2016 in Review

It has been one hell of a year. Where do I even begin? A year ago today, from the moment the clock struck midnight in welcome of 2016, I knew it would be one for the books. Cliche but so very true. The most amazing things happened to me last year. I spent the first half of the year growing a human inside of me and the second half getting to know her. She is the most wonderful thing I could have ever imagined and then some. While I am still struggling with accepting the sequence of events leading up to my delivery, my delivery and my post delivery infection; I couldn't have possibly ended up with a more perfect child.

2016 was full of firsts: first breath, first gummy smile, first kiss, first nurse, first giggle, first belly laugh, first babble, first diaper change, first touch, first nap, first week, first month, first holiday, first car ride, first roll, first sit, first look, first cold, first raspberry, first play date, first taste of rice cereal, first 4th of July, first Halloween, first Christmas and first New Years Eve. My heart is full and I can't wait to experience more of her firsts in 2017 and beyond.

Despite all the shit going on in the world and celebrity deaths, 2016 wasn't all that bad.

Baby 101

One hundred and one days ago,

I gave birth. 

One hundred days ago,

I became a baby expert, child rearing guru and, of course, center of the universe.

Don't get me wrong, I would never use 'baby' as all encompassing, rather, 'baby' in all senses of the word is positively, absolutely, undeniably and reliably singular. Meaning, I am really only an expert in one thing: MY BABY. I know it may seem, at times, that there are similarities between our experiences and offspring. However, I assure you they are very different and neither you, dear reader, nor I can definitively state what will work for your baby and visa versa. That being said, here are a few things I've learned in the last 3 months.

1. Leaving the hospital is a whirlwind
• After living at the hospital for 6 days (3 in labor), don't forget the orchid your mother bought you OR your baby for that matter
2. Cesareans sections are major surgery
• It is most certainly NOT an easy way to deliver
• If you are in debilitating pain a week or weeks after, it is absolutely NOT normal
• Weeping from your incision is even less normal
3. Antibiotics will absolutely affect the baby
• While trying to recover from the infection, she will fart herself awake and be inconsolable
• Give her chamomile tea for the gas, she will become more tea than baby
4. Breastfeeding is hard
• It takes two to breastfeed and there is a learning curve
• Your milk won't come in until after you leave the hospital
• You absolutely do not need to supplement with formula, she lives on your boobs and isn't starving
5. Sleep when baby sleeps
• Unless you are a stay-at-home mom working full time
• In that case, don't sleep
• Or you could try sleeping while she eats 
6. Don't be over zealous
• You'll be lucky if you can get though the Starbucks drive thru before she starts screaming her head off 
7. Always plan for a poop-tastrophe
• Especially if you have to be somewhere
• It's going to happen
• Bring wipes, diapers, extra clothes and most of all a zip-lock bag
• She will laugh at you when you attempt to change her without getting poop all over yourself in the back of your car while she wiggles at the same time

Ch-ch-ch-changes

I'm 6 months pregnant!

Even after all this time (27 weeks and 3 days to be exact) it still feels a little unreal except when I'm being kicked in the bladder. Being pregnant is unlike anything I've ever experienced and nearly impossible to describe. It's equal parts difficult and spectacular, exhausting and exhilarating, uncomfortable and magical.

The first time my husband and I saw our little creation, it was incredible. I don't think either of us were prepared or really understood how quickly we could fall in love with such a small being made possible by microscopic parts of us. We were both overcome with emotion for this little human who had just come into our lives and was no bigger than a blueberry. The most overwhelmingly wonderful part of that first appointment was hearing the heartbeat and actually seeing it flicker on the screen.

Writing about this experience reminds me of the conversation Dr. Manhattan and Laurie have in Watchman. I can't wait to meet our little thermodynamic miracle in May.

