Dancing Lessons with Auntie Leenie

During Colleen's visit to Miami (for Shana and Mark's wedding) she and Ainsley had some one on one dance lessons. 

(sorry that it's sideways)



The Bar is Open...

Tonight (as we are driving up to Orlando) I came upon this post on BabyCenter. I usually ignore the "mommy complaint" articles but this one caught my attention. Maybe it was the title...

Anyway it was about how this group of moms pretty much have a vent session. And they call it "Bar is Open!" like your sitting at the bar venting to a bartender about your problems.

It got me thinking... I really don't vent to anyone about what's troubling me. So why not put it out there? Get it off my back...

So here I go...

"I have some sort of sinus infection that started yesterday. I cant stop sneezing and blowing my nose. I slept on a chair in the baby's room last night because I was afraid I would crush her and not know it because I was drugged up on Nyqul. Today (while I was making baby food) the baby fell out of her bouncer (I forgot to buckle her in) and onto our tile floor. I felt so bad I didn't put her down for 5 hours. We are now on our way to Orlando (hubby has a meeting tomorrow) and traffic is horrible. I'm sitting here listening to my husband talk about how tired he is, how over weight he is, etc. He says he wants an hour each day to exercise... I just want 10 minutes to take a shower.... Add just a few money issues and nothing to wear for a wedding on Saturday top off my day!

I never would do this in real life... But serve me up a Rita in a plastic cup with a straw... I've got a long drive ahead of us."

It actually worked. I fell so much better. I'm going to have to do these "Bar is Open" more often!

A day at the Florida Renaissance Festival

Today Ainsley and I met up with Alisha, Eric, and Jack (and their friends) at the Florida Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach. I had never been to a Ren Fest before but I knew I was in for a fun cultural day.

I knew there were people that dressed up... What surprised me were the pirates, vampires, and Vikings there as well (including little Jack... See photo). To be honest it took me a while to get over the initial introduction of it all.   All I kept thinking was "This is what my parents do... but with the Civil War!".  But I had fun and it seemed like Ainsley was enjoying herself. We spent the day walking around looking at all the booths, shows (from a distance), food (they had Magners on tap), and people. I even picked up a head band with flowers on it for Ainsley. Next year we will have to do this with Daddy!

Ainsley and Alisha

Jack the Giant Norwegian Baby

(Alisha was able to get a few photos of both kids together. I'll have to post them when she sends them to me.)

Saturday Night Knitting

So here I am knitting and blogging on this fine Saturday night. How exciting my life has become since becoming a mother. Not that you could pay me to go out anywhere on Valentines Day weekend.

But any way... I'm sitting in the parking lot waiting for Kevin to get off from work. Today was another "Baby Swap" day where we had to rush from one job to the next so we have to pick Kevin up. Around 9pm someone started getting a bit fussy (no... Not me). So I figured that putting the baby in the car and letting her fall asleep would be easier than trying to make a "I'm-tired-and-I-don't-want-to-sleep" baby happy.... It also gives me some "me" time. And before we got here she was out. So I am taking this time to get a cup of coffee and work on a new scarf (and blog...).

I grabbed some red yarn and my needles before heading out tonight... And after looking through a book I picked up at the library (Knitting: the complete guide by Jane Davis) I found a new pattern I want to try. The red yarn (left over from the apple hat I was making for the baby) will make a great v-day scarf. I can't wait to see what it will look like. Unfortunately, taking photos was sort of impossible...

There's nothing like sitting in your car on a chilly Miami night, listening to Yo Yo Ma, and knitting by parking lot light.

Trip to the Knaus Berry Farm

There are lots of memories that I have of Miami as a child. I remember riding my bike around Country Walk with my Grandmother (as she followed in her house dress sipping a glass of wine). I remember trips to the library and Don Carters Bowling center (which is now a Panera Bread, Starbucks, and Pei Wei) with my dad. I remember losing my doll at the zoo on a visit with my Grandpa. But one memory I remember fondly is the Knaus Berry Farm!

I remember the smell of the cinnamon buns like it was yesterday. Every time we step into the bakery I take a deep breath. And... Childhood. I'm as excited as I was those many years before. My pulse races as I worry (as I did then) about them selling their last bun to the person in front of me. Which has never happened... By the way.

So it's no surprise that when November arrives I am crazy over this place. This cute, family owned farm (owned by German Baptist) is down in the Redlands. Honestly, if it were closer... I would probably be there every day.

