Flying By ... with an update and a craft

Oh, I've been AWOL - but you probably noticed. What I didn't realize of course is that it has been over a year. That does not mean I haven't thought about you ... and if you're on Facebook I've tried to pop in periodically to write an update or post a quick photo.

Things have been crazy, beautiful, busy, confusing.
Our little wonder just turned 3 years old. 
We are entering a new phase and momma is feeling more out of sorts than ever.

But first .. a glimpse at our little man ... and his very proud parents.

He's gotten crazy tall and walks with a funny relaxed gait.

He is incredibly quiet, sensitive and loving.

Finn likes to RUN and go FAST!

He loves to laugh, tickle and be tickled.  His sense of humor makes me laugh too.

He amazes me with his ability to take in the three languages (English, German & Dutch)
that surround him and he repeats everything he hears like a parrot.

This year Finn learned to ride his balance bike and a tricycle.

He is crazy about cars, autos, trucks, trains, trams and backhoes (baggers in German).

The day is not complete unless he has played outside rain or shine, cold, wind or warm.

He will point out a full moon versus a sickle moon or a half moon
(these phrases are all in German learned from his best papa).

Oh, and he LOVES butterflies! 

Momma might have gone a little crazy for his birthday and had a lot of fun decorating.

Next week we are going on Finn's first train trip - a long one so I thought it might be a good idea to have a little entertainment with us. I decided to make a 'quick' memory game and of course Butterflies were the obvious theme ...

 .. and eventually I stumbled onto this and yelled jackpot. It helped that I speak German because I really had to hunt through to find the links to the PDFs, but if you're patient you can just scroll your mouse through the paragraphs and it will 'light up' when you hit them.  I used this for the reverse side of the cards. Printed single-sided on regular copy paper and stuck together lightly with a gluestick, I cut them out, rounded the corners and then laminated them.

I just happened to have the perfect size tin in the house so we are travel ready. Finn and I played our first game of memory today, matching up the pairs of Butterfly wings.  He loved it! I was surprised how well he remembered where they were.



I ♥ this kid's hands!!!

I'll try to stop by again ... hopefully before another entire year flashes by.

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One Last Craft

Squeezing in one last project before Christmas. The idea is that Finn will know/learn that what's on this plate is ok for him to eat. We're still catering to wheat and dairy allergies (along with washing powder and anything out of a tin can) so Momma has been very busy making cookies he *can* have for Christmas.

wheat-free, dairy-free
gingerbread men

This was a very quick, as in less than 15 minutes to draw with Sharpies on a dinner plate we already had, project. The colors changed drastically during the baking process. I'm not disappointed and actually think it's kind of cool they went all Christmassy on me.

my ridiculous looking
pfefferneuße - not Finn ok

My biggest hope for 2015 is that I can share you some of the things I've made this year. They are not many but I am proud of them. And maybe even get to tell you about how I did some of them. Most are not sewing related but they all made me feel creative and energized. Something else I look forward to being more and having more of in the New Year.

And with that, I wish each and every one of you the very Merriest and Blessed of Christmases from our little farm on the outskirts of Gent, Belgium.

xox Jovita

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Heehee haha hoho

I'm a terrible blogger. I know. I'm sorry.

I do miss blogging. And I miss you.

I doubt that is any consolation ...

Slowly, very, very slowly things are coming together around here.

Our little guy keeps me busy.

Our little farm keeps me busy.

My big boy doesn't mean to keep me busy.

But he does.

I was ticked beyond belief to get a half hour to draft and sew.

Between little sleep and a tummy bug, it needed to happen.

Autumn has arrived and it was time for a hat that keeps Finn's little ears warm.

It was absolutely thrilling to walk into my studio and find the perfect fabrics.

Better yet, it matches all three of his shoulder-season jackets  

I tend to put it on like a slouchy hat ... 

But when I picked him up from school today he was sporting a different (but do-able) style 

... and a big fat lip. 

Poor little guy rolled his car. 

*** The title is in reference to a 'Jim Knopf' episode ... Let's pretend the dinosaurs are dragons, ok?

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Monday's are Mine

Yahooooooo ha ha Yipppeeee,

Do you see what I see?

After a fantastic weekend which included a spontaneous quilting bee with friends I haven't seen in ages on Saturday and Axel coming home earlier from work on Sunday, Monday was as good as if not better than last week.

Call it WAW, WAM 

or just
why not?
yes!

thank you MAM!

It was goooooood!

