Not much knitting

but perhaps I'll have a new place to store my yarn fairly soon. We submitted a contract on a house today! Much of the last couple weeks has been researching homes online (what neighborhood is it in, what school would Sunshine be zoned for, etc) & then going back & forth w/ our realtor. We looked at 6 houses on Thursday. By mid-afternoon I was mentally & physically exhausted. Floor plans, paint colors, & wallpaper ran together in my mind. Two houses stood out & we made arrangements to go back to one of them to measure the master to make sure our bedroom furniture would fit.

Yesterday we looked at one more house & while the price was right, we didn't get the vibes that it was "the" house. But still, 2 master suites, 2 more br's, hardwood floors didn't make up for the fact that the backyard was 75% stone patio (which was pretty but overkill), no garage & the driveway was reaaaaaaaaaally steep. Trick or treaters would egg our house because of the stone steps up from the street & I wouldn't blame them.

So right now, we're one of 3 contracts being presented today at 5. We do know that one of them is for less than our offer (both purchase price & earnest $$) so we're hoping the other offer is for less than ours too.

I know you're concerned about my yarn---there is a nice sized closet in the guest room that would work well.

And the winner is. . .

Lavender Ladybug & her suggestion of "Sunshine"!! It really fits the Wee One & Hunter thought
"Sunny" was cute too so, congratulations Lavender Ladybug!! I'll be in contact with you so I can get your yarn goodies to you!

I'm told it's a rite of passage

but it left me feeling like I was either going to cry, laugh hysterically or be sick to my stomach.

The Wee One decided to cut her hair today. By herself. While we were out of the room. You'll remember that this was her hair last week on the 1st day of school. A little past her shoulders, no bangs, unlimited styling options.

Until today. I discovered the hair in the trash & honestly didn't know if I was going to cry, yell, be sick or laugh like a crazy person.
A quick dash to the kiddie salon & we left with a chin length bob w/ some bangs. I'm happy that we were able to do some sort of style as she really whacked off a good chunk on the left side of her head.

So here is my beautiful girl, with her big girl hair cut. I'm getting used to it & it's now hitting me why my parents used to cringe when I used to color, straighten, whatever my own hair.

On the Name That Kindergartener Contest front---we have a winner! The name & winner will be named tomorrow. It was a hard choice & Hunter was torn between a couple of the submissions. Thanks to everyone who played!!

Name that Kindergartener Contest!

While I'm comfortable posting pics of my daughter on my blog, I'm not comfortable using her name. I've gone so far as to delete comments where people have mentioned her name or asked that they themselves delete the comment.

For years I've called her "The Wee One", which was fine while she was a wee one. But at 5 & in Kindergarten, she's really not a wee one anymore.

This leads me to sponsor a contest---the name that kindergartener contest. Starting now, ending on Friday the 14th. The winning nickname will be chosen by Hunter (he's sort of neutral, right?!) & the prize is some yummy, pretty yarn (to be shown later when I get off my butt & take a pic).

So, name away!!!

Success!

After much 5 yr old angst & declarations of "I don't want to go to Kindergarten!", we had a successful day. The Wee One saw a friend from last year's class (see hand-holding pic) & they helped each other into the building.

When I picked her up in the afternoon, her teacher told me that she had a great first day--listened well, helped friend from last yr when he fell on the playground, and was just wonderful. YAY!

We went out for ice cream after school & while we were walking to the car she told me "Mommy, you were right. Kindergarten IS fun!"

Get away/ Come here

I've felt like the worst mother on the planet for the past couple days. The Wee One is so anxious about starting Kindergarten tomorrow. We've talked about being nervous, how it's natural & I've reminded her how she didn't want to move onto the PreK last year, that she wanted to stay w/ her 3 yr old class teacher. And how very quickly she grew to love Mrs. Kathy. Well, now we don't want to leave Mrs. Kathy.

Her behavior has been hit or miss for a few days. I know part of it is school & the other is getting used to being home after spending a month away. But I'm only human & the whining & not listening & attitude & clinginess is really wearing on me. I'm all about a hug & kiss but the wrapping herself around my legs or hanging on my arms. Driving me insane.

We had a pool playdate last week w/ some of our PreK friends & all the moms said the same thing about their children---whining, not listening, acting out. It reassured me but it still doesn't change things. I was relieved to know I'm not alone!