The last time we went was when my mom and dad visited before Ainsley was born. We wanted to take Jayden and pick strawberries. It was the last weekend (they are closed May-Nov) and to our dismay there were no picking to be picked. That didn't stop us from stocking up on cinnamon buns and shakes.

This has always been something that I knew I wanted to do when I had kids... I wanted to take my kids to the Knaus Berry Farm. A memory of my childhood that would hopefully be passed down for theirs. I know that Ainsley won't remember today... But we will. As her first trip to (watch Mommy and Daddy) pick strawberries, eat cinnamon buns, and enjoy chocolate shakes.

Helping Daddy at Work

I just had to share this photo.

They say pictures are worth a thousand words... If this photo could talk it would tell you all about the "baby swap".

The swap takes place when I have to work and Kevin takes over as primary care taker of Ainsley. We have been doing different variations of the swap since October.

Tonight was like most of our Tuesdays. I meet Kevin before my shift and do the Baby Swap! Everyone loves to see her when I bring her in. The past few times she has come in she has been very upset but tonight she was all about the smiles! Kevin had to send an email out before heading home so he took Ainsley in the office and sat her on the desk. She has been so good at sitting up these past 2 weeks... And she was a good girl waiting for Daddy to finish his email. Uncle Jeff was nice enough to take a picture and send it to us. I want to know...Is it too early to teach her how to do invoices?

Another lovely day in Key West

Kevin had to work in Key West today so Ainsley and I joined him and spent the day bumming around. After dropping Kevin off at the Outback we walked over to the Publix to get a few things. Kevin and I have been discussing starting Ainsley on juice soon so I picked up the Gerber variety pack and some waters. We then headed to Old Town. I thought having a nice brunch at the Banana Cafe would be a nice start to our day. (blog post to follow).


Breakfast at The Banana Cafe

After brunch we walked over to the Southern Most Point and had our picture taken.



Ainsley and Mommy at the Southern Most Point

Then we headed to Ft. Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. I wasn't sure what to expect... So I didn't bring anything special... including our bathing suits, sunscreen, towels... etc.  Yeah... talk about not being prepared and having to improvise on the spot. 

First of all you have to pay per person to enter park. At first glance of the sign I thought we was going to be $7 because we were in a 2 person car.  (Sign said 1 person vehicle $4.50- which to me is a moped).  I only had $5! So I turned around in search of a Bank.  Which for the record I have yet to find a drive up ATM on that island.  So when I found a CVS with parking I ran in grabbed some snacks for me and cash back.  Now back to the Park (thank God the island is small and it only took me 15 minutes) I drive up and was told our fee was $4.50...  because it was only me (children under 5 are free) in the car.  Awesome!   

We drive around and there is a Civil War Fort (please someone explain that to me) and what looks to be the ocean? Great the beach!  Now I have never been a big person to just sit on the beach. Sand just gets everywhere. Nope... I am a chill by a pool type of girl!  And now that I have a baby that puts everything in her mouth... she'll have sand there too!  I didn't come prepared for this.  I only have a stroller and her regular things. (This is when I realized we left her owl blanket at the hotel).  

So I  go through her bag and take out what I know we won't need.  I grabbed my unbrella that lives in my car.  I looked at her toys and toss them back into the car.  I just had visions of her chewing on Sophie... dropping her in the sand... and putting her back in her mouth... Mouth full of sand!  Anyway... I try pushing her stroller through the sand... Yeah.... Impossible!  So I unload, fold up the stroller, and grab the baby and start walking!  All while I am loaded up like a pack mule!   Yeah... not so easy!  I actually thought to myself... this is something I can't do without a second person for help!  But if that's what I always thought Ainsley and I would never do anything sometimes.  

So we find a nice spot in the shade (since we have no sunscreen) and I start thinking on how can I improvise. I was fine sitting in the sand.  I roll up my pant legs to make capris and rip off her pants and toss on her hat.  I pulled out her changing table pad and plopped her down. Opened up the umbrella... voila!  Getto Beach Day!  

Hanging out on the Beach

She had fun playing in the sand. After a while I took her to the ocean. She was fine as long as I was holding her. She was so scared of the water when I put her down. When I pulled her back up she would cling to me.  It's the first time she has ever done this.  As sad as it made me that I caused her to be scared it made me feel good that she clung to me to protect her.  I actually thought "She loves me!".  I was able to get this photo of our foot prints in the sand before she freaked out and the tide washed it away. 