I woke up refreshed and while Finn fed himself breakfast (yes, I know!!!), I made a big pot of spaghetti sauce and stirred together a loaf 100% sourdough rye bread to rise. I had a class in the evening to prep for but first a couple of ladies dropped in to work on our cross-stitch border samplers. I'd show you an update but I haven't taken a pics lately and the lovely light from this morning has been replaced by a lovely light drizzle.

Last night I taught the next installment of my (in)famous Skills Building class. It was fun, but it does tax my brain to remember everything while concentrating on proper translation at the same time. We're doing ok and I repeat myself a lot. I am make a list of notes / comments / thoughts under the heading 'lost in translation.'

This morning my sewing machine was still set up
on the dining room table so I thought heck. 

Why not?

Finn settled in next to me fed himself toast with peanut butter and I fork-fed almost an entire baked pear to him in between seams. It was lovely. He was closely enough to reach over and touch my shoulder. Which he did often. Peanut butter and all. I was close enough I could lean over and kiss the top of his head. It was lovely. Did I say that already?

So what do you see?

Here's a bit of what you don't see ...

 * I need to figure out this tension issue I've been having with my featherweight

 * Some body(s) are still in their pajamas

 * That seam ripper was put to good use

 * The iron belonged to Finn's great-grandmother

 * This post almost got the title "Close Enough" ... ugh, I struggled with some of my seams but persevered and I'm ok, happy. The pinwheel is better than the multiple goose ...

And today? Well it's not mine. After that fantastic start, things kind of went to pot. To be honest, I think somebody was playing me. He wouldn't nap. He wouldn't play. He wouldn't eat. He wouldn't drink from a sippy. I finally stepped back. Ate my lunch which got him a bit interested. Put milk in a sippy (instead of water .. we're trying to wean, so this was good!). Then he played before I threw him back in bed. He tried to say NO but momma held out and all is quiet in dream land. For now.

I'm just glad I made such a big pot of spaghetti yesterday. It will be leftovers tonight for sure.

So for now I'm afraid I'll have to leave you. Although the cooking is done, there is still a tad of housework to do. And darn, I should clear my sewing machine of the dining room table. 

BUT .. over the weekend there was another development .. we finally set up a table in my office so hopefully you'll being seeing more !! 

I'd love to give you some more of those Morning Stars.

And I'd really really like to work on my Troost quilt.

Those two .. that's my goal. 

Something for me. 

Something for you.

Oh, and a coat for Finn.

Oh .. and the need for 100% rye bread ??

Finn is allergic .. to wheat, spelt, milk and maybe eggs.

And a little sensitive to salmon.

So until he's done breastfeeding, I'm avoiding all those too.

Bummer but I'm coping and it's good practice for what options we will have to find for him.

At least I'm still ok with chocolate, coffee & peanut butter.

A girl can live on those after all.

... and before I could hit publish, he's awake, again ...

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{almost} Wordless Wednesday

I forgot to buy bacon for my broccoli salad.

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First Finish - Finn Approved

So happy to share a first finish for 2014 with you.

It's Finn's Christmas present, luckily he won't know it was a tad late due to a running out the door mistake (I'll explain in a minute).

If you've been following along on Facebook you'll have heard and / or seen a bit about this project.

It started with this gorgeous gift of a scarf from Finn's Onkel Rolf. I was already working on a new winter hat for him but quickly set it aside for this project. I already had all the right colors .. and more (yes, I'll confess .. in a minute). 

To make a long story short, it's a hat with many trials and errors, but in the end persistence triumphed and I honestly couldn't be happier. Finn wore it to the store tonight and was already getting compliments. As in he, the wearer. Not momma, the maker. But that's ok .. I was (maybe not so secretly) glowing with pride, and besides I know who made him ;) wink!!

I think my favorite part was the pompom. I was so excited to put Finn down for his nap yesterday. Lucky ducky momma me .. he's a dream at naptime and most bedtimes too. Give him a kiss, say g'night, tuck in him and he *sings* himself to sleep. Honestly the sweetest thing you've ever heard. One day I'll get it on tape. All this ... so momma has a few minutes (or TWO hours!!!) to do stuff. Like Make Pom Poms!! I did the math, it's been at least 30 years since I made a pompom. I seriously want to make more.

So .. I gathered all my supplies. And went to town. Just like I remember doing a few donkeys years ago ... my template? The outer measurement the base of a water glass, the inner a large sewing machine bobbin. Done. No compass. No hunting. Just Making a Pompom!!

