It's May!

Since it's May, it must be time for my yearly stressed out crazy woman rash.  Last year I had it for weeks and weeks.  It started with strep throat that would not end for one kid and took hold with a crow in mourning.  In my yard.  Who would not shut up and made loud crow noises day and night for weeks.  Or A week.  I forget.  But I remember the rash.  And now I have it again.

So I have tried to stop/slow down/have more fun/ignore the stress.  We will see how I feel and/or look tomorrow morning....I went out for an ice cream cone and it was good.  But I felt sad that the migrant worker type lady who helped us spoke beautiful fluent English.  And she is scooping ice cream.
Also I ordered that adorable bunny kit.  Available here but they sell out fast, so hurry if that Liberty of London dressed bunny speaks to you.  I missed out the last go round....

wishing for slow motion

This time of year, especially when you have kids in school, moves at the speed of light.  There is always too much going on.  All the time.
The last few weeks have been crazy.  It was announced a big deal was coming to town, the next day my daughter came down with the chicken pox, then I left for a conference while the husband worked to get ready for the visit - all. weekend. long.
I think there was a lot of tv viewing on Miss chicken pox's part, but everyone survived.  Also I learned American parents are horrified when they hear your child has the chicken pox.  They practically ask to see your child's yellow card.  European parents are not.  They don't have such a vaccine and still think chicken pox is normal and not something to be talked about it the same voice usually reserved for the plague, or locusts, or other things that indicate the end of the world is upon us.

I have two big events in the works.  They are not going off without a lot of annoyance.  I was ready to smack a certain man with a foreign accent yesterday over passes yesterday.  Ha ha, no I don't think I should have to buy a case of Maker's Mark to give anyone for a pass.  Seriously!

And then we have the news.  I am a news junkie.  A serious news junkie.  Yesterday was a full day for that here.  I think I will haul the sewing machine out to recover from news overload.  And maybe time will slow down.

gift hat

Hat, a photo by taitaiknits on Flickr.

A friend gave me this hat in a cute little tube kit. It was sort of a devil to knit as my hands don't like cotton yarn as much as they once did.
I plan to send it to some friends in NC who go to a lot of Pride parades. It might be just the thing for their toddler/preschooler to wear!

the crafting

Secretary Kerry Speaks With Reporter En Route to Rome, a photo by U.S. Department of State on Flickr.

Apparently I am known at post for being crafty. So this week we had a visitor and the hockey team wanted to give him a special gift. Enter me and the freezer paper stenciling. I think it turned out pretty well....

Que "They Might be Giants'

Istanbul, a set on Flickr.

A few weeks ago we packed up and went to Istanbul for 4 days. A perfect amount of time for our family not to get bored.
We loved it!
Now where to go next spring??

montessori baby list

A few days ago I saw a discussion on baby shower listings and it made me think about all my Montessori training.  I miss being a Montessori teacher.  I miss the materials.  And I miss not knowing anyone in person who understands Montessori.  So I decided to put together a small list of Montessori infant-toddler teacher recommended baby items.  Enjoy!

This little shop sells Topponcino's and a few more sweet items for small babies.  I especially like the soft grasping toys

Clutch balls are nice, handmade ones found here

A set of first blocks

A book of babies

A baby to toddler chair which I love

and of course a mobile

and an Ergo, and a supply of cloth diapers for things other than diapering.  Then there are clothes.  Montessori infant teachers are big on soft clothes, like this charming number from Hanna Andersson.  I personally don't think babies have any business wearing leopard, sequins, or real shoes of any kind...but that is just me.

Booties all ready to go

Booties all ready to go, a photo by taitaiknits on Flickr.

How I love these bright baby booties. I used some KnitPicks sock yarn a neighbor gifted me.
Hopefully they will be a hit at the baby shower...to balance out the actual gift which is milk storage baggies...not so fun but oh so useful.