Wasting time

Miles is sick and I'm "working from home" today.  Which loosely translates into: "While Miles sleeps all day long, Mommy has a hard time concentrating on anything work related since she's no where near her office and work-environment." 

But I've noticed I've been negligent in posting pictures of Miles over the least few months.  So this post is to make up for that lost time.  There are some good ones I just couldn't let slide.  Consider this post "Fall 2008 Greatest Hits." 

Knitting updates!

It wouldn't be the holidays without...KNITTING!!  Ok, so I made that up. 

I haven't updated my blog with my latest knitting projects lately, and I think my MIL is starting to think I'm ignoring her on Ravelry, so here they are for all to see!  And don't worry, pics of Miles will also be included in this blog-post.

As the weather turned colder I needed a new hat.  Shamrock (Fitzgerald) from KnitPicks has proven to be warm and easy to work with.  I had to search a bit for the perfect cable pattern.  "Sarah's cabled hat" on Ravelry worked out well.  

And of course, I had to make some mittens to go with the hat.  I was a little disappointed with the length.  They don't even cover your wrists! (tell me, what is the point of that?)  So i need to extend them a bit.  oh darn, I guess I need to order more yarn.  I have to make a scarf anyway, right?

Here's a close up of the cabling on the hat.  It was pretty simple, and turns out very cozy.

About 2 days ago I realized I needed a gift for a coworker who is expecting a baby girl. Since every person I know (save Joni) has had a baby boy recently, all I had in my stash was "boy" colors.

Then I realized, I had some fun micro-fiber from Lion Brand which was used for a blanket for Miles (before I knew he was a "Miles").  

It turned into a really cute striped hat.  Modeled here by "Bear."  I love the brightness and the contrast of the coral, cyan, purple and bright green.  

And finally, I've broken into my Meadows Sampler Sock Yarn from KnitPicks.  Up first, Essential Meadows Multi.  Love.it.  It feels so nice on the needles, and as you can see here, pretty easy to work with when attempting two-at-a-time. 

And finally, as promised, your daily dose of Miles-y-goodness.

He LOVED watching the Mexican Dancers at the Indianapolis International Festival.  He also enjoyed a good portion of mommy's falafel.  

And enjoying a casual sunday morning, in his button down oshgosh shirt...sockless, of course. 

Road Trip to Kentucky!

Happy Thanksgiving faithful blog-readers!  

This past weekend we took a road trip to visit the SIL and BIL (aka: Mrs. Brown Can Moo) and Miles's little cousin, Gavin, at Ft. Campbell, KY.  Miles was all geared up to have his first real thanksgiving dinner.  

On the way down we stopped across the Ohio River to sample the delights of a local Wendy's establishment.  And Miles had his very first "Kids' Meal."  Not only did he get chicken nuggets, but he also got a Snoopy toy.  Best.day.ever. as far as he's concerned.

And while we had high hopes for Miles's first real thanksgiving dinner, Miles's tummy had other ideas.  The little guy came down with what can only be described as a stomach ailment. Basically, he threw up almost everything given him over a 24 hour period.  Including, in my car.  

So, we've survived our first official sick kid moment.  It was pretty gross.  But Miles is feeling much better now.  Unfortunately (or fortunately for mom and dad) he missed thanksgiving dinner.  Oh well, Christmas is coming.  Maybe he can get some good eats then. 

Here he is with "Bear" enjoying some comfort food (aka: Goldfish).

Because Mr. Miles was not doing much more than "protesting" his meals over the holiday, this is really the only pictures we got over the last few days.  Maw Maw got a few more pics before the illness took over, so hopefully we'll get a copies of those "happier" times. 

Caught in the act and catching up

Time marches on, and apparently my blog doesn't update itself.  So, to recap the last few weeks:

Miles was Brett Favre for Halloween (giving Brett a run for his money in "cuteness" if you ask me).

He's learned out to eat out of a bowl.    

And sometimes decides to use a spoon.

And Miles has started on his Christmas wish-list as he leisurely looks through the Brooks Brothers catalogue.  Further proving the fact that he is my husband's son.  

I finally caught Miles in the act of "walking." 

And after much debate, and heel-digging by mom, we finally decided it was time to give Miles a little trim.

The "hockey-hair" was getting a little bit too pronounced.  

Disclaimer: I am in no way trained to cut hair.  My SIL, she's the pro.  Me, just call me "the butcher."  Personally, I don't think it looks that bad considering the fight Mr. Miles put up over this new experience.  The goal was to get the hair out of his eyes.  And that much was accomplished.   Note the single tear trailing down his cheek.  This was one of many shed during "the butchering."

That's one small step...

Ladies and Gentleman, Miles is officially a "walker." 

Sorry for the lack of pictures.  I was too busy playing "catch the Miles" between myself and Mike as our baby magically turned into a toddler. 

I'll get pics as soon as I can. 

Pumpkin time!

In accordance with Pagan tradition, we went to pick out a pumpkin for Halloween.  

Miles got to pet some animals in between pumpkin searching.

i think Miles liked this one. 

Look, mom! No hands! 

Foreign Policy and Boy Bands

what could those two things possibly have in common?  They both contributed to the best couple weeks of 2008! 

On Sept. 19th, Former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, came to campus for a talk on our institution's place in the world.  She was, in a word, amazing.  I even got to ask her a question about the importance of colleges and universities in promoting America's interests abroad through international education.  Her response confirmed my personally held belief that what I do in promoting study abroad and cross-cultural education is an important part in making the world a better place.  

