First Step

Steven took his first step yesterday! He was standing, took a step, then fell flat on his face. He thought it was great, though, because I was all excited, "You did it!!" He thought it was a fun game then for me to put him on his feet, encouraging him to take a step while he would flop forward into my arms!Here's Steven eating his first finger foods today. I made some crackers for him. It was so cute watching him work his fingers. He's figured it out pretty quickly and enjoyed them. Sometimes he'd get his fingers to his mouth and the piece of cracker didn't make it in, but he's learning and kept trying for more.

Scarlet Stitch

Check out our new Scarlet Stitch Blog: http://scarletstitchblog.blogspot.com/.

We're working on a new Junior's Line, which we're very excited about. On February 10th, we'll be "re-opening" with our Hats Line, adding a little new touch. http://www.scarletstitch.com/

Carr Update #64

Sven's parents just left yesterday after spending a week with us while Sven's dad attended a class at Puritan Seminary. We enjoyed having them around. Steven loved the extra attention.

SEWING:
Scarlet Stitch is working on a new Junior Line. I'm excited about it and can hardly wait to start production.

Some friends are interested in my making them diapers. I love making diapers and am glad to be able to provide nice ones to friends for much less than they could find elsewhere.

I also recently did some mending work on some dress shirts for a friend and look forward to making another friend some pants in February.

For ease of pottying, I've stitched a bunch of Steven's onsy-style shirts into regular shirts. It went very quick on my new serger.

Oh! forgot to mention the serger! Sven asked family and friends to go in on it for my birthday! I am so thankful and LOVE having a serger!

STEVEN:
Teeth ~
Steven's two top teeth are coming through real well. His next two are visible under the gums, but haven't popped out yet.

Sleep ~
Steven's sleep is finally, basically, back-on-track. He's able to go to sleep on his own, once laid down and doesn't wake up throughout the night. Sleep is such a blessing!

Pottying ~
During both times Steven has been teething, there's been more misses, which I guess is common. We've had some good potty days interspersed, and are patiently looking forward to moving past the teething stage (for now).

"Look at Me! I'm 10 Months Old Today!

Save Handmade

There's a new law, taking effect February 10, 2009, entitled "Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act" or "CPSIA". This law requires all sellers of products marketed towards children to have their products undergo lead testing, certifying the product is under a certain lead limit. The testing is expensive and if this law holds, many small businesses, including ours (http://www.scarletstitch.com/) will either go out of business or will have to stop producing children's products and instead produce products geared towards an older audience.

Please click on the teddy bear on the right to read up on this ridiculous law and to contact our legislature to repeal the law before many small business owners are put out of business and even more damage is done to our economy.

Thank you,
Crystal

Year 2008 Summary

STEVE:
Shortly after Crystal and I were married, we decided that it was time for me to finish my education. We have not regretted that decision, but it has not been without its share of hardships. I have since completed two semesters and have one left to go. If the Lord so wills, I will graduate May '09. But schooling is not over; it's only the beginning. We have another 4-5 years of seminary education as I work toward an M. Div. and a Th. M. There is a possibility that I will even work toward a Ph.D., but let's take one thing at a time. The Lord has brought us through trials this year. I have not been able to secure long-term employment, yet the Lord has sustained through this entire year. Though God brings us through all sorts of trials he is always there to supply us with everything we need to make it through. I have thought of the words of John Calvin often: "In short, such is his apportioning of it is conflict, that, while he assails us with one hand, he defends us with the other; yea, inasmuch as he supplies us with more strength to resist than he employs in opposing us, we may truly and properly say, that he fights against us with his left hand, and for us with his right hand." We have every reason to be thankful this year for the goodness God has shown us.

CRYSTAL:
I fulfilled my pregnancy in Michigan, enjoying my home birth immensely. I enjoy being a mom, watching Steven grow through his many stages. This past year I found a passion for sewing as I began sewing cloth diapers for Steven. Shortly after starting to sew for a friend's company, Scarlet Stitch, I was blessed to become part-owner. You can view our cute kid's clothing line at www.scarletstitch.com. Steven and I were able to visit MN a few times, as well as visit Buffalo, New York with Steve and Steve's parent's for a family reunion. I've been blessed to conceive again and am happily expecting our next baby in June.

STEVEN JR:
Born March 24, Steven's been a strong boy ever since. He could hold his head up right from the beginning, began rolling over by six weeks of age, scotting around on his tummy by 5 months, crawling by 6 months, and at 9 months old is currently walking by holding onto furniture, occasionally letting go to stand by himself. He cut his first two bottom teeth and has grown back a blond head of hair to replace his darker head of hair at birth. He's enjoyed a few rides on the train, to and from MI and MN, as well as a few long car rides, including from MI to NY and MN to MI; He travels decidedly well. He's starting to "talk" more and more. He's enjoying eating pureed vegetables. He likes the phone, especially when one of his Grandmas is on the other end. He's enjoyed being potty trained (otherwise known as Elimination Communication or Pee Speak) since he was five weeks old and was recently interviewed, along with his mom, for a documentary to come out before this winter's end, entitled "One, Two...Pee. Pee Speak." (Soon you should be able to view the documentary's website: www.onetwopee.com.)

Carr Update #61

We're getting back into the swing of things now that we're back home again.

STEVEN:
Sleep ~
Steven's having a tough time with his naps and sleeping. He wants us right there holding him until he falls asleep.

Teeth:
He getting his top FOUR teeth, poor guy.

SVEN:
School ~
Sven started classes on the 8th and is starting to feel the homework load. We're grateful and looking forward to his graduating this spring.

Work ~
He's back to searching for a job. Praying for God's provision - He is so faithful.

CRYSTAL:
Scarlet Stitch / Sewing ~
I've been busy with Scarlet Stitch business. In September, I was blessed to start sewing for the company; in November, I was blessed to become part-owner; and now, the two original owners have moved on to other pursuits and me and my partner, Jill Buie, are co-owners of the company. I'm enjoying all the paperwork right now, with tax time and all. Looking forward to getting into sewing SOON.

A few friends have hired me to sew various things for them. I'm so thankful for the opportunity! I love sewing and hope for more side jobs like these as time goes on.

4 Months Pregnant

I'm thankful that I'm past the point of concern for the condition I had last pregnancy known as "encarcerated uterus". I've had no morning sickness this pregnancy, but have struggled with various colds and migraines.

Back Home!

We just got in from our weeks away from home in MN. Had a great time with family and friends. Very glad to be home, too. Steven is glad to be back - as soon as we brought him in and set him on the livingroom floor, he started laughing and smiling. As we unloaded all our stuff from the car, Steven was there to greet us with a big smile, laughing. I'll post pics and write more later.