook users, after you take a peek, do me a favor and leave me a comment here to let me know if you think I should create a Facebook fanpage for Tabitha... I'm trying to decide.

Thanks, friends! : )

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:

There And Back Again: A Mamma's Tale

Last night Darin and I pulled our little "minvan that could" back into our driveway after spending Christmas in Texas with my family. When Darin and I were newlier-wedded we used to think our periodic drives to Texas were rather romantic. That's mostly because when Darin and I were "dating" each other long-distance between Des Moines and San Antonio, we calculated the difference from his house (now my house!) to my parents' home to be just a hair over 1000 miles. Since we both loved the song "500 Miles" in which the singer declares to the girl he loves that he would "walk 500 miles" and then "walk 500 more to be the man who'd walk 1000 miles to fall down at her door", we loved the fact that there was 1000 miles between our homes. So driving there together has always been... you know... romantic!

Well, now that we have a doggie, a toddler and baby in our family, the drive to Texas is a little different. Adventurous? Absolutely. Exciting? Sure. Romantic? Not so much...

Our plan of attack to get to Texas was to drive the 12 hours to Dallas (where my big sis and her family are) straight through the night to keep the babies sleeping as much as possible. Even with the numerous stops for fuel, to nurse Collin and change diapers, that leg of the drive went beautifully. We were albeit, extremely tired when we arrived at 6 AM, but my children were received by a loving Aunt, Uncle and three doting cousins so Darin and I could nap a bit. We had a blast staying with my family there for a couple days. It was awesome for Collin to meet his cousins and uncle-he'd already met Kelly when she visited us back in October!

Here's Lucy with her new pal, Shawnee, the newest four-legged addition to Kelly and Greg's household!

After a couple days, we contined our southward trek to San Antonio in broad daylight. All I'll say regarding the five hour drive, is that the portable two-screen DVD player we bought on black friday proved to be a great investment. Lucy tolerated the time in the carseat with the help of "Baby Siging Time" and "Miss Patty Cake". : )

Christmas in San Antonio was special for so many reasons. It was awesome to finally introduce Collin to my brother, as well as my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins there. Lucy had a great time playing with "Grandpa", "Mamma Gail" and "Uncle Paul" and seeing the other extnded family again as well. It was also special to spend time with the church family I grew up with and participate in the Christmas Eve service there.

Lucy checks out a present from Uncle Paul waiting for her on Christmas Morning!

Collin and Mamma Gail love on each other.

After a great time with family and mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s, we started our trek northward. An unforseen migraine and fever for Darin (that we now know was caused by strep throat!) caused us to forsake our ambitions of driving 17 hours straight through from SA to Des Moines and we crashed at my dear friend's home in Fort Worth overnight. The next morning we plowed ahead and drove the rest of the way home (12 hours), relying heavily on over-the-counter drugs (for Darin), coffee and more "Baby Signing Time" and "Miss Pattycake". We were all on the brink of insanity and over our threshold for fast-food and public potties when we rolled into Des Moines, but we made it.

Darin is unfortunately very sick and sleep-deprived and has had to spend all day in bed today. The babies and I were just happy to get bathed and spend last night and today at home with our regular beds, and familiar surroundings.

So, while this trip wasn't the "easy", light-hearted and romantic experience that Darin and I had in the first couple years of our marriage, having two beautiful children to make the crazy trip with is such a sweet dream-come-true, that it was absolutely worth the extra effort! We're so thankful for the safety that God granted us and the wonderful time of celebration with loved ones!

PS. -Wish we had better pictures to share. My parents and sister did a much better job capturing our time together on camera than Darin and I did!

Christmas

Yes, it has been a shamefully long time since I've posted. The longest I've ever gone between posts on the Knitting Hummel. With so many people using facebook, I've been keeping up with posting pictures there and just haven't taken the time to sit down and blog.

And unfortunately, I'm not even taking TOO much time to sit down to blog right now, but I at least wanted to spread a little Christmas cheer by sharing a picture of my and Darin's favorite Christmas presents (aside from the incredible gift of the Lord Jesus!).

We're packing up our minivan tomorrow night and driving to Texas to celebrate Christmas with my family! I can't wait to finally introduce Collin to my brother, brother-in-law, nieces, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins!! Should be a good time!

Random

Maybe these random tidbits will give you a smile... as they have me recently.

• The other day I was immobilized on the sofa feeding Collin (as I often am) and heard Lucy in the other room "playing" with Collin's infant swing. Sounded innocent enough so I took my time with Collin and finally headed to the swing to check on Lucy. This is what I found:

• I drank water from a sippy cup all morning. We were out and Lucy was uninterested in her cup. I, on the other hand, was quite thirsty and didn't have my own water with me, so...



