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Category: Inspiration

7/52

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“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016.”

A reflection of parenting through grief, and supporting young children through grief. Devastatingly, I feel this will be a theme of this space and this particular project for some time to come. But I want to hold on to these moments with my children and remember their clarity and sensitivity of thought. Their perspective on such loss. I am clinging to memories of my mother on their behalf and nurturing their own. The grief I feel is not just for myself, but more deeply for my children and all that they’ve been cheated of in the loss of their Momar who was the most loving, present, over-the-top grandparental figure in their lives. They have lost so much. And they’ll never fully understand the magnitude of that having never had the chance to know her in all the ways her adult loved ones did. In my darkest moments, I’m furious that it was her and not someone more insignificant in their lives. But when I see through the fog, I remember that she is everywhere. Always. Forever. In each of us. Especially them. And they are ever a reminder of that.

Sunny: On the night of her death, Sunny reflected that Momar was in heaven, which dwelled in her heart. She was thinking of Momar doing her favorite things: “She’s shopping for clothes and dolls for me and Kaki. And speaking French to her students.” I found her crying later that week and she told me that she was missing Momar’s “squishy hugs,” and that no one could hug her better than Momar. “I need a Momar hug now, but she’s gone.” So James piled some down pillows on his chest to semi-emulate my mother’s robust bosom and enveloped Sunny in an immense bear hug. We’ve been simulating “squishy hugs” ever since. They’re not the same. But the act of trying to replicate my mother’s warm, expansive embrace brings a smile to our faces.
Kaki: One night, she overheard me weeping about how my mother will never get to meet this baby. She plodded into the room and said, “But Momar did meet the baby. Because she loved the baby and bought clothes for the baby. And I’m going to tell the baby all about how much Momar loved her. All the time.”

More details about The 52 Project here. To view all the portraits in the series visit here

6/52

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“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016.”

Sunny: Blocks and that floor map are everything right now. I love the way the girls want to learn more about the world thanks to that piece of foam on the floor.
Kaki: Building a shelter for her Tsum Tsum Pluto with support of Hanna Banana and Auntie Kimmy. 

More details about The 52 Project here. To view all the portraits in the series visit here.

Coming Home

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That little outfit both Sunny and Courtland wore home from the hospital when they were born. I gave it an itty bitty, cozy upgrade this weekend for this cold weather baby. Booties and a hat that may not fit for more than a week (or at all, if this kid takes after his/her oldest sister). But they can always be cute doll clothes. The pom pom accents are everything.

I spent this weekend binge-listening to The Longest Shortest Time (a suggestion courtesy of a reader, thanks Hannah!). It’s so fitting for the stage of life I’m in, and was the perfect backdrop to these knit goodies. Baby hats are just so quick and easy and addictive!

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I made up the hat pattern as I went to mimic the Simple Bootees

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Baby Bonnet details

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Simple hat details

Valentine’s Prep // 2016

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Given our weekend quarantine thanks to contagious eyes and aggressive coughs, we spent Saturday morning prepping our classroom Valentines. As has become tradition, we turned to Minted for the girls’ cards.

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^^ Sunny selected a puppy-themed card (ever the dog-lover and our future veterinarian (or so she claims right now)).^^

valentine2016_Minted_Blogalacart-3^^Courtland was immediately taken with the purple egg cards. Her favorite color paired with a nod to our backyard flock? Eggscellent, indeed.^^

valentine2016_Minted_Blogalacart-12^^We also ordered corresponding stickers to seal the envelopes – a perfect task for our preschooler who wasn’t quite ready to write her friends’ names herself (she can read them all, but she’s still learning how to write her letters).^^

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^^I particularly loved the option to add a Tic-Tac-Toe board to the back of their cards this year for a little something extra special. ^^

valentine2016_Minted_Blogalacart-2^^They also wanted to give little presents with their cards, so Courtland opted for sparkly bouncy balls and Sunny for heart-themed bubble wands (thanks to Michaels for easy, small gifts).^^

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valentine2016_Minted_Blogalacart-11^^After much writing, licking, sealing, stickering and assembling, they are ready for exchanging with friends!^^

Order Minted classroom Valentines here. And check out Valentine’s Day prep 2015 and Valentine’s Day prep 2014 (when Sunny was Kaki’s age! Oh hashtagonslaughtoftime!).