She also thanked me for what I do, and told me I have an important job.  ::sigh:: how awesome is that.  she also signed my book, Madame Secretary.  Nothing like a little "thanks" from the highest ranking female governmental official during the 90's to motivate you.

Now for the boy band.  If you didn't know it already, New Kids on the Block have reunited, released a new album, The Block, and are touring the U.S. and Europe this fall.  They also happen to my all time favorite group Ev-ah and are heads and shoulders cooler than Backstreet, N'Sync or those goofy Jonahs Brothers.  In fact, without NKOTB, there would be no Backstreet, etc. 

All summer I had been counting down to my Oct. 3rd trip to Cleveland to see my true loves (that mostly refers to Jordan Knight, but Donnie Wahlberg seems to have caught my eye as well).  I met up with my BFF from grade school (we've known each other 25 years. w00t!) and a couple of her friends in C-town, and proceeded to have the best.time.EvaR!

Before the show, Christie (my BFF) brought up a "sealed" box identified as "New Kids stuff."  It was dated August 1999, the year we packed up Christie's parents' house in preparation for a move, and apparently put all of her New Kids stuff inside.  

We had to open it together, and what better time to do that than right before our 2nd ever NKOTB concert.  

Inside were very well preserved teeny-bopper mags, posters, and even a couple of t-shirts and "hubcaps."  The t-shirt from the No More Games Tour '90 even fit Christie, so she wore it to the show!  

For realsies, 14 years later and not a missed step, harmony, scream or squeal.  They played at the Quicken Arena (home of the Cavaliers) and the place was PACKED!  It was like every 30 year old female in a 500 mile radius had made the trip.  Every woman my age was wearing some sort of NKOTB paraphernalia and on her way to a screaming frenzy of old skool hits, and new skool kicks! 

New Kids on the Block, Cleveland, 10.03.08 from John Soeder on Vimeo.

the guys looked great.  they sounded great (at least they sounded great when i could hear them in between screams).  it was amazing the hold they had on the whole crowd, and how crazy everyone was through the entire show!  2 songs into the concert i was worried i wasn't going to be able to sustain the booty shakin' and singing along (ok, screaming like a 12 year old girl) the entire 2 hours.  but they rocked the house so hard we left the arena sweaty and half deaf.  the 2nd encore was Hangin' Tough, and the crowd went INSANE!  seriously, this was probably the most fun I've had in a long long time.  

The show got a great review from myself and Christie, as well as the Plain Dealer.

So there you have it.  Some of the best couple weeks ever.  Now all i have to do is worry about turning thirty next week.  At least my inner 12 year old got a chance to come out before i'm officially untrustworthy. 

It's football season

Happy Birthday to Miles!

Since it's been a whole week since Miles's actual birthday, I thought it would be a good time to finally upload the famous cupcake pictures.  I must apologize in advance for the photo quality.  I couldn't find my camera at the time, and used my iPhone instead.

What's this?  A cupcake? 

Mmm, interesting.

Not bad.  Not bad at all.

I have chocolate, where? 

More, please. 

Miles would also like to show off his new ride from Greatest Aunt Carol.

beep beep.

We were tagged

By my intrepid and talented cousin Molly.

Here are 6 unspectacular things about the 3Ms.

Miles:

1. I love blankets.  I can't pass one up with out snuggling with it.
2. Bath-time = splash-time
3. My favorite book is about airplanes
4. Daddy is a good bouncer
5. I tried cake for the first time this week.  Wasn't too bad. 
6. I get filthy every day at school.

Mike:

1. I'm 5'9"
2. I used to work in a pie factory
3. I lived in Dayton OH for 5 years
4. I like club soda
5. I hate mayonnaise
6. I know how to drive a stick-shift

Mandy:

1. I'm obsessed with knitting
2. I've been on the knot message boards for *cough* 4 years
3. I would do almost anything for avocado
4. I take Mike with me every time I go shoe shopping
5. My passport has expired (I know, scandalous) 
6. I'm a faithful NPR listener

Tag!  You're it!

Embellish Life 

Magnolia Lane Mama

Mrs. Brown can Moo

Polar Bear Express

Miles's birthday...observed

We celebrated Miles's 1st birthday a week early this year.  G'ma and G'pa wanted to make sure they could be here, and couldn't come on his actual birthday.  So, we had a "practice" birthday. 

There was cake, presents and lots of giggles.  

Is that...fire? 

I have to admit, I'm really proud of the way this cake turned out.  Maybe I should join cousin Molly's cake business. ;-) 

Who's birthday is it? 

This cake stuff isn't too bad...

ooh, presents!

Bumpa's contribution to my college fund!

Chicken necks?

So we're on to the wild world of table food.  apparently Miles likes to scarf down roast beef and chicken sandwiches at daycare.  followed by cucumbers, fruit cups, cookies and pudding.  

i suppose it's time i actually start making him dinner, then. 

So far we've enjoyed chicken fingers, carrots, green beans, and fried eggs.  Today he actually had some penne alfredo!  he won't let me spoon feed him any more, because he's a "big boy" and can feed himself.  

We also took a trip to the Zoo!  And apparently everyone else in the Hoosier state decided to go to the zoo as well that day.  But we enjoyed looking at the animals and even got to see an elephant demonstration.  

but the best part of the Zoo was the Dippin Dots.  At first Miles didn't know what to make of the flash frozen dots of ice cream.  but that didn't matter.  all that mattered was that he got more of it.