Recipe for Recovery

All Stitched Up & Ready To Go

He's really, real & he's finally here.  Fred the Monster has arrived.  Grandma Meredith put the finishing touches on Channing's new best friend as Channing took his bath this evening.  

It's amazing what we've learned about Fred already.


1.  He's five-and-a-half years old.
2.  His favorite color, like Channing's, is blue.
3.  His favorite cartoon is Chuck & Friends.
4.  He's 'that tall.'
5.  His favorite pass time is being tossed up into the air and 'letting' Channing catch him.  

Oh and 6. Fred's favorite food is waffles.  Fred LOVES waffles.  Channing said so.  

He also said the thing that would make Fred the happiest monster in the whole wide world would be to have a friend, a BIG monster.  Yes, even before Grandma Meredith placed the last stitch in Fred's little blue belly button, Channing had the monster knitting book out.  This time, he picked Hugo.  Apparently, Hugo likes popcorn and that makes him the perfect companion for Fred.  And Channing.

Fred the Monster

The last time my mom was in town, we took a quick spin through Knitter's Palette in Lakeville.  The goal was to find yarn suitable to knit a modern blanket for a wee babe.  While I love and adore cute babies, I do not love and adore overly cutesy baby products and decor, nor do I adhere to the traditional sense of color typically associated with them. 

(Photograph & pattern courtesy of Purl Bee.)

We succeeded.  The dark teal will become the corners, the lighter teal the stripes and the marled moss colored yarn will become the main color.  Modern.  Not traditional for a baby.  Perfect.

Mom has now added this to her 'to do list', and I cannot be happier.  


In the process, Channing made some new friends.  As he played hide-n-seek among the yarn bins, these darling monsters caught his eye.  The woman running the shop that morning was kind enough to take them off the shelf and allow Channing to make their acquaintance.  He fell madly in love with them, in particular, the red monster, quickly naming him Fred the Monster.

Even Fred's little buddy got some lovin'.

He was allowed to pick out a skein of yarn of his choosing to go along with this book.  At first, he didn't want to relinquish the soft, bright colored ball to grandma.  He held it, petted it and hid it from the camera's view.  I even heard him softly croon 'Oh Fred, you're just darling.' as he carefully cradled it in his arms.  After a few assurances that she would indeed turn the ball into a Fred the Monster of his own, he gave in.

Book & patterns can be purchased from author & creator, Rebecca Danger.  Believe me, when you see them, you'll fall in love with them ALL and have a difficult time choosing just one to create.  

Mom arrives next week for our usual round of post-chemo activities.  Guaranteed, Channing will ask where Fred is before he says hello or offers up any hugs or kisses.

This is the yarn Channing selected, already turned into the first few rows of Fred.

No pressure, Mom.  No pressure.

For The Love

The weather promised to be nice.  It did not deliver.  This mama promised one little boy longing for summer days an afternoon of water play in his splash table.  While I could not deliver on my original promise, a quick trip to Dick's Sporting Goods allowed for making good on another one-the promise of t-ball.  

With the tee assembled, all thought of the splash table was quickly abandoned.  Channing was focused.  Very focused.  As he swung the bat, his eye never left the ball.  

Grandma Meredith played both ball setter and ball getter, happily cheering Channing on, as he hit the red and blue whiffle balls farther and farther into the neighbor's backyard.  I cheered equally as loud from behind the lens.

This routine has been repeated almost daily since its inception, be it with Grandma Meredith, WM, our neighbors or myself.  Channing's determination and focus never wavers.  Never.  

He hits more than he misses.  When he does miss, he comments on his own play.  Sometimes he calls, 'Strike one!'  Other times he laments, 'Oh man.'  My favorite though is when he says, 'Oh for the love of sakes.'  

While he may have his sayings crossed a bit, combining 'Oh, for the love of Pete.' with 'For goodness sakes.', this sport suits him to a T.

Sweetie's Pies

My sweetie, he loves to get down and dirty in the kitchen.  If you measure it, pour it, stir it or scoop it, he's right there in the middle of the action.  Oh, and the more sugar, the better.  

That's Grandma lending a hand with the meringue.  She deserves as much, if not more, credit for this dessert than Channing does.  Thanks, Mom!!

Last Sunday, with Grandma Meredith ready to swoop in and lend a hand, Channing had his first turn at making pie.   He made individual lemon meringue pies with honey meringue and graham cracker crust.  I'd come across the recipe on another blog I follow, Sugar & Charm.  A special occasion deserves special dessert, making these tasty treats the perfect ending to our Easter dinner.

Channing's got this baking thing down.  His pies did not disappoint.  My sweetie, he makes a perfect pie.