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Shop more Minted Classroom Valentine’s here.

5/52

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“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016.”

Sunny: Her hair has grown out enough that she’s back to being my living doll. Only so many more years (months?) when she’ll tolerate (dare I say enjoy?) having her hair styled by her mama. We got in the Valentine’s spirit before prepping this year’s cards for our friends at school. Also, this photo hides the raging case of pink eye that she contracted from her little sister. It just won’t quit. Courtland was hardly affected by it, whereas Sunny’s eyes are weeping yucky, gross awfulness that seals them shut multiple times an evening. We’re going on day five of this filth despite a regimented dose of antibiotics.
Kaki: Meanwhile, this kid’s winter seal bark is back thanks to a cold so it’s next to impossible for her to sleep at night. Most of yesterday evening was spent lathering Vicks on her chest and feet and turning the house into a tropical rainforest to try to give her some relief. Her very sour mood is the unfortunate result of this cough.

We’re all feeling sleep-deprived and disgusting. And, I am feeling so dang grateful that we cancelled our trip to California, given that we would have been managing all this illness from a hotel across the country. Sometimes things happen for a reason. We’ve been able to spend the past two weekends hunkered down at home, napping, watching movies, reading stories, knitting, and prepping the house for baby. We’re too gross and cranky for public consumption, and what better time than cold January days to be forced to stayed holed up at home.

More details about The 52 Project here. To view all the portraits in the series visit here.

The Health Benefits of Knitting

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I’ve been saying for years that it’s my way to de-stress and unwind…

“The repetitive action of needlework can induce a relaxed state like that associated with meditation and yoga. Once you get beyond the initial learning curve, knitting and crocheting can lower heart rate and blood pressure and reduce harmful blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol.” Some people turn to medications for these exact effects, provided from places like Online Dispensary Delivering to Prince Edward Island. I can’t say one option is better than the other. What I can say is that it is good to have alternatives.

More…

Often people ask “Where do I find the time?” And the reality is, unlike sewing or baking or other tactile crafts, knitting is very portable. I knit when waiting at the pharmacy for a prescription to be filled, or at the bus stop for the kids, or in the waiting room at a doctor’s office. I pull out my needles while sitting in the pool bleachers during Sunny’s swim practice, in the waiting room at the girls’ dance classes. I have a project in my purse at all times so whenever I have a few free minutes, I can crank out a row or two. And I usually carve out 20-30 minutes every evening to listen to an audiobook or watch an episode of a TV show while knitting as my way to shut down before bed.

When all put together, it’s amazing how productive I can make those otherwise lost minutes that I would spend aimlessly scrolling through my phone. I also like to knit during long meetings, lectures or presentations. I always have to gauge my audience as I think people assume that I’m not paying attention if I’m embroiled in twiddling needles, but in actuality, I listen better and absorb more if my hands are engaged in activity. It’s actually an awesome way to process information and stay focused in the present.

Sunny has asked to learn to knit, so we picked out yarn for her inaugural scarf (a rainbow assortment, naturally) and we’ll see how she takes to it. Given how much she’s enjoyed Cat’s Cradle, I have a feeling it will be a successful match. I’m happy to extend a love my grandmother taught me when I was young to another generation, especially given all the benefits.

And here’s the latest little sweater for our Gummy Bear. A simple and practical kimono design. More details on my Ravelry.

