Madie's New Hobby

Madie and I went to the UNB hockey game last night and then she stayed over while Mommy helped best bud Sarah celebrate her birthday (Ground Hog Day and needless to say Mactaquaddy didn't see his shadow... come ON spring!) After the game, we made pictures with stickers that Aunt Angie and Uncle Mark got her at Wal-mart on the way home from the game and then I let her play on nickjr.com until Grampy got home from the rink. Let me explain that for a few weeks Madie has been talking about me crocheting her a Dora-style backpack complete with star pocket (and she would like it pink please - BIG surprise there!) While I am watching her play on the computer, she explains again how she would like me to create the backpack. I say my uh-huhs in the correct places and nod my head as I've done in the past, thinking she will not really expect me to do this for her... one of her big ideas that she gives up on easily. I'm surprised she's still talking about it...

And, first thing this morning, she's asking where I keep my yarn bag because she hopes I have pink in it. I'm now realizing for sure that the child is serious and being the coolest grammie EVER(well I try anyway), we find a suitable skein. How long will it take you Grammie. Well, child I have to crochet every stitch of this but I should be able to do it before you have to go home. So the plan is that I am to work on the project and she will have a Mr. Magoo-athon on TV. Since she was up later than usual, she snuggled quietly down into the lazy boy and I start to crochet. Are "we" done yet Grammie? I've just got the bottom of the bag done, and she climbed on the arm of my chair to inspect. Can I try? I said, how about I show you sometime soon but if you want this done today you'll have to let me do the work. Okay, she says, but I really want to learn to crochet. That lesson for another day...

And Grammie you are going to crochet stars for the star pocket, right? Gee I hope I can find my star pattern... it's been a while.

Many freezies and a can of pop later, I'm done and after only one and half DVDs of Magoo... stars and all and I sewed on straps for her to carry it on her back. She's actually very happy and not one criticism so I guess I got it right.

Grammie, she says, YOU are going to be my new hobby. I'm going to find lots of things for you to make. First time anyone's ever called me their hobby... sniff. Guess I better keep needles and hooks close and my fingers limbered... and I'm changing my name to Holly...

Holly Hobby!