Monday, August 18, 2014

Two Bombshells, One Post!

As you know, I've been working on my Bombshell Swimsuit Bikini Hack. Here it is, with another bombshell for your viewing... um... whatever...



What? You didn't quite get that? I'm not surprised. How about the side view...



Yeah, I know, I know. That's the lamest 26-weeks-pregnant belly ever.



And that's with me really angling for the camera for maximal bump-age and to minimize the fact that I still have a distinct dent where my waist is/was. 

At first I held off announcing on the blog because of the increased risks associated with my age. But then, as the weeks ticked by and everything was going beautifully, I thought, well soon I won't be able to hide it. And so I waited.... 15 weeks...still early... 17 weeks... sometime soon...  19 weeks... any time now!... 23 weeks (at McCall's open house)...why aren't I showing?... 24 weeks... what the heck!?!?! For those not familiar with pregnancy, just google "26 weeks pregnant" or consider that 26 weeks is half a year, just two weeks away from the third trimester, and you'll understand why I have developed a severe case of belly envy. Apparently, my family "carries well" because of our height. In clothing it's really not obvious and I'm still having to tell people.

But enough silly vanity!  Let's talk about this happy bombshell today, and we'll leave the swimsuit for another day.

First off, how am I/how are we doing?
Great! Phin and I are thrilled, and our little Raspberry - whose gender will be a surprise - is totally normal and kicking up a storm. So far I've had the sort of easy pregnancy that gives people the wrong impression about how difficult it can be to grow a whole new person from scratch. It helps that I have a supportive partner in Phin, who is over the moon and looking forward to parenthood. We've built such a wonderful life together and feel like we have so much to give to a child. I'm due in late November, just days before Thanksgiving and a few weeks before our 10th anniversary.

Next, how is the herd taking the news?
At first, there was the sort of jubilation unseen in the Craft Lounge since Christmas morning. But when they realized that we were talking about a new little human and not a new knit herd member, the mood became pensive; babies have a habit of sucking and slobbering on their play things. But we explained that, because the herd was knit for adults and their poly-pellets are loose inside them and not sewn into a beanbag like I do for baby toys, they could be a choking hazard if a pellet got loose. Once the herd felt reassured that they will be given a safe hiding place on a high shelf away from the reach of grabby little fingers, the celebration returned.

Learning about babies (and Dinoshark)

They've thrown themselves into all things baby and are busy preparing gifts for the little one on the way. They are also thrilled that the herd will grow, with new stuffies especially for Raspberry. Stay tuned for posts.

Am I "nesting" yet?
If the nesting instinct can be measured in fabric and yarn purchases, then yes!  I will be sewing and knitting for the foreseeable future without any danger of running out of supplies.


The herd has baby gift plans.

Is that second trimester creative surge real?
In my case, absolutely. I have so many projects I've been holding back that the next few weeks are going to be a blogging bonanza as I try to share them all. I currently have a  maternity wardrobe project going - I have NEVER been more happy that I sew!!! Maternity RTW is a bleak and depressing scene and really isn't fitting my small bump. I also have his and hers diaper bags in the works and a plethora of knitting already done.

Wait. Does this mean that Clio & Phineas will become a mommy blog?
Oh dear, I really hope not!  Not that there is anything wrong with blogs that focus on young families and crafting for kids, but to be completely blunt, mother/daughter or father/son patterns creep me out in the same way that some people fear clowns, and I have no interest in posting baby puree recipes. But on the serious side, with such a supportive partner, I hope that I'll be able to continue to carve out space in my life for my creative pursuits and my needs. Obviously, a new little person will play into this. But my hope is that this blog will continue to be a place for my imagination, creativity and sense of humor, wherever that leads me. I hope you'll continue to follow along.

I think that's enough for today! But stay tuned because there's lots to show and tell.

76 comments:

Clio said...

Congratulations!!! Enjoy it :) And I love your swimsuit - it inspires me to try making swimwear as well!

Clio said...

Congratulations on Raspberry! That's very exciting!

Clio said...

This is such terrific news! Congratulations to you both. I can't wait to see the evidence of your second trimester creativity. And I'm sure this new baby is going to have the cutest knits (and stuffies) ever.


PS: At 26 weeks, my body was a pregnancy freak show :-) Let's just say that long waists and tall frames are much more forgiving than my short, already busty, short-waisted shape ever was. That'll stand you in good stead, my friend.

Clio said...

Congratulations on your happy news. You hardly show at all and you look beautiful.

Clio said...

Double bombshell!!! You look amazing!! I didn't look this good until the twins were nearly starting school ;o)

Clio said...

