Awesome Weekend Workshop

I just spent the most awesome weekend with DONA doula trainer Pat Predmore. I have been providing labor support since the early 80's. I have taken training in the past, I have read voraciously since the 70's and I learned more this weekend that I can even recount. Good thing I took notes.

I came away feeling much more confident in what I can offer my parents before, during and after the birth of their child.

We learned how to use a rebozo - wonderful gift from our Mexican neighbors.

In some of my reading I have heard about women who while they are experiencing pain, are able to stay in control and on top of it. So many times we as humans learn to automatically do something in our everyday life but don't know perhaps why we do it. Like rocking or rubbing the palm of our hand. Today when Pat talked about the gate way and pain receptors it was like a light bulb went off. Of course, I new this from Anatomy Class but for some reason today was one of those AHA moments.

I love this photo because it shows how partners and doulas work so well together. With the partner whispering in the mom's ear sweet words of encouragement and the doula providing additional support using her hands to provide comfort --- what a team.

FUN at the AUD

Today was Build - a - Bike at the Utica Aud.  What an awesomely amazing program.  When I arrived at the Aud with my set up materials the line was already quite long.  Some of the children waited for 2 hours just for a CHANCE to get a bicycle.

Scattered around the arena were men and women dressed in bright green shirts fitting children first with a helmet and then with a bicycle.  There were even some bikers representing the "Ride for Missing Children" event that will be taking place once again later this year. 

By the time my group was ready to leave just about every bicycle had found a new home.  What a tremendous program that is now in its 6th year. Learn more here.

The reason I gave up my Saturday was to help out at the County Exhibits.  That and get some over time in.  I was amazed at how many local agencies that serve children showed up.  Scouts (see cool game below), various preschools, Cooperative Extension, Perinatal Network, OCHD was set up to inform people about adult vaccines and the hugely successful Lead Program, the Utica Zoo,and many others. 

Below is one of the games that the Boy Scouts had.  I love this version of the "fish pond".  Looks easy but was really quite challenging.  In fact, I am thinking of getting the men folk at church to make some of these fishes for our fishing derby. 

Find your fish

Entice it with your hook.

Now wait, fishermen need patience. 

Almost ......

Got it. Good job. 

Hats and Heads

Since I am always making hats of all types, when I came across this I knew I needed to hang on to it. This way I can also know what size to make American Girl Doll hats.
Preemies

1 -2 lbs 1kg
Baby's Head Circumference is 9" - 10" 23-25 cm (so hat circ. should be about 7.5" -8" 18-20 cm) Height of hat should be 3.5 - 4" 10cm

2 - 3 lbs 1.4 kg
Head Circumference 10" - 11 1/4" 25-28 cm hat circ = 8.5" - 10" 22-25 cm Hat height = 4" 10 cm

4 - 5 lbs 2 kg
Head Circumference 11 1/2" - 12 1/2" 28-33 cm hat circ = 9" - 11.5" 23-28 cm Hat height = 4 to 4.5" 10-11cm

5 1/2 - 6 lbs 2.7 kg
Head Circumference 12 1/2" - 13" 31-33 cm hat circ = 11" - 12" 28-33 cm Hat height = 5 to 5.5" 13-15 cm

Newborns
Head Circumference 13" - 14 " 33-36cm; hat circ = 11.5" - 13" Hat height = 5.5 to 6" 13-15 cm

Baby - 3 to 6 months
Head Circumference: 14" - 17 " 36-43 cm; Hat height= 6.5 - 7" 15-18 cm

Baby - 6 to 12 months
Head Circumference: 16" - 19 " 41-48 cm ; Hat height = 7.5" 18 cm

Toddler - preschooler (12 months - 3 years)
Head Circumference: 18" to 20 " 46 -48 cm; Hat height = 8" 20 cm

Child (3 - 10 years)
Head Circumference: 19" - 20 1/2" 48-51 cm; Hat height =8.5" 22cm

Pre-teens and Teens Hat
Head Circumference: 20 1/2" - 22" 53 -56 cm; height 9-10" 25 cm

Adult Woman
Head Circumference: 21.5" - 22.5" Hat height = 11"

Adult Man
Head Circumference: 23" - 24" 58.4 cm - 61 cm; Hat height = 11"-11.5"

Following is a chart for measurements of a Bitty Baby Doll

1	Total Height: head to toe	38 cm
2	Chest: under the armpits over the shoulder blades and across the chest	31 cm
3	Waist: around the waist	31 cm
4	Hip: around the fullest part of the hips	35 cm
5	Neck to Waist: from the cervical to the waistline	8 cm
6	Inside Leg: from the crotch to the soles	15 cm
7	Arm & Shoulder Length: from the side of the neck to the wrist bone 8 Head Circumference: around the head right above the ears.	16 cm
		32 cm Baby Size Chart Yarn Weights Yarn Weight 1: Super Fine 2: Fine 3: Light 4: Medium 5: Bulky 6: Super Bulky Yarns in Category Baby, Fingering, Sock Baby, Sport DK, Light, Worsted Afghan, Aran, Worsted Chunky, Craft, Rug Bulky, Roving Needle Size (US) 1-3 3-5 5-7 7-9 9-11 11 and up Average stitches per 4 inches 27-32 23-26 21-24 16-20 12-15 6-11 Knitting Needle Conversion Chart Metric American British 2 mm 0 14 2.25 mm 1 13 2.75 mm 2 12 3 mm N/A 11 3.25 mm 3 10 3.50 mm 4 N/A 3.75 mm 5 9 4 mm 6 8 4.50 mm 7 7 5 mm 8 6 5.50 mm 9 5 6 mm 10 4 6.50 mm 10.5 3 7 mm N/A 2 7.50 mm N/A 1 8 mm 11 0 9 mm 13 00 10 mm 15 000 11 mm 17 N/A 19 mm 19 N/A 25 mm 50 N/A