Happy Friday!

Have a wonderful weekend! Hopefully we will get to spend some time outside, even though the forecast is predicting rain. 

"Did you say something, Mommy?"

Reading

I love to read. Historical fiction, mystery, and a good old fashion love story are my favorite genres (Jane Eyre is my all time favorite). I really want to instill in Iris a love for reading, so I read to her often. I had an awesome baby shower when I was pregnant, that set us up with our own little children's library. I grew up watching my parents read all the time. I remember my mom being so wrapped up in a story, that she would spend all her free time during the day with a book. Since having a new baby, I don't get to spend the time that I used to with a book, but I try to catch a chapter here and there when I can. Right now, I am reading Uncle Tom's Cabin. 

The Easter Bunny brought Iris some books made for babies. They are called Indestructibles, by Workman Publishing. They are rip proof, non-toxic, chewable, and washable. Perfect for a little girl who likes to put everything into her mouth. We have the nursery rhyme sets. She LOVES look at the vibrant pictures, and I love that they are fun and multicultural. For example, Humpty Dumpty takes place in China and Old MacDonald has a farm in Bolivia. You can order them here.

Iris in the news!

The local news recently did a story about breastfeeding in public. The piece was filmed at the nursing support group we attend every week. I, personally, was not interview, but there was a shot with Iris in the background. I have unintentionally become a big breastfeeding advocate. I don't really understand the reasoning behind all  the controversy (I do actually, but I think it's silly). It's only feeding your baby the way God intended with God's perfect food (not to mention the long lists of benefits to baby as well as mom).

She's wearing a very cute red dress!

Weekend Review

We had a fun and productive weekend. The weather was BEAUTIFUL. Saturday consisted of going to the farmers' market, a gumbo competition put on by local churches, and I even got to run some errands sans baby. Sunday, we did lots of things around our house. Me less so, because sweet, teething Iris only wanted mommy. RJ was a rockstar with doing laundry, grilling ribs for his co-workers (which is developing into a little side business), and planting my new blueberry bushes in the backyard. Hopefully we will be seeing some blueberries soon! I had a few herbs  in my garden come back from last year, so I transplanted them so they are now grouped together. 

Sunday, I really felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me about making our home more Christ centered. I listened to a few old sermons from our pastor, talking about our current culture. Our home really needs to be a place of sanctuary in Christ. A place where we can be refreshed and nourished to go back out into the world.  

Ephesians 4:25-5:20

Teething?

So, little Iris has been fussy, clingy, and not sleeping well. All signs point to her first tooth making an appearance soon, but we are still waiting. Meanwhile, she wanting to crawl so badly, but not quite ready to do so just yet. I feel like ever since she turned 5 months, there has been an explosion of new milestones. She is actively discovering the world around her, and it is so fun and rewarding to watch. 

Have a happy spring weekend!

Boston Marathon Bombing

Just this afternoon, there was a bombing at the Boston Marathon. Much is still unknown, and reports are still coming to light. The President will be speaking later this evening. When did such events become common? They feel common. As I look at my innocent daughter playing on her activity mat, I am reminded of the uncertainty of the future. We are not promised a tomorrow. I will definitely be holding my baby a little closer tonight. My deepest thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with those whom have been impacted by this tragic event.

Farmers' Market

Yesterday was the opening day of a big farmers' market in our town. Vendors from all over the state come to sell their goods. The more I learn about food and the food industry, the more reasons I find to buy as much as I can from local farmers. We racked up on produce for the next two weeks, and I even ordered a pastured chicken, that will be ready in May. If we like it, then I will now have a local source for beef and chicken, which is so exciting. The only disappointment was RJ didn't find the pickles he was so excited about getting. Hopefully they will be there soon. Oh, and everyone ooed and ahhed over Iris, who did great in her moby!