You KNOW you have my congrats!! We called our first grandbabe "Rasp-baby" until the second she was born! You look awesome!
XO

Clio said...

yeahh, you announced it. I was looking forward to see the baby bump over the blog. lots of love xx

Clio said...

i love that the herd are prepping their own gifts! i would expect nothing less from such a supportive little brood :-)

Clio said...

Congrats to you, Phin and the herd.

Clio said...

Ahhh, you're lucky to have such a supportive herd!!! ;) Can't wait to see your nesting creations!!!

Clio said...

As they say, it takes a herd... or something like that?. ;-)

Clio said...

There's been lots of yarn and other supplies purchased - the herd definitely wants to be involved!

Clio said...

LOL - Nettie, you are the hottest mama of four on the planet!

Clio said...

This child had better like knits or he/she is done for! LOL Yeah, I'm feeling pretty glad there seems to be enough growing room for this little one, particularly during daily "circus hour" when Raspberry seems to be practicing acrobatics.

Clio said...

Ooooh! You should, living on an island and all! It really wasn't so hard.

Clio said...

Thank you! It means a lot that you'd delurk for our happy news!

Clio said...

Yeah, since "What to Expect" said "this week your baby is the size of a large raspberry" that's what we've been calling him/her. Although, my 8yo nephew objects since "raspberries are for girls" and it could be a boy. So he is calling the baby "Taco" instead. LOL

Clio said...

Gawd, finally! I thought you were going to share that news when you were headed for labor and delivery! hahahahaha! BTW, with my first one you couldn't tell I was pregnant until I was almost 6.5 months pregnant and then the little bugger just popped out! Glad you're still feeling good! Now can we see the maternity stuff?!

Clio said...

Haha! Yeah, I know I waited forever! Hopefully by labor and delivery I'll actually look notably pregnant! :P Yep... maternity stuff to come...

Clio said...

Congratulations on your new "project", the very sweetest kind! Be well!

Clio said...

Oh, congratulations! I am so happy for you and Phin! Don't worry about not having a great big belly -- it makes life easier after you deliver. I was able to wear my (waisted) shirtdress home from the horsepistol, and happily pitched my maternity garments into a box in the closet in case there was a next time. Take time to enjoy every aspect of your pregnancy -- the science involved can be fascinating even when you are exhausted/queasy/both.


We waited until month four was safely passed before we told our parents. I still sort of regret telling my mother-in-law at all, 24 years ago.

Clio said...

aaaww congratulations! so happy for you and phin! as you are pretty tall, there's more room for bubs to grow before your belly pops out. i had a similar thing, but i was very glad of it by the end when i wasn't quite as huge as some of my shorter friends. looking forward to all the creativity!

Clio said...

We have friends who called the baby bump "Gertrude Murgatroyd."

Clio said...

Yay, congratulations again! Amazing how you're not really showing still. I knew someone who didn't show at all and had the easiest labor. And Raspberry is one lucky raspberry to have the herd to greet him/her on arrival (albeit from a safe distance on a high-up perch). Also, I love mini things so I look forward to seeing what you make!

Clio said...

My 10 yr old nephew called my bump "Chobani" after his favorite food.

Clio said...

Big big big Congratulations!!!


I was completely shocked at how interested I became in sewing for children when my baby was born. I had told everyone that I probably wouldn't sew that much for her for all kinds of reasons that seemed totally logical at the time, but which I no longer remember since I am always sewing for her now. Jeez!

Clio said...

I am so ridiculously excited for you guys! (On a side note, apparently it is no longer safe to read sewing blogs during lunchtime, cuz I nearly choked when I read the news). You look fantastic, and I'm glad to hear that everything is going well for you so far. Can't wait to see what you and the herd get up to in the next few months. Super exciting... Congratulations!

Clio said...

Those are both awesome bump names! Kids are so funny! I think my nephew will be genuinely disappointed if it's a boy and we don't name him Taco.

Clio said...

How exciting! Congratulations!

Clio said...

I'm actually really enjoying the learning part. It's so interesting to connect the dots between what I'm experiencing and what is happening physiologically.


Yeah. We waited about that long to tell our parents...I'm regretting giving my MIL such a long window to tell me about how it was so much better back in the day when pregnant women covered up rather than wearing fitted clothing (aka: everything I own).... glad she doesn't read my blog!!

Clio said...

The grass is always greener, isn't it? Yes, from a comfort and back health stand point I'm really luck - it's actually much better that I'm not more front-heavy at this point, since I had a back injury 2 years ago and I'll probably have some pretty serious sciatic pain by the end. The longer I can put that off, the better!

Clio said...

Here's to hoping the two are connected!!


