Happy New Year.
It's 2010! I can't even believe it. 2009 was a great year for me in so many ways - and we are so looking forward to 2010, for obvious reasons:
o hai, I am super pregnant. 33 weeks, 5 days.
As I'm posting this, I'm 34 weeks and 1 day - which means that my due date is less than 6 weeks away. !!! It feels like this time has flown by, although as we get closer, it moves a little slower. ha. I'm also moving a little more slowly - my energy level is down a bit and it's just a little harder for me to get around and get comfortable. But overall, I'm doing great! I still feel good, and the littlest schmoo is jumping around like a crazy boy. We can't wait to meet him!
The start of the new year always makes me (and other knitters) want to look back at our knits for the past year. So here are mine:
2009 finished knits. and one crochet project. ;)
Lots of hats in there, baby and adult sized, and a couple of sweaters and shawls, and of course tons of baby knits! I have a few more projects in mind for the littlest schmoo - I hopefully still have some time to knit, and I certainly plan to take advantage of it. I have yarn for this adorable vest
and also this little sweater from Phildar Tricotez Calin Fall-Winter 2009. (so many cute things in that magazine - I had to order the French version from Phildar, but my French is good enough to translate. I think.) I'll probably make a few more hats, too, just because they are fun and fast and useful and also adorable.
I realize that I might not finish everything I want to knit before the baby arrives, and that's okay. I also realize that my knitting time might be limited after he is born, and that's okay too! I like to line things up just in case. hahahahaha.
So, things here are good. We've got all the necessary items to bring the littlest schmoo home, so now we're focusing on the part where he's born! We've taken a tour of our hospital, and we're working with a great doula and an awesome midwifery practice, and I'm getting more and more excited about things every day. I'm also practicing lots of meditation and positive thinking - I'm a super anxious person by nature, and so it's helped me a lot in this pregnancy to breathe, and focus on the good, positive things that can happen (instead of dwelling on what-ifs, which is my normal way of doing things.) It's really helped to calm down my anxieties (or most of them, anyways.)
On a super sad note - those of you who follow me on Flickr or Twitter or Facebook already know that my father passed away unexpectedly on December 15th. My dad had a stroke 8 years ago and wasn't in perfect health, but he'd been doing really, really well, so it was a pretty big shock to our whole family. There isn't ever a good time for someone to pass away - it always feels so completely unfair - but it was especially hard for us since the baby is due so soon, and my dad was so looking forward to meeting him. But I'm so grateful that he got to see me super pregnant and share this pregnancy with me and Jacob for the time that he did.
Me, Dad and Cat in 2006.
We set up a memorial page for my dad at the American Stroke Association website. Our family has been spending lots of time together and dealing with things as best we can; but really, it just sucks, and we miss him lots. Thank you so much for all the kind emails and cards and messages - the support has helped so much, and just shows me, once again, what an incredible online community we have. Y'all are awesome. :)
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and a great New Year's. We have so much to look forward to in this coming year, and I hope the new year brings hope and happiness and joy to all of you, too!
Comments (44)
I'm dying to know if you've had your baby yet...I am a longtime reader. I keep checking here to see if he's arrived yet.
Posted by Angela | February 25, 2010 10:14 PM
Great Knit Designs. Looking forward to reading more of your blog in the future. From one knitter to another, cheers!
Posted by Tammy | February 12, 2010 10:20 AM
a happy family and happy new year.
Posted by 2010 shanghai world expo | February 4, 2010 12:10 AM
It sucks so hard to lose your dad too young. I'm so sad for your loss. Take care.
Posted by claudia | February 2, 2010 4:08 PM
Congrats on making it to the home stretch. I have a 3 week old schmoo, and if your experience goes anything like mine, the time after flies! Remember to savor every happy and exhausted moment.
Posted by sugarknit | January 13, 2010 2:02 PM
Just wanted to say that I am SO SAD to hear about your father. I hope you are all doing well and I am so excited about your little schmoo on the way!
I'm trying to catch up on my favorite knitting blogs and doing so has made me want to dust off my own! It has been ignored far too long! :)
I hope that 2010 brings you and your family everything you want and more!
