This weekend's excursions

This weekend was great out here.  The sun was shining and it was decently warm.  We spent quite a bit of time outside enjoying  it ;-)

On Friday, all three of us headed out to the research center where I'm working on Oak DNA this summer.  This was the PCCI's 5 year anniversary of providing undergraduate research opportunities, so there was a big shin-dig happening on Friday with food, demonstrations, and nature walks along the trails.  We got there in time to eat lunch and rub elbows with some of the donors (read rich folk).  I almost felt awkward in our tie-dye and hauling a 6.5 month old, but the other people at our table were really 

interested in my research and Tam was making lots of great faces for entertainment.  We gave him fresh strawberry to try from our short-cake dessert.  Oh-wee!  He made this face that screamed "Dear Lord, what did you just feed me and is it really food?"  After his second bite, he puckered up his face at the tartness and refused anymore of the strawberry goodness.  Too cute and more strawberries for me.  

After lunch, we three did one of my favorite hikes around 

the property which took us through prairie, maple-beech forest, and a bog.  Tam was un-impressed with the nature and fell asleep in the carrier within the first 15minutes.  Good thing I had slathered him up with sunscreen down his face and neck.  Check out his crazy-sprawled sleep position.

Once back at the center, we stayed for a birds of prey demonstration.  It was great and we had front row seats for Tam

 to watch all the birds.  The lead guy talked a mile a minute and had great mix of facts and jokes geared for all ages.  Tam sat pretty still through most of the demo and had great big eyes anytime the volunteers brought a bird over close to us to see.  He was all grins :-)  We'll make a little scientist out of him yet!

Have I mentioned lately how BIG Tam has gotten since birth?  We had his 6 month check a couple of weeks ago and he is already 18lbs and 27.75inches long, which means he's long and lean.  I checked back into my baby book and I was the same length at

 this age, but a few ounces heavier in weight.  As well as growing, we can definitely tell his little brain is working in overtime too.  He is often watching everything around him with this look of fascination.  He's still babbling with lots of squeals, laughs, babababa and mamamama sounds.  He's sitting up fairly well...for about 1minute or so before toppling over. He loves standing up with our support (and jumping!).  No teeth yet but my 1st wasn't until 11months!  Such a happy boy :-)  

He makes Brian and me smile so much and...oh...so much love!

WTF with the background?

Hmmm...If you are here today (Monday) and notice the funky Background, try to ignore it. I traced the problem back to the webpage designer and it seems that photobucket has a glitch and she is in contact with them to fix it.  If still problematic later this week, I'll have to fine a new designer.  Eh, ok, I think I'm ready for another change :-)

Crafting Monsters

Last week, I had the thought that I really hadn't made anything for little Tam yet. Now, I haven't had much free time until this summer and many of the other relatives and friends have quilted/knitted/crafted totally awesome gifts that Tam already loves. Hmmm. . . but nothing special from his mama. What could I do? What does he seem to need?

Then, on another Mom Blog Wendolonia, I saw that the mom had sewn a stuffed monster for her son. Awww, it was super cute and seemed pretty easy. At first, I figured I didn't have time to sew or any desire to lug the sewing machine up from the basement storage. Then, a bit of guilt crept in, and I decided to go for it! How long could it take?

To answer that, it took me about 4 hours to complete my monster for my little goober. I started with a drawn pattern similar to what I had seen on the mom blog. After looking at it, it didn't seem monstery enough for me so I added the tentacles at the top of the head.

Choosing fabrics was the fun part. I've accumulated quite a stash over the past ten years (since I've settled down from traveling and had space for a fabric stash). Many of my prints I picked up on sale and had meant to use for curtains, pillows, or hippie clothes. For my little monster, I wanted something bright to stimulate baby brain power, but also something with great texture for little fingers. Brian got into the project too and helped with the selection. Here is the final combo: Plaid flannel and Bright cats. Cool.

Now I won't bore you all with the details of the sewing. I managed to conquer bobbins and beat the needle into submission to stitch this little monster up. A few years ago, my Aunt gave me a bunch of her notions and I dug these out for the ribbons around the tentacles and edges for fun chewing/touching bits for Tam. And I triple-stitched the ribbons so they are definitely not going to become choking hazards.

Lastly, I hand embroidered the mouth and a single tooth for cuteness. I stuffed the monster with bamboo stuffing to make it huggable and Brian named him "Tentacle Bob."

I handed Tentacle Bob to Tam for inspection...

I think we have success!

Grins all around :-)