Starfish

Todd thought my crochet octopus could use a friend.  And I agreed.  So after much pattern hunting and a little tweaking, I created this little guy:

It's nice to have a buddy.

In other news, despite my discomfort I'm doing much better mentally today.  It's nice to know that when it comes, it also goes.

Ollie the Octopus

Over the last month or so while stuck in bed, I came up with the idea of doing the nursery in a nautical theme.  I like navy and gray together and thought it would be fun.  Most of the plans would have to wait.  But crocheting a lovie, now that was something I could do!

I spent a long time searching sea creature crochet patterns online and after quite a bit of no luck (also could be read as "I was being too picky!) I decided to try my hand at making up my own.  I wanted an octopus and had a picture in my head of how I wanted it to be.  Besides, I had/have plenty of time to kill. 

So that's how Ollie came to be!  I finished him yesterday and am quite happy with how he turned out.  I only pulled out and restarted a couple parts.  It was a fun process.  

Todd, noticing me wondering what in the world to do next, suggested I make Ollie a little starfish buddy.  That sounds like a good plan to me!  Though I might have to send him out tomorrow for some orange yarn!

Baby Love

When I first went down, all I could think about were the people right in front of my face.  I had people ask me how I was doing in regards to my baby and I just told them I couldn't think about that.  My brain really didn't seem to let me think about him at first.  Probably because of how hard it was for me when Cooper was in the NICU.  And this time would probably be much harder and longer.  If I thought about it, I was taken back to Cooper getting transfusions and the pain was so fresh.  I can feel everything again if I let myself.  So I just didn't think about him.

That was fine for awhile, but then I started getting bugged that I couldn't think about him.  My brain just wouldn't let me.  Until I went and had an ultrasound where they gave me this picture:

I sat there staring at it that afternoon and suddenly he was so real!  I suddenly loved him so much.  And yes, I cried like crazy.  But I was also so happy that he was real to me.  And no matter how hard it is, I can hardly wait to have him in my arms.  I know it might be scary, but I feel an overwhelming sense of peace.  He'll be okay.  And he will be mine!!

I made these for him:

I hope the hat ends up being too small.  That would be awesome.  

I love you baby!  You are so worth every second I'm in bed.  Every second I'm missing out on stuff.  I love how I can feel your precious and powerful spirit already.

Crochet Elephant

My baby is seriously going to be one tomorrow.  I can hardly believe it's been a year.  I found my bag of crochet a week or two ago and stumbled upon a mostly done project I had forgotten about.  I think Cooper was around 3 months old when I began this elephant.  I decided that since his birthday was right around the corner, I ought to finish the little guy.  I think he turned out cute:

 And now I'm all into crochet again.  I have a fun little project planned for Madeline.  It's cute and includes pink and more pink, and little wings... :)

Maybe tomorrow Cooper can give this little elephant friend a good slobbery love.

Now I'm off to go make homemade sprinkles!!  That's right - his cake is gonna be fun!

Bruno Bear

Meet Bruno Bear:

 I saw him on Pinterest (free pattern here), and thought it seemed like a really fun project.  I took a few liberties on the pattern, mostly because I'm new to crochet and the pattern wasn't as specific as a beginner could have used, but I was happy with how he turned out.  I've never crocheted a toy before and it was really fun.

I sewed the pillow too, but that was a long time ago.  It's been downstairs, but seemed to go nicely on the glider in the baby's room.

Crocheted Baby Blanket

Last night I finished a project I've been working on for a long time.  A crocheted baby blanket:

 I found the pattern here.  My goal was to finish it before May, so I'm happy about that!

 I'm quite pleased with how it turned out, especially because I've only crocheted three other things in my life!  It turned out square (wu!) and is soft and snuggly.

Next on my list to tackle:  reshaping and recovering my glider rocker . . .

Panda Bear Hat

This little newborn hat was the first crochet project I ever did.  That is, if you don't count the practice square I made to learn the stitches.  But after I finished the white hat, I felt like I wanted it add something to it.  And today, I FINALLY finished it by adding the eyes and ears and turning it into a Panda:

I really think it turned out cute, and even though I don't have anyone to put it on, I think I'll keep it anyway.  I'm slightly attached as it was my first project.  It may never get used, but it will keep me smiling!

Crocheted Headband

In November, my friend taught me how to crochet.  I have since crocheted two hats and this headband:

 This has turned out to be my favorite project.  I found the pattern as a necklace and decided to turn it into a headband.  It is very simple.  Just a crocheted ring with three very long chains attached and the flower hooked to the top of the ring.  The leaves at the end of the chains feed through the ring to keep it in place.

Perhaps I'll post my other crocheted creations too. 

Next up, I'm going to try my hand at knitting.