Jon's brother and his wife are expecting their first baby just after Christmas. I knit this set for my little nephew before I knew he was a he. I added the brown buttons and ribbon after we found out he was a boy. Had I read the pattern more carefully, I would have had buttons going all the way up but I missed the part that assumed I'd remember to make button holes while knitting the body. I had to be creative to close this little cardigan. I used this no-seam pattern that was easy to follow (if you pay attention to the directions). The yarn is Knit Picks Stroll Sport in "Peapod" which is a soft blend of 75% superwash Merino and 25% Nylon. I wanted this set to be washable since I know how messy baby clothes can get. I wanted the set to be practical as well as cute.
The hat is a simple beanie with a few purl rows in there for interest. I used this pattern.
I knit the socks using the toe-up technique and added a few rows of purl and garter stitch to help them match the cardigan and hat.
And since Ken's as big of a Steelers fan as Jon is, I knit little Samuel a Steelers hat... a very, very small Steelers hat.
We're pros at long car trips since we make the 8 hour (or 9-10 hours when you get stuck in traffic) drive to PA about twice a year. During a bathroom break, Jon took the kids for a jog up and down this hill. He tried to get them to roll down the hill but they said no way!
We left for PA after work on Friday so once it got dark, the kids started to fall asleep. We got to Jon's parents house around 1am, I think. 
The next day I helped Millie and Suzanne prep the veggies and fruit for the two parties.
Ken spent some quality time with Koko.
The kids had a great time playing with all the old cars that Grammy and Grandpa saved from when Jon and Ken were little boys. Then Jon kept them busy by taking them to a baseball field and letting them run out a lot of energy. They were Daddy's buddies all weekend while I helped with the parties anyway I could.
We headed to the church hall to start prepping for the baby shower. I had made and froze 4 large pans of lasagna at home that I brought along for the party. I nervously watched them bake hoping they would be done in time for the shower. They were... just barely. 
The night before, Suzanne and Millie had gotten the hall all decorated for the shower. I can't imagine how many hours of planning and work went into this party. They thought of everything. 
I love those guys.
Jon's been teaching the kids the fine art of the silly face.
How's he doing with his lessons?
It was a coed shower and Ken got some pretty funny gag gifts. This is Ken in full gear to change a diaper on a poor baby doll. With goggles, a mask, and chemical proof gloves, diapering this baby doll was a hilarious and impossible feat! I've never seen Valarie laugh so hard. With a quick presto-chango (aka, everyone pitching in) the baby shower was magically changed into an 80th birthday party for Jon's wonderful Aunt Betty. She's such a sweet lady.
She gives great hugs and I love when she asks me, "How's Becky?". 
A big family picture to end a great party and a great weekend!
2 comments:
What a great weekend you all had! What beautiful and loving parties in a short period of time - must have been great planning! Lots of love to go around for all! How lucky are Charlotte and Evan? Aunt Betty sure is a sweetie pie! Love, Momma
You guys are definitely masters of long road trips with kids! I love that Charlotte and Evan get to play with those old toys! Looks like two great parties in one weekend!
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