Posted by Allison | January 9, 2010 2:42 PM
gah! I can't believe you're due in 6 weeks! so exciting!
again, I'm sorry about your father. but I know he'll live on through baby schmoo
xoxo
Posted by yahaira | January 7, 2010 4:20 PM
Hi Carrie,
sorry to hear about your Dad. As a "silent reader" of your blog, I just had to say that.
Good luck for the rest of your pregnancy, and don't you wonder how time flies by, it will fly even more once your little one is born ;-)
Posted by Sandra | January 7, 2010 3:52 AM
Oh - my condolences for your father and to all of your family. :-(
I'm very glad to see that you and the schmoo're doing well. Can't wait for that little guy to meet us in blogland!
Posted by Eklectika | January 6, 2010 12:25 AM
So excited for your young one and am glad that you have the excitement of the new baby at this time. Take care, sweets!
Posted by Heather | January 5, 2010 7:34 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm never good at knowing what to say at times like these, but maybe your dad is with your little guy somewhere, getting to know him and preparing him for the wonderful family he is about to join.
Posted by Vicki | January 4, 2010 5:58 PM
Carrie, long time reader, spotty commenter. So sorry about your dad. What a terrible loss - I hope you and your family are doing OK. This little boy that's coming will be a true gift to your family!!
You look fantastic, by the way. I used a midwife when I delivered my first baby in August and would do so again. Enjoy your last weeks of pregnancy!!
Posted by amanda | January 4, 2010 1:42 PM
I'm so sorry about your Dad. So sorry.
Well, here's to an exciting 2010!
Posted by amanda | January 4, 2010 11:02 AM
I'm so sorry about your dad. I just had a baby myself and I can imagine it's especially hard to have lost him so close to your due date.
Enjoy your little schmoo! I've put together a list of my favorite baby and mom products. Here's a link in case you're interested.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AYc4tnDBJYmTZGQycjN6a21fN2c2Y3NzM2M2&hl=en
Posted by Michele | January 3, 2010 4:16 PM
I'm so sorry about your father. You and your family seem very loving and that is a dear loss. Still, you are able to see the positives out of the sadness and I give you many kudos for that. Enjoy the remaining weeks of your pregnancy.
Posted by aura | January 3, 2010 3:19 PM
Carrie, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope 2010 is a good one for you and your family.
Posted by Sarah | January 3, 2010 11:16 AM
Carrie-
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending hugs and loving thoughts to you and your family.
Happiness for you in 2010.
Maxly
Posted by Maxly | January 3, 2010 8:09 AM
Oh dear, I am very sorry to hear about your father. All the best to you and your family during this difficult time.
Posted by Clumsy Knitter | January 3, 2010 12:05 AM
Your pregnant belly is adorable. I'm so sorry to read about your father's untimely passing. I'm sure he was anxious to meet your baby. Prayers to you and your family.
Posted by Lisa D. | January 2, 2010 9:02 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He looked like a good guy and I know how hard this time is for you and your family. Please take care and it does get better.
Posted by silvia | January 2, 2010 8:40 PM
Aww, Carrie, I'm so sorry about your Dad! Having lost mine three years ago, I can relate. It sucks. Totally. I'm just now getting used to the idea that they're both really gone. But your little schmoo will be here before you know it, and your life will fill up with joy beyond measure--and somehow, I think that our departed loved ones can still see everything from wherever they are. HUGS
Posted by Jeanne B. | January 2, 2010 5:26 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I'm sure that he'll be there in spirit when the big day comes! I hope the remainder of the pregnancy goes smoothly and quickly.
Posted by Adriana | January 2, 2010 4:48 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your father.
Posted by Suzanne | January 2, 2010 3:27 PM
Aww, Carrie!! That pic of the three of you is totally making me cry! If there's anything you or Cathy need that I can do from here, please let me know! Just think about all of the time you DID have with your dad and all the great memories you did get to share.
Love you, girlie!
Posted by Lara | January 2, 2010 3:19 PM
Oh, I'm so sorry about your father! What a difficult time this Holiday must have been. It's sweet that he got to see you through a large part of your pregnancy. Glad you and little schmoo are doing well!
