My poor neglected sewing machine...

I am finding it challenging to adjust to life with a brand new babe, whilst still homeschooling, running a busy Etsy shop, and trying to get a wee bit of housework done now and then. Most days, if everyone gets three meals, is dressed in relatively clean clothing by noon, and gets to bed on time, I'm happy!

I haven't had time to really think about this year's garden, although I did get some herb seeds planted. They are all lined up on my ironing board in the back window, like last year. I just stuck the seeds in some dirt in some styrofoam meat trays, and it seems to have worked very well.  Although I know it is getting late--and my ironing board is full!--I also planted some heirloom tomato seeds and some parsley seeds today, and when I get another few minutes I'm going to plant some red pepper and zucchini seeds. I don't know where I'm going to put the plants (or even the seedlings for that matter) but I'll think about that later!

The calendula seeds (seen below) sprouted very quickly.

Has anyone ever planted calendula? The seeds are just freaky looking! At first when I opened the packet, I thought there was some mistake. But no, this is what the seeds look like!

Although caring for my family is my main activity every day, I have been quite busy with our family business as well. The job we thought Chris was going to start back in March seems to have fallen through, which is disappointing but perhaps a blessing in disguise, because he's been working full time on his toys anyway. I don't know how he could manage two full time jobs. We've also had some custom work to do on top of the Etsy shop--for example, just a few days ago we sold a large order of spinning tops to our local farmer's market, who hands them out to children in the summer.

With all the general busy-ness around here, my sewing machine has been sorely neglected. I look at it longingly when I go into our back room to do up shipments of toys, or to do laundry, but somehow I never get around to using it. In fact, the thread got all jammed up before the baby was born (which is over a month ago now) and I still haven't untangled it. The entire area is so messy too. It doesn't help that when I am back there wrapping up packages, Jasper follows and starts rummaging around through my things!

I know what I need to do is become more competent with the baby wrap I have, so I can wear Amy around the house while I get things done. But I can't seem to get it right--that piece of fabric is just so LONG, and I don't seem to be coordinated enough to arrange it properly. I tried looking on Youtube, but every video shows a different technique and most of them are not for newborns. Well I will keep at it! It would be super convenient if I could nurse the baby while she is in the wrap, too. My sister kindly loaned me a couple of simple slings (the kind that are not adjustable) and unfortunately they are too small for me, since my sister is petite and I--ahem--am not. :)

And speaking of the baby...she is hungry, and so I must away...

Comments

[Julia]

Great to hear from you Laura. Those early days with an infant are challenging and tiring..but in actuality (is that a word??) when you look but it goes so fast....somehow, we muddle through the days, bleary-eyed and drowsy, don't we!

Well done getting seeds planted and thinking about a garden. Yes...I was surprised when planting calendula seeds too. They look almost like little caterpillars!

I'm sure in time you will find time to sew, too.
Kind Regrds,
Julia

[kristy]

I am having the same trouble with my wrap as well. I am finally starting to get it down, but I am seriously looking into getting the ergo carrier. I have heard great things about it, even if it will let me just some sewing done.

[sherene]

I love the sling. You can whip one up on that sewing machine, once untangled! I have a childcare and I used to nurse (even when she was very small) while walking for feeding the other children. I find the sling is just much more useful since I can get them in and out quickly. I like a wrap for gardening and hiking, but the sling is my favorite.
You can actually make one out of a wrap, or even just a large piece of fabric.

[Lindsay]

Hey Laura, why don't I come by and show you how to use the wrap? I had a hard time learning from video too and it was just what I needed to have a friend show me :)

I'll be heading into the city on Thursday to deliver eggs. Why don't you give me a shout by email if you think that day will work for a visit. It will be about 12:30. I can bring that bag I have for you, too.

Oh, I want to talk to you about some toys too! I'll have a stand at the Amherstburg Farmer's Market and thought perhaps you'd want to put some stuff out.

[Sonja]

Ah, cherish the times. The cleaning will wait and I am sure your sewing machine understands!
Those calendula seeds look like creatures of some sort. That would have weirded me out a bit.

[carrie Drake]

a very wonderful neighbour ( who lived an inspiring 99 years ) once told me that love, happy children, clean laundry to clothe them and somewhat decent meals to nourish them were the gold standard for mothering.
Sounds to me like you have all that covered and more !
Thanks for the picture of the calendula seeds...pretty interesting.

[Leah]

The first time I planted calendula, I thought some meal worms had got into the package!!

I'm enjoying reading about your days. It's much the same here- just trying to get the bases covered each day, before I venture into other projects.

Babywearing has been so helpful! I wonder if you'd find a ring sling a bit more user friendly for now? (Easier off-and-on, adjustible, easy to nurse with.)

[Laura Jeanne]

I'd bet it would be easier with a ring sling, but unfortunately there isn't any room in the budget right now for a new baby carrier. :)

[Laura Jeanne]

Thank you for sharing what your neighbour said--it makes me feel a bit better! :)

[Laura Jeanne]

They weirded me out too--at first I thought those little spikes were teeth, and that I was looking at little mouse jawbones or something!

[meghan @ countyclothcreations]

those seeds are freaky looking!! mouse jaws is right. I also loved my ring sling...loved it.

[angie]

It's so hard to find time when you have a family, let alone a wee one. Enjoy your time nursing...I miss it:)

[Amy McGregor]

We used a wrap with our last two girls and I swear it took MONTHS before I realized how much I loved it! I would take your friend on her offer to come over and show you-- I still see people to this day tying them on and wish I would have had their input when I was using one. I found this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-VHUEM6K0Q

It is the closest to how I used it. Really take the time, like the woman in the video, to make sure that the fabric is not twisted and that it feels snug on your body. Do it in front of the mirror a few times (if you have a big mirror). The wrap takes practice, practice, practice but it is soooo worth it! I use the Ergo now that my baby is bigger, but the only benefit over the wrap is how fast it is to put on. The wrap is more comfy and easier to transport. When I put mine on, especially with baby on my back, I pull each side of the fabric REALLY tight over my shoulders. You can even bounce to get baby up higher. The tighter the more comfortable it is. Sorry for the long post-- don't give up on it.

p.s. slings are awesome, but not NEARLY as comfortable because it pulls on one side. Everyone is partial to their carrying style ;)

p.p.s. My house is TRASHED right now and here I am reading blogs! The plight of mamas...

-Amy

[Laura Jeanne]

Thank you for the link to that video, Amy--those instructions seem simpler than many I have seen. I'll give it a whirl later this morning! (And yes, I am taking my friend up on her offer!)

Thanks for the tips too, and for telling me your house is trashed. It's always nice to know I'm not the only one! :)

[Buttons]

I understand this one I have not used my sewing machine all winter. I had lots of plans and visions for what I would make but I was to busy. Hopefully next cold winter. It is to busy on the farm this time of year.B