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Knits for Baby Cart #3

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Given how uncomfortable I find life vertical (not that seated or horizontal is discomfort-free, but it’s a vast improvement), I spend much of my free-time, particularly these cold winter weekends, curled up on the couch knitting for this little one while listening to audiobooks or podcasts (I highly recommend experiencing The Red Tent as an audiobook, btdubs). We have talked about the “standard of care” earlier in this article. An expert witness testimony must be included in your case before your Best medical malpractice attorney claim can be considered valid. An expert witness in a medical malpractice case will check out the treatment the doctor gave to you to see if it’s the cause of the injury you currently have. After doing that, if the claim is true, the expert witness will proceed in testifying that the actions by the doctor is nothing near the “standard of care.” Current or retired healthcare professionals can stand as an expert witness in medical malpractice cases. Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, Brooklyn Attorneys ASK4SAM P.C. has achieved record recoveries and has distinguished itself in more than 100 Appellate matters argued before the Appellate Division and cases before New York State’s highest Court, the Court of Appeals. Most importantly, our trial attorneys are experienced in litigating against hospitals, doctors. big business, powerful insurers and corporate defendants in every type of case within the personal injury field. This expert witness service is another legal means by which medical practitioners use in increasing their source of income. After it has been confirmed that you now have a medical malpractice claim against a doctor or other medical practitioners, it is essential for you to know that every State has legislated law that limits the amount of time you can wait before you can proceed to get your lawsuit started in the court of law.

Although we all know that the deadline for all States is not the same, it can be estimated to be between 2 years and four years. If your State of resident got a 3-years statute of limitations on medical malpractice cases, you are required to file your medical malpractice lawsuit within the three years of the medical negligence of the medical doctor. Although there are exceptions to this law, depending on a few things. People these days are fond of not observing or following the legislated laws given to us. The medical malpractice lawsuit you file after the passing away of the statute of limitations deadline is almost certain to be demised on the grounds that it is beyond the given time. After your lawsuit might have been rendered useless, you won’t even have the legal right to get compensation in the form of money damages for the pains you have suffered due to the unproven medical malpractice. This is why it is very important you truly know and digest the medical malpractice statute of limitations in your state and know how to go about it. If a medical doctor causes you medical malpractice, act fast, do the right thing at the right time. Do not hesitate and never allow anything to hold you back because this is the only way you can bring them to justice.

Medical malpractice is a serious charge and should not be taken lightly by either patient or medical practitioner. A misdiagnosis can cause a person irreparable harm or even death. A faulty doctor could cause a person to suffer needlessly.

What exactly is medical malpractice? Malpractice is when a professional performs their trade and does so in a way that causes harm. Doctors, dentists, lawyers and even accountants can be sued for malpractice. However, medical malpractice is the leading form of malpractice cases in the courts today.

If you are subject to a form of malpractice you are entitled to be compensated. Unnecessary suffering, life long illnesses and other results of poor medical treatment should not cause further financial hardships on the individual that was hurt.

Do not panic if you signed a waiver form prior to a medical procedure or office visit. These waiver forms, stating that the hospital or doctor is not responsible, do not hold up in court. They are there to intimidate the patient into believing that they have no rights. This, however, is inaccurate. As a patient you had the belief that the treatment you would receive would be accurate and free from harm.

Medical malpractice can be as simple as a misdiagnosis of a disease or injury to something as severe as death from treatment. The only true requirements to prove the case is to show that the medial personnel was wrong in their treatment or diagnosis to a fault.

Before you receive any type of treatment that may include surgery or will have life-changing effects, you should seek a second opinion. This is the best way to avoid malpractice. While many doctors feel that their treatment plans are the best, a verification of that information is necessary for your general well being.

A lawyer should be immediately consulted if you feel you have suffered from medical malpractice. There is no reason why you should be burdened with debt, pain and suffering and all the other hardships that this misdiagnosis has caused. An attorney can help you receive the help you need from the person (people) that are responsible.

It’s only been since the New Year that I’ve turned focus to knitting for “our baby” (as Courtland refers to her/him). I finished up this romper for our Year of the Monkey babe, and well, for the newest addition to Cartwheel Farm, I couldn’t resist creating this rooster cardigan. Can you tell that I’m a sucker for animal buttons?