Treasures from Across the Pond

I absolutely love adventure, even when it isn't my own. Last month my little sister who isn't so little anymore went on an adventure. She is rather well traveled and has made quite the impression on people all over the world, truly earning her a worldwide network of genuinely awesome friends. Her most recent adventure was in the future (19 hours to be exact), all over Australia. Whenever she goes on an adventure she always brings me back a little something. This time, was no exception.

A few of my favorite things: Yarn, Pressed coins, Pins and Starbucks coffee cups

100% Australian Superfine Merino

Australia in pin form

The reverse side of the currently lowest denomination
of Australian currency depicts an echidna!

Luna Park
Just for Fun
Melbourne

Despite not being close as children, I can honestly say as adults we are the best of friends. 

Valentine's Day Recap

My forever Valentine is my husband.

He is the most thoughtful, charming, romantic man I have ever known and he definitely outdid himself this year.

Not only did he purposely neglect to purchase flowers (he was afraid they would be jealous of my beauty), he managed to combine two of my favorite things: cats and coins! I realize this might sound a bit odd to someone who does not know me well, so let me explain.

I am the mama of three fur babies and a true cat lady. Despite a mild to high allergy to animal dander (cats included), I can't seem to live happily without at least one feline companion or a lint roller. In regards to coins, I have always been fascinated by foreign currency and consider myself a pressed penny enthusiast. My fascination with foreign currency dates back to a time when my father managed a supermarket and would occasionally bring home foreign currency for my piggy bank that would routinely jam the Coinstar.

For Valentine's, my husband gave me a cat coin purse, four bent copper pennies and a historical explanation of the gift. He first explained an Old English superstition that indicated a bent coin should always be retained on ones person to ensure its owner's wealth. He further explained that in medieval times it was customary for a man to bend a copper coin and give it to his sweetheart as a token of his love. The significance the four bent copper coins was purely my husband's way of celebrating the four Valentine's days together as a married couple.

My Valentine's day gift was much more food based because every girl knows the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. I spent the majority of Valentine's day at the market and in the kitchen. My meal of choice being his absolute favorite: meatloaf, mash potatoes with peas and cheesecake for dessert all from scratch. And of course I made it heart shaped because why not?!?! I'm happy to report, was an absolute hit!

Heart Shaped Meat Loaf
1lb ground turkey, 1/2 bunch parsley, 1 chopped sauteed yellow onion, 1 egg, 1/3 cup of ketchup
Mix together by hand, shape into heart, add top layer of ketchup
Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes

Philadelphia Cheese Cake
Crust: 1-1/2 cups of honey graham crackers, 3 tbsp of sugar, 1/3 cup butter
Mix ingredients and press into bottom of spring form pan
Cake: 4 pkg Philadelphia Cream Cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 4 eggs
Mix ingredients adding 1 egg at a time
Bake at 325°F for 55-65 minutes

-Darling XOXO

Happy Galentine's Day!

Photo credit: Parks and Recreation on NBC

I've been a fan of Parks & Rec (a.k.a. Parks and Recreation) for several years now and am thrilled to see it is gaining even more popularity despite this being in its final season. My favorite thing about Parks & Rec is definitely the quirkiness, passion, commitment, excitement and creativity that surrounds the character of Leslie Knope.

What's Galentine's Day?!?!?

Galentine's Day first appeared on a Parks & Rec episode of the same name (Season 2 Episode 16) where Amy Poehler's character Leslie Knope explained, "It's only the best day of the year. Every February 13th my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrate ladies. It's like Lilith Fair minus the angst... plus fritatas."

Galentine's Day didn't appear again until Season 4, Episode 14 where Leslie Knope reiterated the importance of celebrating Galentine's Day.

"February 14th, Valentine's Day, is about romance. But February 13th, Galentine's Day, is about celebrating lady friends. It's wonderful and should be a national holiday. It should be a national holiday. Dear Congress, it's Leslie again..."

In honor of Parks & Rec, Leslie Knope and of course my 'lady friends.' This year I am celebrating Galentine's Day! I can't wait to see my three best ladies and eat some waffles.

