I gave in and joined a health club. The last two winters I was able to find alternative fitness venues, but now that Lily is here, I didn't think it was good or fair for me to say, "Ok, honey, you sit in your playpen while mommy exercises and showers! see you in an hour!" We were able to play outside enough this summer for me to make my goal of getting back into my jeans before cold weather hit, but I knew I would need more to stay healthy this winter--I fear it is going to be a long one. Our gym provides two hours of childcare per day, and while I was a bit nervous about leaving her with strangers at first, my friend and neighbor goes there, as well as a lot of friends of hers, so that makes me feel better, plus the little sweetheart seems to take to it well, and she smiles and laughs when she sees the workers now. The nice ladies working there couldn't believe that Lily had never been in daycare before--no crying or separation anxiety--she's never even had a non-family baby sitter before. The two-hour time limit is perfect; enough time for an hour long class and a soak in the whirl pool and a shower, and that is Lily's limit for time without me, too. I'm only going to go about twice a week--I don't want to take advantage of Lily's good graces too much. She's only going to be my baby girl for a very, very short time. I can't believe how quickly it's gone, and how much she's grown (she's already in 12-18 month clothing!)
When I went to pick her up yesterday she was playing with her back to the door, and was obviously having a good time. I hope I never in my life forget the look on her face when she heard me say, "Hi, Bug!" and turned around. Pure blissful love is the best way to describe it. Gorgeous.
As you can see, it is almost finished, but not quite. If I were a good and diligent little knitter, I would finish it straight away and never look back. But I am not. And I just found gorgeous soysilk/wool yarn for an absolute steal, perfect for a sweater in a really great book I just bought, Knitting Nature. This book is fascinating, even if one were to only appreciate the concepts or photography. It is now cold. Who wants to knit in cotton, versus wool, when it is cold? Sorry, cotton sweater. I'll finish you when the temps start to rise and I'm yearning for something springy. Until then, there is this beauty: 