• Darin and I are thinking that Minnie the pup has come to terms with Collin's arrival and has given him her "stamp of approval". What do you think?

• Lucy has started to put her fingers in her ears during Collin's crying spells (which are much more frequent and of longer duration than Lucy's ever were). Not sure how she came up with the idea of doing this as I'm sure she's never seen anyone else do it. Pretty cute.



• Collin's has started to smile for the camera.

• Fall has arrived and we are all enjoying daily playtime in the backyard.
  
  
• Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of Lucy's "Adoption Day" in court. We're so blessed by her presence in this family.
  

I've Been Needing a Good Laugh

And I just got one. Thought I'd share it with you...

Lucy Walks!

Well, at 16 months, Lucy has finally made her walking debut! So without further ado....

Also, since I just can't help myself, I'll throw in a cute pic of my sweet Collin.

That's about all I have energy for in this post. Love to you all!

Parents

My mom and dad got on the road to make their 16-hour drive (no stopping overnight) to come help us when they found out I had gone into labor. They arrived at our home at about 5:45 AM on Friday, July 3rd and were by our side until they left this morning at 7:00 AM. While I stayed in the NICU with Collin, Darin and my mom alternated staying overnight with me- helping with unglamorous aspects of my recovery and supported me while caring for Collin. When my dad and mom weren't at the hospital, they worked with Darin's parents caring for Lucy and helping her through her time away from Mommy. Then when Collin was released from the NICU, my parents continued to help me take care of myself, cooked, cleaned, helped Darin and I take care of Lucy and Collin among MANY other things.

It was so hard to see them leave this morning... I miss them so much already, but it is with a grateful heart that I said goodbye to them. There is nothing my parents wouldn't do for Darin and I and I am blessed to have their example as I now raise my own children.

Tonight, Darin's parents arrive with dinner in tow and their servants' spirit to continue to help for awhile with our adjustment to being a family of four. This will be especially helpful as Darin has just started his new job and I am missing him very much. The blessings just keep overflowing and I am so thankful for how God has provided for us through our parents.

Finally Some Pictures!

Well, Collin and I have been home now for four full days. I am feeling better everyday and I am so thankful to be home with Darin, Lucy and my parents who are here from Texas for one more day and night. (What a blessing to have had them here since Friday of last week!).

I thought you all would appreciate a few pictures!

A rare moment with his eyes open during his week-long hospital stay.

Snuggling with Mommy.

Lucy and Mommy have a short visit in the NICU lobby. Boy did I miss her!

At home! Lucy and Collin meet for the first time.

Some good father-son time.

The one question everyone seems to have these days is how is Lucy doing and what does she think about her baby brother... to answer that question I feel she is doing exceptionally well considering everything that has gone on. Honestly, I think that the week that she and I were separated might have been harder on her than meeting Collin. Regarding him and what she thinks of him, it seems that her main frustration is that she can't have as much access to yank, swat and grab at him as she feels entitled to. : ) The adjustment for all of us will be gradual.

In other news, God has provided a job for Darin as the general manager of the Des Moines branch of a civil engineering firm. (They have several locations throughout the midwest.) Please pray with us as he has his first day tomorrow. Lots of changes happening for our family all at once, but we know we can trust God and rejoice in the roles He wants us to have in His plans.

Don't know when I'll be posting on here again, but hope you enjoyed this. I've appreciated the many phone calls, e-mails and Facebook comments we have received from so many of you since Collin's birth. Most of all we appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement. We feel deeply blessed by the family and friends God has provided in you!

Collin Ezra

For those of you who haven't heard the news yet, my sweet little man was born on Thursday, July 2nd at 5:19 PM. He weighed and measured 8 lbs 80z and 22 1/4 in.

During my delivery stage of labor, I developed a fever of 102 F and little Collin's heartrate shot up. As a result, immediately upon birth he was whisked away to the NICU where he'll stay at least until this coming Thursday to receive 7 days worth of IV antibiotic. He Also had a fever when born so there is a suspicion that he has an infection (the same I had apparently developed in my uterus) and it is too risky to send him home before 7 days worth of tests and medication.

I was discharged last night (Saturday, the 4th) and have moved into Collin's room with him so I can establish nursing with him. Currently my mom is staying with me and Collin here to assist me with my recovery, as not much is available in the way of bathrooms and other amenities that I'd have at home. Please pray for us- I'm getting used to the idea that this is my only way to spend time with my new son in his first few days here.