Posted by jessica~ | January 2, 2010 2:09 PM
I bet this wasn't an easy post to write, huh. Big big hugs.
Posted by lauren | January 2, 2010 1:25 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your father. May you always find comfort and joy in your soon to be here little boy.
Posted by Melissa | January 2, 2010 11:44 AM
So sorry for your loss. I think every day about the fact that my own father will never know my beautiful little girl. I'm so glad your father was able to anticipate your baby with you!
Posted by dclulu | January 2, 2010 11:03 AM
So sorry for your loss. On a happier note, you look fantastic. Take care.
Posted by Michelle | January 2, 2010 11:02 AM
what a bittersweet time! lots of happiness on the horizon, but so, so sorry to hear of the loss of your father.
Posted by Julie | January 2, 2010 10:41 AM
Carrie, I'm so sorry about the loss of your father. I miss my dad all the time and wish he was around to see my kids. But his spirit lives on in me and them, and I know that will be the same for you as well!
Posted by Kathode Ray Tube | January 2, 2010 8:41 AM
I'm so very sorry for your loss! Big hugs, and I hope your 2010 will be bright and happy.
Posted by MJ | January 2, 2010 3:58 AM
I'm so sorry about your loss.
Great looking belly! I'm sure the little schmoo will make year 2010 the best!
Posted by Suvi | January 2, 2010 1:54 AM
Carrie, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. From what I read on your blog, he seemed like such a special guy, and I can't imagine how tough it must be to lose him. My grandpa is battling cancer right now, and my worst fear is that we'll lose him before he gets to meet our little one... My thoughts are with you and your family.
On a happier note, your belly looks amazing! And I can't wait to hear more about your little "schmoo" when he comes out of there... Take care and keep on meditating!!!
Posted by Jen L | January 2, 2010 12:17 AM
I have been following your blog and Flickr page for a while now, and I just wanted to let you know that I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that the birth of your baby will help to to heal!
Posted by Renee | January 2, 2010 12:09 AM
carrie, i can't wait to meet the littlest schmoo. i hope that 2010 brings you so many wonderful things. xoxo.
Posted by mai | January 2, 2010 12:07 AM
So sorry for your loss. I lost my father unexpectedly 10 years ago when I was a few months pregnant with my daughter, so I feel for you. ((HUGS))
Wishing you the best of luck with the new baby! What an exciting time!
Posted by Anna | January 1, 2010 10:24 PM
So sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your father, and that he won't be able to meet your little one. Hoping the rest of your pregnancy sails by with nothing but happiness and good health!
On a knitting note - definitely knit the Pembroke vest! It's a great little pattern, and it comes out beautifully (http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Tala/pembroke-vest)
Posted by Amanda | January 1, 2010 9:58 PM
yer post just made me cry, schmooder. i'm so sad about your dad but so glad that you have been able to spend so much time with him recently and have good memories to think back on as you celebrate his life as well as the coming into your lives of the tiny schmoo.
Posted by carolyn | January 1, 2010 9:41 PM
I'm so sorry about your father and that he won't be able to meet your son. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy, he'll be here before you know it!
Posted by Jenn | January 1, 2010 9:41 PM
Wow, look at you! He, and you, are getting so big! I'm sorry about your dad, and I'm hoping 2010 brings lots of happiness to your entire family! Looking forward to seeing your little one!
Posted by grumperina | January 1, 2010 9:00 PM
I'm so sorry about the loss of your father. So sad that he'll miss the birth of your new son, but best wishes to you in the last weeks of your pregnancy. Beautiful knits!
Posted by Smellyann | January 1, 2010 8:58 PM
Carrie, very sorry to hear the sad news about your dad. Good luck for 2010 and I'll keep checking to see your "it's a boy" news in a few weeks!
Posted by Terri | January 1, 2010 8:52 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about your father. It makes the holidays so difficult. I hope that you and your family are able to find some peace and some joy -- especially with the little schmoo due so soon.
Happy New Year.
Posted by Gina | January 1, 2010 7:48 PM