Foot Prints

We had a fun day.  We watched the cruise ships leave and the people on wave runners ride by.  I'm glad that I didn't let the fact that we were not prapared to go to the beach keep us away from having a great day!  Every once in a while I surprise myself in my ability to just improvise and go with the flow.  I have more photos on my camera that I will have to find time to load up. 

January's Scarf: Winter Love

I picked up this lovely blue yarn on our last trip to Key West. The bead and fabric embellishments drew me to it. At first I overwhelmed with it but I bought it anyway! After making baby blankets and baby hats it was suggested that I make something for myself. (Something for myself? Crazy talk!) I struggled for days to find the perfect pattern to knit my scarf. Everything I did just did not seem right. And after 6 do-overs I found one that I liked.

I had been eyeing a knitted blanket by Susan B Anderson for a while now. I am in love with one of the squares (Andalusian Stitch Square). I decided to to use that pattern for this scarf. My goal was to finish this so I can wear it on our anniversary (and an easy test run to make my own blanket). it took me a few days to finish but I did complete it on the day of our anniversary. Just in time for dinner and our first night out (alone) since the baby arrived.

So here it is... I call it "Winter Love". The blue reminds me of the sky in January before the snow comes.

As far as a scarf length... It's a bit short for my taste. But I tied it like a tie and wear it loose like a necklace. I guess it's my baby friendly jewelry.

To make your own "Winter Love"
Cast on 20
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: k1, p1* repeat to end
Row 4: Purl

The Traveling Knitter

During our last visit to Key West I came upon an adorable knitting store in Mallory Square area. I was sure with all the artists that Key West has there had to be a store. I was so excited to see that my google search lead me to Knit Wit. I packed up Ainsley and we headed to Downtown.

What I wasn't prepared for was the sophisticated store and friendly staff. At first I felt like I has just walked into a fancy store. One that you were afraid to touch the merchandise. A classy, well organized (with minimal yarn), yarn store.

I wheeled Ainsley around the store and gazed at the "fancy" yarn. I came in not expecting to buy anything... But then one of the ladies came up and started talking to me. She asked me where we were from, what I liked to knit, and how long I've been knitting. I told her about how I had been recently knitting baby blankets and hats. Then she said the magic thing... "you should knit something for yourself!". For myself? I hadn't thought of doing anything for myself since... Well, over a year.

I started looking around and that's when I saw it... This beautiful blue yarn sample with beads and fabric hearts and leaves. Inspiration hit me and I wanted to make it. I thought "I'll just leave out the embellishments". Then I find out the embellishments were part of the yarn. I started to put the yarn back thinking "This is way too hard!". But the lady insisted that I would be able to do it! Even said I could call her if I got stumped! How could I resist?

I walked in not know what to expect and walked out with 3 yarns, a free baby hat pattern, and a new place to visit when coming to Key West.

Arianne Collins

Not only losing my mind...

But I have lost everything on my phone. 

Now... I sit here thinking of all the photos that I took for the past two months that are no longer with us.  I try to remember all the little things I jotted down to blog about in the future.  

And this got me thinking... I have great intentions and horrible follow thru.  

Why is it I can't get things done?  I look at the past 7 months and all the things "I need to get done" but never get close to finishing. 

- Thank you cards for all the baby gifts (I know! Ms. Manners is yelling at me) 

- Baby Book

- Decorating Ainsley's room

- Agent submissions and getting back to auditions

- Our Blog

I feel like in these past 6 1/2 months I am lucky some days to get dressed... let alone upload photos, blog, clean, get on the computer to update my agent info, read, cook, knit... and with each day that passes by I feel more behind.  And I am constantly reminded of an issue that has plagued me for years - I have wonderful intentions and horrible follow thru.    

But how can I fix this for the future? How do I change who I am? How do I change horrible to fabulous?

 

Make a plan and goals! 

 

So here it is!  My goals for the month of February 2011!

1- Update my agent submissions

2- do our taxes

3- get ahead of our finances

4- post Ainsley's 7 month update

5- post the things I learned in 2010 (that was lost on my phone)

6- upload photos weekly to Shutterfly

7- figure out what I am going to do with my crafting

8- get my house back to normal (clean, organized, unpacked)

 

How am I going to do this?

Every night before I go to bed I am going to make a list of things I am going to do the next day!  

 

February is a short month so hopefully I will be able to keep up and accomplish these goals.  

 

Wish me luck!