OMG - baby knitting is so teeny tiny, I can't stop laughing at how little things are!

Clio said...

It's an adventure, right? And who knows where it will take me!

Clio said...

Ha! I should have warned, but what fun would that be? Thanks so much!

Clio said...

Thanks! I was actually watching your "I'm not pregnant" top saga and thinking "gosh, maybe if I just sewed one of those I'd actually start looking the part." LOL

Clio said...

Congratulations -- that's great news!

Clio said...

Thanks Peter - I'll have to schedule some play dates with Cathy and Simplicity once this baby arrives. ;-)

Clio said...

Wonderful news! Hey, I was tiny, when I went into delivery at the hospital they wanted to send me home, cuz no way was I 9 months. Baby weighed 8 lbs, so go figure. Enjoy, relish in this time and make a lot of stuff!

Clio said...

How totally wonderful! Congratulations!!!

Clio said...

Congratulations!

Clio said...

Congratulations!

Clio said...

Congratulations to you an Phin! I had my son at 42, and he's now 10 so go girl! You'll be glad you carry well when you can eat and sit and breathe and not feel like a huge lego block.

Clio said...

Congratulations! That's the cutest 26 week pregnancy belly! :)

Clio said...

Woo hoo!! Congratulations to you both!!!

Clio said...

Well, you sure showed them! LOL

Clio said...

Thanks!!

Clio said...

LOL - I hadn't considered that I might feel lego-like! Yeah, there is a distinct up side about carrying well.

Clio said...

Thank you everyone!!

Clio said...

Woo, congratulations, I must be a bit slow as I was looking for the photo of you modelling another swimsuit! I'm sure your maternity wardrobe is going to be super stylish, not to mention the Raspberry's!

Clio said...

Congrats! This is nice news!%)

Clio said...

Congratulations!

Clio said...

what wonderful news (and wow, your 26 week bump is very discreet!!)
Many congratulations to your growing family!!

Clio said...

So happy for the bump, and it was so lovely see you in real life this weekend. All my love for this exciting new phase in your life!

Clio said...

Ha ha. Yeah, two swimsuits would have been ambitious at this stage. I don't know how much sewing I'll do for Raspberry - I've heard they grow fast! But we'll see.

Clio said...

Thanks - "discreet" is a much better way of thinking about it!

Clio said...

It was great to see you!

Clio said...

What a super bit of news! A very hearty congratulations to both of you, Clio! And look on the bright side of a small baby bump: less to tone afterwards. You look fabulous!

Clio said...

Congratulation you Yummy-Mommy-To-Be! Looking as fabulous as ever!

Clio said...

The lady and the swim suit both look awesome! Huge congrats!!

Clio said...

Very true! Many thanks.

Clio said...

THanks so much - I felt SO bad being exhausted when I saw you in London in May. You had to hold up both ends of the conversation!

Clio said...

Double thanks! Sorry we barely saw each other this past weekend! It looked like your pants class was awesome!!

Clio said...

Congratulations!!!!

Clio said...

This brought a tear to mine eyes and I now understand why you had to leave the meet up so early in the Spring! Can't wait to welcome your little Raspberry for real.

Clio said...

Congratulations. I am looking forward to your maternity wardrobe.

Clio said...

Big congratulations being sent your way!!! :)

Clio said...

Wow! What fantastic news! I have been holding off on commenting as I was trying to be incredibly clever and original. Gave up.8-)



Such a treat to hear a pregnant woman celebrating her pregnancy. I get so tired of pregnant woman complaining about being fat, when of course they are not, they are creating life. So glad you are having a easy time of it. Enjoy.


Congratulations!

Clio said...

Wooooo! CONGRATULATIONS!!! all the best!! -and I know of someone who makes perfect diaper bags- oh, she may be busy. loads of love, Kimbersew

Clio said...

Thanks, Elle! Yeah, I can't help but feel like it's some kind of funny and ironic lesson. Here I am, ready to embrace my changing body and wanting to grow a huge baby belly, but carrying rather small. Oh well.

Clio said...

Thank you Carmencita! Boy was I exhausted by the middle of the day!

Clio said...

Ha ha! Yes, I've spent years perfecting my technique and now I get to make myself one! LOL

Clio said...

Don't feel bad. I didn't notice at all. There's always so much going on at big meet ups that I find it hard to hold proper conversations anyway.

Clio said...

Happy happy news! You are one of my favorite bloggers! All the best to you and Phin!

Clio said...

Thanks so much Peggy! We're happy and excited!

Clio said...

Congratulations!!!! So exciting!

Clio said...

Congratulations!!! You look great and I'm happy to hear that you are feeling great too.