I can't speak on my cell phone or log onto this computer unless I am outside of the NICU in the lobby, so my communication may be a bit limited. You can leave messages on my phone or e-mail and I will eventually get them. Please call or e-mail or try to get in touch with Darin if you have interest in visiting here. I'm pretty tired right now and trying to sleep when Collin sleeps.

I'm sorry I'm not able to post pictures yet. We'll try to soon.

Girlfriends, Father's Day and Short Hair

The past few days have been pleasant ones when I'm able to get my focus off of the late pregnancy discomforts! Even though the summers here don't compare to the ones I grew up with in South Texas, Iowa does get its fair share of hot muggy weather and these days seem to have suddenly arrived. I'm so grateful for our comfortable air-conditioned home right now!

There are a few other things on my mind lately that I've been grateful for. I consider them all to be blog-worthy, so allow me to share...

My Girlfriends

All last week, I knew that Darin's sister was coming by to pick up Miss Lucy on Thursday evening for a fun aunt/niece outing! Lucy loves to spend time with and be spoiled by Aunt Dawn who likes to take her to the mall and get her dinner at Chick-Filet and play on the soft-play area! Darin suggested that we use the opportunity for a date-night, and this soon-to-be mama of two didn't need much convincing to agree to the idea.

You can imagine my surprise when we arrived at the restaraunt Darin picked and the hostess escorted us to a table where four close girlfriends were waiting to surprise me with a fun girls night out to celebrate the soon arrival of Baby Boy. After I adjusted to my shock, Darin kissed me on my cheek, set the camera next to me on the table and made his exit! After a fun time of great conversation and a delicious meal, the girls and I headed to the nearest mall to go to The Gap and pick out a cute new shirt for me that is NOT maternity! How fun! I felt so blessed and supported by my friends. It's these gals (and many others who were not able to be present) that have offered so much encouragement and prayer as we hoped for a child and then witnessed the Stevensons grow from a family of two to four!

Thank you, Ladies!

Lucy's Daddy

Father's Day was pretty low-key this year and Darin was such a good sport "going with the flow" on a day that is set aside to honor him as a father. I approached the day and its activities with a "let's just see what I'm up for" kind of mentality. After a relaxed breakfast, church, a trip to Lowe's, going through the Wendy's drive-thru and a nap for all of us, we made a spontaneous trip to the closest public swimming pool and had a great time splashing in the cool water. I loved watching Lucy play with her daddy and have so much fun with him. Darin has taken to be a daddy more naturally than I think he ever expected! It is such a joy to be his wife and parent with him!

My Hair Grows Fast

I went on Saturday to get my hair trimmed. It needed it and I figured it be easeir to do it now than wait a few weeks when I have a newborn. Somehow my hair ended up much shorter than I intended it. I think I'd really love this short bob if Ihad my pre-pregnancy figure. But I'm feeling rather "pear-shaped" at the moment and the short hair is only adding to narrow on top pear-look. Oh well. My hair grows exceptionally fast and it is easier to do in the mornings (much less time spent with the hair-dryer). After lamenting my short do on facebook I had many demands for pictures, so I'll share one here. I'm making peace with it, and since the initial disgruntled-phase, I've even had a few moments where I've thought it was cute.

Well, I hope you have a great day and find many things to be grateful for!

Getting Prepared

So I'm definitely having compulsions to clean and organize my home and life that I don't normally have. This is partially hormonal, but I know it is also mental to an extent because I was the same way as I was waiting for Lucy to join our family. It's a different ball game to simply prepare the house for one new baby versus now, preparing ourselves AND Lucy for the new addition. It is requiring me to attempt to organize in ways that are challenging to me. Organizing just doesn't come naturally to me. But little by little plans are coming together. Aside from enlisting friends and family to be "on-call" to come care for Lucy whenever we must head to the hospital, I'm also just trying to spend as much quality time with Lucy as possible since her little life is about to be turned upside down! She is such a delight and is trying new things all the time:

I recently ordered this adorable wooden push-walker from Amazon (a really great source for quality educational toys... I've discovered this through my mom!). We've had it for awhile and she was really reluctant to use it at first, but now she can't get enough of it! After she takes several strides we'll cheer for her and she'll let go and balance herself long enough to clap for her accomplishment. It's fun seeing her gain more courage with her gross motor skills and to be so pleased with herself when she has success.

Lucy has also taken a greater interest in her baby dolls which is fun. As you can see above, mainly her interest is in biting them, but she also enjoys giggling and doing the sign language for "baby" when I hand her one.

Well, I think I'll go and spend time with my sweet girl now rather than continue to blog about her. But before I do, I thought that in light of my last post, I'd share the most recent belly pic (at least for my mom and sister!). We're getting closer!! : )