If you've never made on and / or need a few tips. Google it. There are a lot of people out there who are willing to show you how to make one. I think the most important trick is to wrap and wrap and wrap to fill up that inner hole as much as possible. Then cut between your two layers of cardboard. I know scarey. Just use sharp scissors and go slow. See why I waited until Finn was in bed. Then thread your doubled-thread through and pull very very tight. Voilá!! Last but not least trim to your heart's desire.

I am pleased to report that this pompom was Finn approved.

You can find this project on Ravelry here.

hmmm, oh. yes . that confession.

Ugh .. this happened. And I almost left it. 

But then we went for a walk. 

In daylight.

Lesson learned .. before running out the door to spend Finn's first Christmas with friends and family in Germany. Check, double check, re-check your double check and check again that you have the right ball of almost white yarn. You know. The one that is the same as you started with. 

But still, he's adorable, right?
And that scarf!
 He is one very lucky.
Very spoiled. Boy. Indeed.
Thanks again Onkel Rolf, kisses from Finn

And with that I say goodnight. 

And hope that our little friends aren't running fevers tomorrow because we've scheduled our first ever get-together with friends from the NICU. 

At our house. 

On this * little * farm. 

After such a long time.

xox J

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Keeping Track

It's that time of year when you look back at lists .. things you DID do .. like bring a baby home from the hospital!!

And things you DIDn't do .. like, ahem .. finish any projects.

Of course there are always those landmark events too .. like having a baby, celebrating his baptism, recording his first Thanksgiving, remembering his first Christmas ..

I'm also looking foward to new things this year. Finn's birthday is only just around the corner, followed by Easter and then a whole summer of Funn! as I anticipate him learning to walk. Oh boy!!

Axel will tell you I've been driving myself crazy trying to keep notes, records and photographing everything. I know I can't count on my memory. Thank goodness for digital and datestamps on photographs!!

With Finn growing like a weed, I've been looking at ways to record that too. And wow, there are a LOT of ideas out there. I thought I had pinned my favorite growthchart ideas, but alas it must have been done in my sleep because I can't find them. Except for this one that was clearly a frontrunner.

That is until I saw this project designed by Simone of Atelier Soed Idee Annelies featuring cross-stitch borders from Annelies' collection of antique samplers. The patterns are published every Saturday on a blog dedicated to the Randje per Week stitch-a-long. There is also a Facebook group.

I decided this would make the perfect growth chart and be something unique, because what does one DO with their children's growth charts?? I'm thinking this might end up on the back of his wedding quilt. Maybe? 

So I looked all around a fabric options and funnily it wasn't hard at all to choose the black. I ordered my fabric and finally got to start last night. This is how far I got. Eventually there will be 106 rows in the entire pattern. There were three borders this week but I chose to not include the first one. 

Not bad consider that after the baby was in bed, dishes done and a *very* quick tidy up it was already 10pm. Thankfully hubby picked up after that, started the dishwasher and hung a load of laundry on the drying rack.

So the details. I am embroidering over 2 threads on 30 count pure linen using 2 strands of Weeks Dye Works embroidery floss in a variegated dark grey / black called "Kohl" (Coal) #3900. My second color, which I understand does not appear until week (or row?) seven will probably be bright red. I still have to decide how I am going to finish the edges. I have ideas (although they might change) for indicating the "measure" and incorporating his semi-annual height markings.

And NO I did not need another project, but I am quite happy about one that can be finished in an evening or two. Just for me .. and for Finn.

Speaking of Finn, he woke up all rosy posy this morning. A joy for sore eyes (phew, yes .. I am noticing my age after working on that late last night!). I swear his hair grew overnight. The red is sadly gone and the palest whitest blond is quickly filling in.

Thankfully his rash / cradle cap is getting better. It's taken us a while to figure out but Finn is allergic to milk and probably wheat. So until we're done breastfeeding that's no cheese for momma .. and boy does she miss it!! I've been lactose intolerant for a few years so had cut back extremely enjoying only goat's milk (fresh, straight from the farm) and cheeses, but NO cheese is killing me. Did I mention I also got a filling without anaesthesia .. yes, that is how much I love this boy!!! 

We're getting close the the one year mark though 

*and* he sprung two teeth last week so it won't be much longer. 

Finn is a dream of a baby. 

A happy chappy. 

His laugh makes my heart smile.

And that DO / DID list, suddenly it doesn't matter nearly as much.

xox J

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Ta Da!

Wow, well ... it's another start to another year.

So I thought I better drop in to say hello ...

