Leading the Horse to Water

I love me some crafting. I have been looking forward to being able to do little crafty projects with Harry, baking and the like. I have many fond memories of projects with my elder English niece and nephew. Now, I must admit that Harry is old enough, he just doesn't like it. It was a clue when the crèche were thrilled with his artwork one day because he had spent a whole minute on it. Even baking does not hold his attention, beyond the eating.

Giving it one last try, I set us up to make a paper chain. One link per day until the baby comes. He was not even tempted by Thomas stickers. Unbelievable. Anyway, Sian and I enjoyed ourselves.



We did have a great time playing hide and seek on a run around the block. Much more his style. And we all enjoy a little too much of this:

Happy New Year!

I had a lovely New Year's Eve. Friends had us over, and we ate great food and played GAMES. I love games. And I positively preened because our host enforced very strict rules. It was heavenly. I also drank too much Champagne. Ah well.

In the interests of full disclosure I must also report that Harry was so angry at being put to bed at our friend's house that he actually punched me in the nose. I was absolutely flabbergasted. There is serious work to do with that boy in the next month. Sian's c-section is scheduled for January 31st. Potty training and sleep training are both going painfully slowly. Eek. With any luck the preschool will help on both counts.

Anyway. Onto Resolutions! I love a resolution or 3:

1. Blog every day.
2. Buy only replacement items, no new toys (for me).
3. Loose weight.

Appearances...

can be deceiving. Doesn't this look an angelic scene?



In fact it is; children are at their best when asleep, I think. And foreseeing this eventuality, I actually have my iPhone, remote control, and knitting within reach.

But. If you look closely, you will see that the boy is in a towel. I took him scooting, but it ended with a shit in his pants, trousers, and squeezed up onto his vest & shirt. Hence, mid-afternoon bath. So that's how potty training is going.

Also, what is this child doing having a sleep at half past four? Good question. The evil child likes to sleep from about half seven till half five, with a nice hour long nap. I'm so unimpressed. We are trying everything in a random intermittent reinforcement schedule. Genius.

Ah well, this is a lovely half hour anyway.

Elving

I make no apologies for verbing. I stole the term from Soule Mama, and it makes me happy. I am feeling smug, this year my present knitting was finished long ago, so I was able make these:















Too bloody cute, right? Very quick and satisfying.

I'm also on Sian's second sock. This is the third year of making her a pair of Christmas socks. Check out these cabled beauties:



Next up, Nigella Christmas rocky road.

Yep, I'm unbearable.

Preparation...

...for Harrys birthday.



He's not getting a childrens party until he can articulate the request.

Process

I am all about the process, especially when it comes to knitting, but other areas of life too. I am working from home today - snow, and have come up with a satisfying to do list system. Each item on a cheery flower-shaped post-it. Very pleasing.



Yes, you can see a Christmas tree in the background. Squeel!

Missing: Bare Feet

We are getting ready for some big changes round these parts. Ten more weeks or so to go, I'm finding pregnancy by proxy far more enjoyable.

The dungarees are back!






And yep, that's steak. Life as a daddy is going to be A-OK.