I’ve completed a blanket, hand mitts, ribbed pants, and two hats (those are trickier to photograph well and may just need to wait for our babe’s arrival to properly model their cuteness), and have booties, socks, a vest, and two more sweaters in my queue. We’ll see how much is accomplished in these final six weeks (assuming s/he stays put until D day).

Oh, I am so looking forward to infant snugs in these cozy knits.

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Knit romper details in my Ravelry projects.

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Rooster Cardigan details in my Ravelry projects.

4/52

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“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016.”

Sunny: Blocks and building and master planning have been a fixation of late. On Saturday, the girls spent all morning filling our living room with an epic block city. And on Sunday, marble maze construction (courtesy of Sunny’s FGPs on her 2nd Christmas – gosh where has the time gone!) was all the rage. I love seeing where their minds take them and how their make-believe unfolds. We have blocks from my father’s childhood mixed in with more recent sets, and it’s clear to see why it’s such a timeless toy.
Kaki: She got sent home from school on Friday afternoon because preschoolers are gross and pink eye is crazy contagious. While at the pediatrician’s to get eye drops, the doctor discovered a small rock lodged in her ear. The four year old had no awareness of this obstacle, and claimed that it was not her doing. Regardless, it took six adults to restrain her and flush out said rock thanks to the resulting hysteria and fear of the water pick. Both mom and preschooler were equally traumatized from the scene that unfolded. And then she slipped on some ice on Saturday and now has an enormous goose egg on her left temple. Kid can’t catch a break. But we managed to get some pretty wonderful smiles and giggles from her this weekend despite all the physical maladies.

More details about The 52 Project here. To view all the portraits in the series visit here.

3/52

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“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016.”

Sunny: We had planned to fly to LA with the whole family in two weeks. It aligned with a work trip, and we had high hopes of showing Sunny where she was born and introducing the kids to the #2 Animal Style, The Happiest Place on Earth and the beauty of El Pacifico. But this pregnancy had other plans. Namely a body so dang uncomfortable that I just couldn’t bear the thought of a cross country flight. So we canceled the trip, and in exchange, headed to the XL Center in Connecticut for Disney on Ice, $15 snow cones and seizure-inducing light-up wands. Sunny, in her ever-optimistic state, told us that this was equally as fun, as we were going on a new adventure all together, PLUS we didn’t have to be bored in an airport. Lord, we are ever so grateful for her perspective and young, clueless mindset. We still owe her that trip to The 90210 to see where she entered the world – but we’ve got time.
Kaki: She was less-than-thrilled with the prospect of seeing masked characters (she has no patience or bravery in the face of costumes with masks. She loathes our college mascot, and Halloween proves tricky when she is faced with robots or other people concealing their faces). We promised her that it would be a good time, and that she’d be safe in the audience with the characters remaining on the ice. The only scene that proved difficult was during the song with all the Disney villains, so she cowered down low in her seat to avoid Maleficent’s gaze. Otherwise, great success and delight for all.

More details about The 52 Project here. To view all the portraits in the series visit here.

2/52

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“A portrait of my children, once a week, every week, in 2016.”

Sunny: If you really get her laughing, her eyebrows crinkle up just so and it absolutely steals my heart. The little girl I used to babysit for in California had a similar expression at this age – the delight of a first grader. I love the satisfaction of truly knowing that I’ve said something funny or ridiculous or particularly entertaining.
Kaki: She was invited to a birthday party this weekend that included a performance with a clown. Upon hearing that news, she requested to stay home and help James clean the chicken coop and dispatch of two mean roosters rather than face a clown in person. Apparently, the clown in “Inside Out” has made a less than favorable impression. We compromised, and agreed to show up to the party late so as to just enjoy the cake and ice cream and games following the clown. James was left to Cartwheel farm duties solo, though it’s clear his VT kid will gladly help him in that regard one day when she’s older and it’s more appropriate.

More details about The 52 Project here. To view all the portraits in the series visit here.