My Galentine's

No Pattern, No Problem

Have you ever wanted to make something for someone and just couldn't find the right pattern?

I just knew I had to make something extra special for a friend who requested a people purple scarf (for Christmas). While I had the absolute perfect shade of purple yarn for her, I lacked a unique pattern that would be simple yet flattering.

After a bit of consideration and a little planning, I decided to make her a wide scarf in stockinette with a monogram C (for her first name). 

Materials: 
2 skeins; Cascade Yarns 100% acrylic in Violet
2 US 10 1/2 (6.5 mm) needles

Pattern: 
CO 50st
K 15, P 25, K 10 stockinette
K 14, P 26, K 10
K 13, P 27, K 10
K 12, P 28, K 10
K 11, P 29, K 10
K 10, P 30, K 10 stockinette for 5 rows
K 10, P10, K 20 stockinette for 20 rows
K 10, P30, K 10 stockinette for 5 rows
K 11, P 29, K 10
K 12, P 28, K 10
K 13, P 27, K 10
K 14, P 26, K 10
K 15, P 25, K 10 stockinette  
K in stockinette until desired length is reached. 

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2015 Goals

This blog is just about a year old and it's time once again to pull out my pen keyboard and set my goals for the coming year. With all I accomplished last year, topping it this year may be a challenge. However, I love a good challenge.

• Write a proposal: I'm very much interested in the evolution of libraries, specifically the bookless library. This year I want to go completely out of my comfort zone and write a proposal that focuses on bookless libraries in universities. 
• Write a blog a week: This is the same goal I had last year. Although I didn't reach my goal in 2014, I've decided not to change it. There are only 52 weeks in the year. I know I can do this.
• Knit a project a month: I fell in love with knitting last year. I want to keep this love alive. I have a feeling there will be more than 12 completed knits before the end of the year.
• Go on a road trip: I love road trips. This year I hope to travel to Arizona for the first time. There is nothing I'd love more than to see the Grand Canyon.
• Walk more: Thanks to my lovely sister, I now have a FitBit. I'm already amazed by how this little piece of technology has encouraged me to move around more throughout my day. I'm interested to see how many steps I walk this year.
• Read 6 books in 12 months: I revised this goal from last year. I've found that I don't make much time for reading and tend to take my time. I know 6 books in 12 months is possible, even if they end up being graphic novels.
• Volunteer: I want to continue to volunteer my time to causes I love. Although I will not be returning to INALJ.com this year, I plan on continuing to volunteer my time in other aspects of librarianship. 
• Go to a Library Conference: Every year I attend 2 or 3 library conferences, this year my goal is to go to one I haven't been to before.  

I have a busy year ahead of me, thanks for reading and good luck on your 2015 Goals!

XOXOX Darling

Looking Back: 2014 Goals

Last year I created a list of 2014 Goals for myself. Although I didn't quite reach all of them, I certainly feel wonderful about the ones I did accomplish.

• Find a full-time job: I got promoted at my current job from part-time to full-time after only 8 months. Full-time Librarian status ACHIEVED!

• Volunteer more: I volunteered a whole year of my time to INALJ.com. I also managed to attend and volunteer at the American Library Association Conference (ALA) Annual Conference in Las Vegas, the 9th Annual Archives Bazaar in Los Angeles and the California Library Association (CLA) Annual Conference in Oakland as well as become a board member for my graduate school alumni association.

• Read 12 books: Oops! I definitely didn't make this goal. The only book I read this year was Damned by Chuck Palahniuk on my Nook. I might have been shooting too high with 12 books.

• Go on a road trip: I got to go on more than one mini road trip and one EPIC adventure. My husband and I took a mini road trip to Cabazon to see dinosaurs, I drove alone to Oakland (longest drive of my life) for the CLA Annual Conference and I traveled to New York followed by Ireland with my sister!!!