Last night we had Orientation at the Wee One's school & had the opportunity to meet her teacher. I had met her back in the Spring when I toured the school & was impressed with her. Very caring, knew her stuff & just got a very good vibe from her as well as the school. The Wee One found her desk & sat down but that was about it. "I don't want to be in Kindergarten, I want to be at my old school" *sigh* And this was after she realized 2 boys from her old school will be in her class.

So while I want her to stop clinging to me, I find myself wanting to hold her & stop time. I know I've said this before, but how did we get to this point? Didn't I just have a baby? Weren't we just doing playdates where the babies played & rolled around on the floor while we compared notes on sleeping, feeding, etc? I'm so grateful that I've been able to be a SAHM & to be home with her, especially since Hunter was gone so often.

Tomorrow will be a hard day, despite the fact that I've sent her to school before. Some of the other PreK moms from our group last yr are getting together for coffee & moral support. I think we're all going to need it!!

A new reality

Thank you all for your prayers & thoughts the past month. They have meant a lot & have given my family & I great comfort.

We're entering a new reality & while I'm doing well most days, I do have my moment where I realize that I can't call my parents to ask my Dad's advice on things. I really haven't been able to for the past few months but the finality of it all has settled in.

The Wee One starts school next week so we're gearing up for that. I still do not know how it's possible that she's entering Kindergarten! Time does flies too quickly & I've learned that there is no rewind button. While I have days where I think it would be great to be working outside the home, I am brought back to reality quickly & count my blessings that I'm able to spend my time w/ the Wee One & experience her life with her.

Obviously no knitting is going on but hopefully soon. I have some bebe gifts to make as well as begin thinking about Christmas presents.

Heaven has a new angel

R.I.P Daddy. I love you & know you're telling story after story & joke after joke in Heaven.

Home again, home again

The Wee One & I are back in GA, having left VT on Mon the 13th & VA on the 15th. Dad is in the hospital & is comfortable thanks to the effects of morphine. It's been a rough week, not knowing whether we should go back to VT or whether we should come home. We made the decision to come home to let the Wee One get back to her routine before we're called back.

Thank you for all your prayers & warm wishes for Dad. We knew a long time ago that this time would come & I'm at peace with it, for the most part. I don't know if you're ever really ready to acept something like this.

School starts in three weeks & I was pleased to find out that our enrollment fee included all of the Wee One's school supplies!!! YAY! She's all set with a backpack & lunch bag from last year--her old preschool furnished schoolbags so her backpack is in nearly perfect condition. I am debating getting a lunch bag from Land's End---it keeps things cold for up to 5 hours which would be perfect. I'm not sure if her Disney Princess one does the same or not. Perhaps I'll do a little experiment & see before I spend the money.

Not much knitting going on right now, but I did score some great deals on Noro Cash Island & Colinette Lasso while I was in VT. Both were 1/2 off. I should have picked up one more skein of the Lasso.

Vacation, of a sort

Greetings from Vermont! The Wee One & I came up a little over a week ago to visit my family as my Dad's health has deteriorated since Christmas & we've been given the "prepare for the worst" speech by his visiting nurse & other health care professionals.

I've prepared myself for this as his health has been on the decline for about 10 years. Everytime we leave VT, I think it'll be the last time I'll see him. The sad thing is, this time I might be right.

So anyway! We had a lovely time on the UVM boat Melosira on Lake Champlain, watching the fireworks. A friend of mine from my tween & teen years & I got back in contact courtesy of Facebook. Her dad captains the ship. A generous invite later & there we were, on the lake watching a great fireworks display.


In addition to spending time w/ Memere & Pepere, we had our first Mommy/Wee One trip that didn't involve seeing family! We spent 2 days in Boston & had a lot of fun! I lived in Boston for 7 years so it's strange going somewhere that you called home & being a tourist. You know where things are & how best to get there (T, walk, drive), but you're not local anymore. We got to see several old friends & coworkers---all of whom who had never met the Wee One as the last time I was there I didn't know I was pregnant yet!

We went to the Aquarium (she loved the jellies, turtles, seals & the penguins), ate lunch at Faneuil Hall, people watched on Beacon Hill, visited my old BH apt (she told me she wants to live there one day. Trust me my little bugaboo---we all want to live on the Hill!) , rode on the Swan Boat in the Public Garden & of course, played on the Make Way For Ducklings statues in the Garden!


We got back to VT on Friday & head home next week. I normally don't do this on my blog, but if you've got any prayers/positive thoughts/vibes, my family certainly could use them right now. Trying times are here & are staying.

xox