To be honest, I'm a little sad to see 2013 come to an end.

What an exceptional year it has been for us!!

Personally at least.

Professionally is a whole 'nother kettle of fish 

but honestly, I'm ok with that for now.

There's a new year coming!
And I hope you'll stay tuned.

This is what 2013 brought

January we waited on pins and needles after losing Finn's twin brothers in utero (mid-December) the main goal was to rest, rest and rest.

February started out smooth, hit a bumpy patch and ended ecstatic as we welcomed our little bundle of joy into this big wide world in the wee hours of the 28th day. We had planned to celebrate Saskia & Arne's birthday with cake, but this pretty much topped those plans.

March & April? Well they were tiring, sometimes worrying but wonderful as we watched Finn grow slowly towards his the required take-home weight of 2300grams / 4-1/4 lbs.

May was full. Nine-week-old Finn came home from the hospital, we celebrated part 2 of his christening, papa's birthday and mother's day all the same weekend then we watched the calendar count down to the day he was 'supposed' to arrive.

June, July and August whizzed by in a flurry of summer rain punctuated by an enormous growth spurt and a terrible case of chickenpox. Finn developed sepsis and Momma spent 5 days with him in hospital. 

On August 28th, the day Finn turned 6 months old, we woke up in our new home .. a beautiful little farm on 2-1/2 acres. The potential is immense. The work a little daunting. The peace and quiet breathtaking and inspiring. I promise to tell you more soon.

September was spent getting to know the farm a little better, unpacking and just letting down our hair for awhile.

October and November? Well, honestly, I'm not sure .. I've even checked my Facebook entries, there are *very* few. I do know Finn had his first cold, we took our first studio photos and celebrated his first Thanksgiving with friends. I will also admit I spend a lot of time just watching him grow, play and stretch. He amazes me. Daily. 

December .. wow, another month of celebration. Decorating, baking, visiting and enjoying Finn's first Christmas.

So what are our plans for 2014?

I wish I could tell you

I'm not really sure what they are 

... I'm open to suggestions 

and possibilities ...

I would love to sew, quilt, craft more.

I will put Finn and our family first.

I want to blog, share, converse and connect.

I will enjoy it. To the fullest.

Because this year only comes once.

As does tomorrow.

And I plan to start each new day like it's a new year!

How about you?

I'd love to hear what you have planned ...

Are you choosing one word?

I haven't

I can't

I won't

I am open to everything ...

and in the meantime

we wish you a very very 

Happy New Year

I can't wait to see what 2014 brings ...

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5 months and growing like a weed

While I wasn't looking 5 months flew by ...

he surprised us all with a terrible bout of the chicken pox

and a gigantic growth spurt

weight

4770 grams / 10-1/2 lbs

a gain of 1550 grams / 3 lbs, 6-2/3 oz in 6 weeks

length

57 cm / 22-7/16 in

he has grown 8,4 cm / 3-1/3 in 6 weeks

head circumference

40,5 cm / 16 in

an expansion of 3,5 cm / 1-3/8 in 6 weeks

(Measurements from doctors appointments on 11 June and 25 July 2013)


In the meantime, I have managed a little bit of sewing here and there ...
I just need to find the time to photograph things.

And it looks like we will be moving house.

Very excited.

Already exhausted.

Smile.

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He's Due Today

I'm afraid I forgot to tell you he was home.

And TODAY arrived.

The day he was due.

It's amazing how far we've come.

And I look forward to the rest of our journey.

weight

2820 grams / 6 lbs, 3-1/2 oz

a gain of 1515 grams / 3 lbs, 5-1/2 oz since birth

length

47,2 cm / 18.58 in

he has grown 7,7 cm / 3 in since birth

head circumference

35,5 cm / 14 in

an expansion of 8,3 cm / 3-1/4 in since birth

On Thursday, 23 May, Finn will be 12 weeks old.

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Sweet Nothing

That is exactly what I have been doing.

 

No sewing and very little knitting .. there just isn't time to squeeze it all in. 

I have 2 free hours between each feeding to eat, shower, tidy up, edit pictures and document Finn's every move.

I do have a room in the hospital just down the hall from him ... *and* I brought my featherweight, but it's still in it's little case. 

Maybe tomorrow, I keep saying.

In the meantime,  Finn reached two Milestones this week...

Yesterday he crossed the 2 kilo mark on the scale.

He's wearing one of the hats I knit while I was pregnant,  I ravelled it here and there are also lots more pictures here.