• Write a blog a week: Similar to my Read 12 books goal, I definitely didn't reach this one. I hope to someday cross this goal off my list. Though this year, I may need to settle for 1 post a month.

• Complete 1 knitting project a month: I have to say, I did complete over 12 knitting projects this year, even though they weren't exactly completed once a month. Now if only I could get control of my yarn habit! 

Project 7: Turn it Up to 11 MKAL

COMPLETE!

Week 1: Swatch cast-on

Week 1: Swatch progress

Week 1: Sock cast-on

Week 2: Pattern progress

Week 2: More pattern progress

Week 3: Finished heels

Week 4: Rocking my new socks

My Supplies:

• Candy Skein
• 1 Yummy Fingering in Atomic Jelly Beans
• 75% Merino
• 25% Nylon
• Circular Needles 
• 1  Harmony FC US 1 (2.5mm) 40in
• Stitch Markers
• 2

Candy Skein Monthly Colorway

I am completely head over heels in love with Candy Skein. Not only is the yarn to die for, the customer service is impeccable. After making my first purchase in February, I knew I had to take the plunge and jump on the 3-month subscription bandwagon. I have not been disappointed, just look at these beauties!

April

Colorway: Atomic Jelly Beans
Weight: Yummy Fingering
Fiber: 75% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon Superwash
Yards: 465 yards
 
May

Colorway: Berry Sangria
Weight: Yummy Fingering
Fiber: 75% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon Superwash
Yards: 465 yards
June

Colorway: Orange Cream Soda 
Weight: Yummy Fingering
Fiber: 75% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon Superwash
Yards: 465 yards

Project 6: Zigag Cowl

COMPLETE! 

Last month I decided to join one two Springtime KALs. Not to brag, but I actually managed to finish the first KAL in only two days. I was definitely surprised with how quickly the 1-Skein Zigzag Cowl by Heather Walpole knit up and I absolutely love it. I followed the pattern exactly as written, except it there wasn't quite enough yarn. I think I left too long of a tail when casting on. Anyway, I only needed to reduce the length by two rows. If you ask me, it isn't noticeable at all.

My Supplies:

• Ewe Ewe
• 1 Ewe So Sporty, Brushed Silver, Color 97
• 100% Merino Superwash
• Circular Needles 
• 1 Knit Picks US 6 (4mm) 16in
• Stitch Markers
• 1

Project 5: 2014 Springtime Loop

Complete!

During Yarn Crawl L.A. last month I purchased a skein of Freia in Ombré from Abuelita's Knitting and Needlepoint and promised I'd knit it up as a Springtime Loop by Kathi Snodgrass for my mother. Although I had some cat related disasters all over my livingroom, I managed to finish it just in time for Mother's day (which also happened to be her birthday this year too).

My Supplies:

• Knitwhits
• 1 Freia Handpaints, Nightshade Ombré Wool Sport
• 100% Wool
• Circular Needles 
• 1 Knit Picks US 6 (4mm) 24in
• Stitch Markers
• 27

Project 4: Heliopath Vest

Complete!

I recently participated in the Heliopath Vest KAL co-hosted by The Unapologetic Knitter and the GhostFaceKnitter. My initial post about this KAL can be found here and my progress during, here. Unfortunately I didn't win any of the wonderful prizes offered by these lovely hosts, but they didn't let me go empty handed. I received a very sweet note and care package for participating.

How did they know I love chocolate?!?!?!
And yes, that is a Cupcake wand.

It was quite a journey and I definitely feel like a stronger knitter because of it. I managed to finish it by the deadline and hope to show it off in public soon (weather permitting).

My Supplies:

• Berroco Vintage
• 5 skeins, Chana Dal
• 52% Acrylic
• 40% Wool
• 8% Nylon
• Buttons
• 8
• Circular Needles 
• 1 Knit Picks US 7 (4mm) in
• Stitch Markers
• 10