What I've been up to lately (part of it)

Perhaps it's something I have considered a vice (or a secret closely kept), but I must now freely admit: I entertain a few aesthetic pursuits. Knitting and quilting being the prime examples right now. In the process, I've made a couple of special things for my two boys.

The newest member of our family has about 4 hats right now, and a new pair of legwarmers, but my proudest knitting moment was the little "Nash's Sweater" I made from a small-projects knitting book I found several months ago. I hope it looks as good on him as it does sitting on my couch. I find I'm tempted to make another. Good thing yarn costs money.

We decided that when the new baby arrived, we wanted the boys to be in their own rooms, to ensure quality sleep for both (and for us!). Since the room with the crib is decidedly more "baby" than "big boy," we decided to keep it pretty much as is, and move Graham to the room next door. This was all fine and good, and we probably would have bought some cute comforter from Pott-Barn - until we visited Sisters, OR, and I went into the Stitchin' Post. I was inspired by all the lovely and simple quilts ... and I proceeded to pick out some wonderful fabrics and buy a pattern.

Looking back, it would have been much easier to have made a more simple quilt, not that this is all that complicated, but I do have visions of the simple square quilts that seem so sweet and easy. But this is Graham's owl quilt, and this is how it is - and I love it. I love the colors, I love the fabrics, and I love how he loves it.

I realize I'm implying that it's done, and it's not. The top is done, and now I need to assemble the backing, make the sandwich, and quilt the whole thing. For those of you who have seen my mom quilting in our living room, or at soccer/basketball/volleyball games and the occasional lengthy stoplight, you may be pleased to know that I've learned from her more recent endeavors, and I will be using a sewing machine to do the quilting. Mom, thanks again for the hand-me-down sewing machine - so fun!

Scroll down for an update on the most important project we've been working on ...

Update on Baby 2: still no name ... such a significant decision, and by golly, we sure like the name Graham! It's hard to choose a new one. Baby is 33 weeks "old" today, which puts us seven short weeks from our expected date. Kind of funny, but this baby will likely come pretty close to Mother's Day, and Graham's birthday hovers right around Father's Day every year. I like to think that this makes us appreciate our roles, and the greatest gifts we have given each other.