We live in a fixer-upper. We have completed a few projects in making this house a home. All our projects have been carefully planned and carried out with thoughtful consideration.

Which is why, last night, it was a surprise to both of us when we accidentally started our next improvement project. Since it was a surprise, you probably think that we did something that we didn?t mean to do. And you are correct. Except, when I say ?we? I mean, ?me.?

I did not mean to put my left leg through our living room ceiling.

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See Fuller.
See Fuller play.
Play, Fuller, play.
Play,play,play.
Play, Fuller, play.

Today is an anniversary for D and me.

Today marks 7 years since that evening when I first made Damon dinner.

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During my pregnancy, I had carpal tunnel and I wasn’t able to crochet anything. Fortunately, the condition went away within a month after Fuller was born and I was able to start on my first project- Fuller’s Christmas stocking. It took me a while to get it going, but once finished, I had that bug again. The bug that gets me to create and work my hands and fingers to crochet things.

My next project was a request from my mother to make her some arm rest covers. They ended up being glorified placemats, but were easy enough to get done while watching TV.

But while working on the arm covers, I started thinking about what to do next. I never made anything for myself, so I thought it would be nice to make a nice scarf and hat set that was cute and hip.

What do you think, did I succeed?

Yarn used: Caron Jewel Box, color Emerald 0009, 2.5 oz
Bernat Boa, color Bluebird, 1.75 oz
Pattern: from Better Homes and Gardens, Crochet 2004

The other night, after a 3:30 am feeding, I was putting Fuller back in his crib and he dropped his pacifier. So I placed him on his tummy and bent down to pick it up. When I stood up and looked in the crib, Fuller was now on his back, grinning at me in that way that melts your heart.

I remember thinking, in my 3:30 am fog, ?How cute, you rolled over. But this is not the time to be cute. Go back to sleep.? I flipped him back over, gave him his paci and he dozed off.

This morning, I went into his room to get him after a morning nap. Instead of him laying on his tummy, crying into the crib sheet, he was on his back and turned about 90 degrees from where I had placed him at the beginning of his nap.

These two incidents are not accidents. He has flipped over before, but only when he was really mad and flailing his body in protest to the idea that he be in his crib taking a nap. Those other times he didn?t know what he was doing, he was just? moving.

Now, his moving has purpose. He wants to see more of the world, because how much can you see when you are face down in your own drool?

First Nat, now my manager. Except she broke her leg, in two places, at home, after tripping over her dog. She should be going into surgery around 3 today.

Let’s try to stay in one piece, shall we?

Damon’s posted his first blog entry on Saturday. Then today, it gets mentioned on Daddytypes!

Go D, go!

The Context
Three years ago, Alli and I had The Amazing Rando shoot our Christmas photos. The one from the year before had turned out so well that we decided to include Maple and Lively in that year?s picture. We drove to a spot halfway up Lookout Mtn. near Craven?s House and started searching for the ?perfect? spot.

The ?perfect? spot turned out to be on a large rock about 20 feet down the embankment from the roadway. So, we all traipsed down the embankment and over to the rock. Afterwards, it was a bit tricky getting back up to the car. Alli was having a particularly hard time holding Lively and getting up the hill, so I took Lively and had Alli grab Maple?s leash. Maple essentially pulled Alli up the hill and to the car.

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As I was schleping my way from the back door to the car this morning, burdened down with my bags and infant carrier, I realized I forgot something important in the house. Then I realized I wanted to ask The Internet and know what others would do in this situation.

I don’t care who does what, unless you want to leave me a comment and explain your answer. Just leave your mark by taking my little poll over to the right.

edited to add: I used Gid’s suggestion and updated the poll. It reset the stats, so you can add your vote again.

I guess I am curious because I live in a neighborhood where many people park on the street and wonder how others deal with this situation. I would never, ever go someplace and do a quick run in (like the post office) and leave my kid in the car. But at home?

Please take a look at this picture and tell me what is wrong.
More importantly, what is missing? What does this carefree, smiling, lactating woman not have with her?

The answer is at least two other bags.

I love the breastpump that Michelle loaned me for the duration of Fuller?s breastmilk diet. It works well and quickly, does not hurt, and is conveniently packaged in a case that does not scream ?Breastpump! Lactating woman arriving at work!?

But now that I am making the daily trek from my house to work, I have to carefully plan what I need to take with me. I leave the house at about 9:30 am. To get out the door I have Fuller in his infant seat, his diaper bag, the breastpump, and my bag with work folders, magazines (to read while I pump), my purse, and lunch.

I wish I had two more arms. At least I give up the diaper bag and infant carrier when I hand Fuller over to D. But even the walk from the office to my car in the afternoon is an excercise in mule packing- the bag with my work stuff and purse isn’t really the most user friendly bag. It won’t hang off my shoulder properly. And the strap for the pump isn’t long enough to sling over my shoulder and across my chest.

So, maybe Medela needs some truth in advertising. Give that lady a purse, at least!