Loose teeth and awesome kids stuff

We took the little boys to Edwardes Lake for a play. I had some fun playing with the camera and trying shots with black and white and sepia as well as colour.

Both my big kids have had loose teeth in the past week or so. For my daughter its her 10th I believe, a cuspid. For my son, its his 3rd - his first top tooth lost.

This was our attempt at making a K (for our last name initial) with bodies. They did try different letters and J and Av didn't quite get it but it was a laugh! We opened up the lounge so the kids could play games.

Last week I made...

Last week I made...
Originally uploaded by inakid

A mesh scarf and bag crocheted from beautiful dyed Zanz 8ply cotton. Gorgeous Seraphina shawl crocheted with Kauni Effect EQ.
Hat made from granny squares, in red Peaches and Creme cotton.
Yoked leaves cardigan knitted for dolls. I used bulky scraps.
I got a new camera last week. My first Canon and its quite nice! It takes clear photos without too much trouble. Unfortunately the story behind how I bought it involved bad customer service (another store from the one I bought it from). Anyway, I crocheted a case for it from Peaches and Creme cotton.

Melbourne Craft and Quilt Fair

Someone needs to tell me next time I mention going to a fair, not to go! To me its over priced and crowded.
My daughter really wanted to go so I took the opportunity to have  a day with just her and I. No school and no boys.

We took the train into the City. I initially forgot my camera and silly me forgot to charge it so I thought it would be easy enough to get another battery. I was wrong! I spent way too long waiting for service in the big M store. My store.. hmmm. Anyway I ended up buying a new camera from Dick Smith and promising my other one to my daughter (once charged) as I had be meaning to get a new camera anyway. Its my first Canon and its simple but works well. Easy point and shoot pictures as well as being able to program as well.

Finally we got the fair and it was very busy. We looked around and there was not much wool associated stalls so it was interesting just not as fun. The quilts on display were amazing.

Its too cold in July in Melbourne to eat icecream right? There was a beautiful looking gelati bar right near the Yarra that enticed my daughter so we indulged.  It was so quiet then there was a crowd! It was worth the money and surprising it was good and not too freezing an idea...

Bigshot

N Bigshot
Originally uploaded by inakid

My big boy was quite rapt to get something I knit just for him. Its the Hotshot pattern using Peaches and Creme solids worsted. I cast on for the size 4 size and it fits him well. He is 7 and usually wears size 6-8.

Windy City and random things

Av saw Bob the Builder movie with his Nana a few weeks ago. I say that because I forgot to mention it previously. I just know there were other things I forgot to mention. My memory is not the best and that is why I initially started this blog.
J is not much of a talker but last week he awoke as the rubbish truck was going by our house and he said "Ruck!" He usually says "arc", he also says "Ah" for car, "War" for water and lots of other simple sounds that really could mean anything, but Mama knows. 
He can settle himself to sleep, meaning he often goes to bed (or couch) for a nap. Though not keen on the potty he will do poos on it if I catch him needing to go. He is happy to sit there a little while if the trucks and cars are around him!

Its windy some days in Melbourne. Icy cold too.

We wanted to take the boys to the train museum while our daughter was at a friends' place but it was too cold for my liking. Look at those crazy kids on the playground.

 This seagull clipped my husband and I took its photo!

The kids dressed up for a barn dance with the church. T and J danced some but the boys were not so interested.

Homebirth is pretty silly

Okay then!

"I gave birth to my second daughter on the beach at Margaret River. Was told by the doctor the previous day I had least another week so we decided to go away for the Australia Day long weekend. Went into labour walking around with toddler who wouldn't settle down for the night in the tent. Initially my (ex) partner ...didn't believe me until I went outside and screamed and he came just in time to catch baby before she hit the sand! My daughter is now 32 and a great believer in
natural/home births. And no I didn't call her Sandy. :)"

That is the story of my birth. I was not a homebirth, yet a freebirth unplanned. I am quite sure I have been avoiding doctors all my life!

I do not think homebirth is silly. Nor is it dangerous. What is silly and dangerous in my mind is putting my life in someone else's hands when its not necessary. Which in turn is putting my child's life at risk. What the naysayers need to understand is, homebirth is not just a desire of the mother. Her rights come first and when you care and respect for the woman, you are doing same for the unborn child. Its not about doing all for the baby and forgetting the woman is a person. That is what is inherently wrong with my experiences having babies in hospital. Yes, I do matter. My physical and emotional wellbeing matter when I am caring for the precious newborn for whom people will do anything for when I am in labour. The contrast after I had my youngest son was immense. Was I so selfish to do what is best for me? To avoid the trauma? Not only for myself but my family too. Don't they deserve a happy mother?

Winter Holidays

Its cold and its Winter so I guess that would make sense! Making much use of our woolly hats.
During the holidays we have been keeping busy and have taken the kids a few places but nothing too organised or different. They went bowling yesterday with their Dad. I wanted to go but I was in need of a break. Honestly I have re entered the red tent. It is a relief in a way, its been over 31 months since my LP. I had 2 early miscarriages in April and June. Anyway I do wonder if I will have another baby or if I should be just incredibly happy with the 4 I have, who are fast growing up.

Taking every opportunity to take photos of all 4 together.

Look at that grin! They are watching 'Alvin and the Chipmunks" squeakel. We later bought Avatar and 2012 and they enjoy watching that too. It may be a challenge getting the mattress back in the room. The big kids have been sleeping in a single bed on the loungeroom floor most of the school holidays.
My daughter has large project to complete on Cyprus before she goes back to school. It is causing her so much stress, I think  the idea of radical unschooling seems favourable. She is 10, in grade 5 and she is doing a project of epic proportions. I don't think I did anything like that involved til high school. Year 10 even.
The big boys are going to see their Nan tonight.
 Look at those expressions! That is the awesome 4!

Knitting

I have been making jewellery and crocheting more than knitting but I had managed to do some. Most recently was the K-shirt tee.

 In Peaches and Creme cotton.

My latest eden's adam singlet. This one is knit in Debbie Bliss eco baby cotton and I kept the garter panel done the sides and I much prefer it the way I think.

Riverstone, ribbed sweater I made for J, modelled by Av. It has the cutest polymer clay buttons resembling lemon slices. The yarn is from the Yarn Cafe.

I am currently working on a Hotshot, a hooded sleeveless top in 8ply organic merino.

A day in the City

We haven't been doing much these holidays. We did go see Toy Story 3 at the Drive Inn but mostly we have been home tidying, eating and playing computer games. Well I have been tidying and decluttering, we have all been eating and the kids been taking turns on the computers.

On Saturday we attempted to have fun in the City, visiting Fed Square and ArtPlay near the Yarra River.

My daughter and Av wanted to go on the big wheel....

Yeah they had so much fun!...My daughter was freaking out, she is easily scared and Av was bored and couldn't wait to get off and see what his big brother was doing. *Sigh!*

We had Dinner before going home. It was a tiring cold day in the City!