Well, we're back:

...actually, we've been back for a week. I am still tired, but catching up with business around here.

We had a really good time -don't I look happy?

I was. It was fun -the weather was near perfect. Photos are up over at Flickr.

In other news, I am now 35 weeks along, and VERY uncomfortable. Five weeks left seems impossible, as I am so large. Everything is fine though, and we are healthy. I'm having a lot of trouble getting around most days due to "Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction". I had it last time too -it just means that the fixed joint at the front of the pelvis begins to come apart, and it causes PAIN.

So of course now is when I choose to take on some more work. I have not made a dime in weeks, and that's really not been good. Add that to going on vacation, and other assorted little expensive disasters that awaited us upon our return, and it looks like I can't just be "resting".

I've gotten the opportunity to take on some more child care for another friend of mine, and although now is not the easiest time, it looks like a fit, as well as a necessity for both her family and mine. The child is another good playmate for Ray, and a sweetie as well, so I think it will be good for the fall and winter. I have to start in a week, but I'll get to have a little break to give birth and recover. So I'll have two of Rayona's friends to take care of in the fall and winter, and that may mean that I don't have to do house cleaning work for a while. That's nice, because I think it will be really hard to bring both of my children to my client's house. I hope it works out.

Oh, Home...

I will be missing your comforts and charms for ten days as we head off to Cape Cod in the morning!

As much as I look forward to a change of scenery and all the accompanying adventures, I will surely be lacking the ease of my own chores and routines. It is always a bit harder to keep things running the way I like them in a vacation house. I will be focusing on letting go of these issues of mine, and letting the summer wash over me. See you soon.

'Nother Dress:

I got lucky with a $2 fabric remnant yesterday:


So of course it had to become another sundress. The process went much more smoothly this time. After some research into the alternatives ($!!), it looks like I will be sticking with my old Kenmore machine for quite some time. Maybe it was this knowledge that affected my success with the thing.

Also, FINALLY she has decided that her Waldorf doll is worthy of some attention!!!


I did think she would come around eventually, but I have to admit some frustration over the amount of work that went into a doll that was all but ignored for the last six months. Now it goes lots of places with her. Yay.

In other news, I became aware a few days ago that my baby had shifted into a head-down position as I was pushing the stroller home briskly in the rain. I could feel a very familiar downward pressure as well as a general rounding out of the very bottom of my belly. My pants no longer stay up worth a darn, and the top of my baby bump is a bit lower, which also indicates a descending baby. All good things, except that my pelvis is coming apart again. I had this last time, and it was painful, but this time it feels not only like a dagger to the crotch (sorry), but is also accompanied by clicky lower-back pains. I have EIGHT weeks to go still, and I don't want to curtail my walking activities, but I have to temper time on my feet with rest as well. This is no time to burn out -there's still too much summer fun to be had.

A little Sewing:

A shirred sundress from fabric I've been saving since she was tiny:

I had another dress in mind for it, but in the end this seemed easier and more economical, because she will be able to wear it for a few summers I hope. Eventually it can be a top.

It turned out very well, though I had a tough time with my machine last night for some reason. The shirring and elastic thread didn't sit well with it, I guess. The pattern is here.

These little skirts are sure to grow in number as they are insanely easy. They are the Oliver & S Lazy Days Skirt pattern minus the ribbon hem to be found here. And again, if they don't become too short they may last a few seasons.

My creative energy sure comes in fits and starts. I can do nothing for months, and then all of a sudden I will sew for three days straight. Now I'm tired. I'd better go lie down.