Today Finn is 8 weeks old.

out-takes of this photo shoot can be seen here

Finn is pictured here with "Sophie," a gift from one of my dearest friend ... Do any of you remember Sophie? I think I had one when I was little. If you've never met a Sophie before, she's 7" tall.

Maybe one day I'll sew again ...

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Snug as ...

... a bug in his own little rug ...

I do apologize if all my latest posts are about our newest addition 

but hope you'll bear with me a little longer.

Finn will be in the hospital until at least April 23rd ... he must be at least 36 weeks (gestation) and weight 2.3 kilograms / 5 pounds to be released and come home.

My husband and I were tallying up where my hours are going lately ... between the basics (showering and toiletry), pumping breastmilk (ugh), packing bags, driving too and from the hospital and finding the one parking spot that is still available a whopping NINE hours of my day are gone. And while we included clearing the table after meals we did forget to calculate time at the table.

So I hope you don't mind too much as I periodically use snaps of my sweet as a placeholder here.

I'll do my best to post some creativity .. I knit (slowly) while snuggling him skin-to-skin as much as possible each day ... but sadly this averages at about three hours. If I could I would be there full time ...

Some of you have sent messages asking for updates on Finn so here's a quick run-down ...

• Today he's 32 weeks gestation ... on Thursday he will be a whole month old!!!
• Finn almost weighs 1500 grams / 3 lbs, 5 ounces!!!
• He has monitors for heart rate, respiration and oxygen saturation. All other monitors and IVs have been removed.
• He receives feedings (we're up to 33 mls seven times per day) via a feeding tube.
• Hopefully we'll be able to start some breastfeeding around 34 weeks.
• Finn has grown a quilter's quarter inch since his birth!!

Yesterday he graduated to an open bed - he is holding his own body temp so is snuggled with blankets and this busy mommy is smashing out some long-sleeve snuggles to help keep him warm and cosy.

And thank you .. to you one and all for your well wishes and sweet sweet comments. Next to snuggling with Finn, opening my mailbox (both cyber and postal) is the highlight of my day! I'm sorry that I don't have time at the moment to answer all your comments but I do read them all and often twice ... my husband has been particularly touched as we have heard from all corners of the earth from so many wonderful and kindred spirits.

xox

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Stitches, Sad and Happy

Yes, I know they're not quilting stitches

but stitches they are .. lots of purls and knitting.

It's the best project for picking up and putting down.

For taking back and forth to the NICU.

I whipped up these two little hats for Finn's first girlfriends 

- twins A & E are his roommates in the NICU -

Sweet little things.

Their parents are lovely ... it's been wonderful to find kindred spirits in the same boat.

We've met a few other parents, most have already "graduated" and moved into stage 2 of the NICU.

But tonight my heart and soul are with the family of H.
That is, after I dug it out of my throat ..
it was a hard day in the NICU as I snuggled my lovely Finn
while H's parents ushered in their family one at a time
.. to say good bye..

I don't know if she'll still be there when I visit tomorrow ...

I've watched my little guy jump hurdles, lose a few grams,
gain a few back but all the while thriving ... we are so lucky.

We are so blessed.

Today he is "30 weeks"

This is the hat I whipped up his first days in the NICU .. 

all the others I had knit "while waiting" were much too big ...

Of course I like him best without his hat .. that hair is so darn adorable!

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My Two Men

Couldn't resist sharing this photo with you ... makes my heart melt and sing all at once.

It's for these moments that I've waited a lifetime ...

Of course I promise to show you some patchwork soon ... and some knitting, if you don't mind.

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Bliss

I think this picture says it all ...

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He's Here!

Well ... I have to admit ... 

... I've been holding out on you ...

You might have guessed.

... or maybe you sent me an email ...

in which case I always answered truthfully 

all the while asking you to help keep our secret.

But now he's here and I'm positively bursting at the seams!

FINN 

was born at 2:51 am on 

28 February 2013

He was almost 12 weeks too early ...

... but weighed 1305 grams / 2 pounds, 14 ounces at birth ...

Finn is a whopping 39,5cm / 15-1/2" long
and has the most amazing long fingers and really big feet

Five minutes after birth his apgar score was 10 out of 10 and 

he's been holding his own with no support, no oxygen needed.

The last five days have been incredible. 

Of course with any premie, there have been a few ups and downs, 

but really mainly small little "hiccups" that we've been able to overcome with 

the help of the wonderful staff of doctors and nurses at UZ Gent.

He is doing so well and we couldn't be more proud!

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