When Caroline counts, the sequence at the double digits goes "10, 11, 14, 14, 14" ~
First, let me report that I finished the last of the gifts on 12/25 and 12/27, the latter's completion watched by its intended recipient, my mom. Here's her Bucket O'Chic pre-felting, drying, and ~ta-dah~ complete.
Many thanks to Bonne Marie for her particular coaching, as I dared to make this hat from Cascade 220. The other gift was also a hat, which I'll present tomorrow when the friend returns from holiday travels. Whew.
Our Christmas was wonderful, so much of it seen through the eyes of the wee one, who now knows presents as she did not a year ago. I still haven't seen the precise moment as captured on video, since I was holding her hand as she entered my parents' living room, but let me tell you, she dug her ladybug tent!
We all watched her open all of her presents (after discovering and playing with those left inside the tent) before we turned to any of ours, as we ended breakfast. At that point she was rather frustrated that none remained for her to unwrap, but somehow we distracted her, and additional gifts for her arrived throughout our stay.
Knitted gifts were well received by my best babes, and I was thrilled that, among them, Sarah of the cabled hat honored my obsession by giving me some Opal yarn and a subscription to Knitter's. Another beloved (lifelong) knitter made me a fuzzy blue cowl that closes with a winged, heart-shaped button engraved with the word Follow: Follow your heart! This dear one's gift of a holiday classic has left me repeatedly telling "the story about the nut-tacker" -- I've lost count how many times, but the last one at supper tonight drew particular kudos from its wee requestor. (Thank goodness for Google to remind me of the details until I can take her to the ballet next year!)
My biggest gift was the one I specifically requested and enabled by sending the KnitPicks catalog: the SpaceBoard for blocking and measuring and whatever else I find it's good for. We're still unpacking, but I can't wait to unfold it on the dining room table and figure if it's time to start the armhole decreases on the fronts of my fluted cardie WIP. My dad also gave the ThreadBears a call and rounded up a gift certificate, so I'll be ringing Indiana in the morning (Eeek, grade-school music flash, c.1973: "Indiana wants me, Lord, I can't go back there . . ."). I'm off all week as my office is closed, so I am looking forward to some good R&R, including knitting, in addition to wrangling some piles of paper and perhaps taking the wee one on her first train trip.
Oh, so many firsts! The Nutcracker was a tradition with my mom--I still love watching it. And the train! I can't wait to hear how that went.
The poem is beautiful, dear.
Posted by: Em | 29 December 2003 at 08:06 AM
Oh, my goodness! What a richness of happiness! The darling faces of both of your girls are wonderful. Your mother! She reminds me of my own.... I wonder if my little mama would wear a bucket'o? and that skull-cap (whee!), how wonderful! Your own design? I lurve it, darling. Thanks so much for sharing this with us, darlin.
Posted by: Rachael | 29 December 2003 at 11:49 AM
Sounds like your holiday was a treasure trove of wonders!
Cakers received a teepee style tent for her birthday. She loved it. It was destroyed within a month, however. We didn't realize she was of a nomadic tribe. It didn't survive being repeatedly dragged across the plains.
Posted by: marcia | 29 December 2003 at 04:16 PM
Man, who *wouldn't* dig a ladybug tent? I'm glad you had a good Christmas, Maggi. So many knit-related gifts! Lucky you! I love the photo of your mother. And I love the skull toque -- is it from Nora's pattern? Enjoy your week off!
Posted by: alison | 29 December 2003 at 09:33 PM
Bingo, Brainylady! Indeed the skullcap is from Knit by Nora, with skulls by Glampyre -- an all-blog creation. I loved the Cashmerino and am plotting what one other color will join these for a striped topper I can wear. Perhaps a visit to the LYS is in order . . .
Posted by: maggi | 29 December 2003 at 10:14 PM
Oh Maggi, your mother is lovely. She looks so proud to be wearing the hat her daughter made for her! Very cool. :)
I'll bet Caroline is getting the biggest kick out of that great tent! What a hoot! It sounds like your Christmas was grand. Enjoy your time off!
xxoo
Posted by: Kim | 30 December 2003 at 12:24 AM
You'll LOVE the spaceboard. I love mine!
Posted by: Kerstin | 30 December 2003 at 07:30 AM
Man, I wish someone thought to get me a ladybug tent when I was a kid. Or now, for that matter. I could use it when I am tired of my truck.
Your mom's happy bucket-hat covered head inspired Rachael to knit like crazy. It suits her perfectly.
Posted by: Bethany | 02 January 2004 at 07:52 PM
I love the counting bit! Benny counts like this: "eight, nine, eight, nine, eight..." I guess he just likes those two numbers! :)
Glad to hear that all your knitgifts were well received. And Caroline looks so happy with her ladybug tent. What a great gift. The boys got a firetruck tent for their second birthday and loved it! It is perfect for hiding toys and boys!
Posted by: alison | 04 January 2004 at 09:36 AM