this and that

Oh, hey there.  Is anyone still reading this thing?

The break from blogging was somewhat intentional and unintentional at the same time.  This year so far as been filled with some good personal changes for me.  One of which involved simplifying wherever possible, and so the urge to feel like I had to regularly fill this blog space with something currently happening in our lives has faded.  As well, life is so busy raising kiddos right now I wouldn't have much time to blog even if I wanted to.  That being said, I feel like I might someday regret failing to document at least a bit of this time in our lives.  I am planning to write an Oliver update soon, hopefully after his first birthday in a couple of weeks.  Likely to follow that will be random, less detail-y joint updates on both kiddos.

I think it was back in January when I read "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up."  It was my long overdue dive into what I currently think of as modern minimalism.  Maybe it was the fact that I was home all day with two tiny humans in the dead of winter slowly going a bit stir crazy, or maybe it really was the overwhelming feeling that comes with owning too much stuff, but either way something sparked inside of me that decided it was time for a change.  I spent nearly every spare moment for weeks (months?) going through every drawer, cabinet, closet, and room using the Marie Kondo method of removing all the contents, laying everything out on the floor, and then basically throwing out every item that "no longer brought me joy."  Four SUV-packed loads taken to the thrift store and several bags of discarded trash later, and I was feeling physically lighter and less cluttered than ever before.  The desire to "lighten my load" overflowed into other areas of my life as well.  I deactivated all my social media accounts with the exception of Instagram.  I stopped following all blogs and stopped writing on here as well.  I went through my phone and removed digital clutter - apps that no longer served me and hundreds of photos of the kids because really, in 20 years I will not need 3,000 photos of Arlo at age three.  I will want perhaps 20-50 of the best ones, which I have kept.  I am certainly not a true minimalist.  Not even close.  We still have far more "stuff" than we will ever need.  The biggest takeaway from the whole experience was the learning to let go of things.  With the exception of a few sentimental items - photos, plants I have had forever, projects I have made and cherish, I could part with just about anything I own now.  Getting rid of things has become easy, and gone is my tendency to hoard items that I "might someday need."

Shortly after Oliver turned six months, I went back to work.  I felt ready months before I actually went back, but the desire to keep him out of childcare was stronger than my urge to get back to being a nurse.  I started with one day a week and then eventually went back to two, which feels like just the right work/life balance right now.  I truly enjoy my job, working in general, and seeing my coworkers who are also my friends.  The boys stay with one of two stay at home mamas who I found to care for them, and they both love going there because of the existence of friends and new toys that are found at each location.  I have become friends with both of these mamas, and they are now people we meet up with for playdates on that days that I am not working.

Around the time I went back to work, I also joined the gym.  Those two things have been game changers for me.  The ability to have a day or two a week to go be "Kendra the nurse" combined with an hour or two to myself on the days where I am not working, has done wonders for my happiness (and sanity.)  I am a much better mom when I am able to get some time to feel like I am getting to be me.  I am not going to lie, kids are hard.  Between the three-year-olds emotional meltdowns and a teething baby, the days can be long and stressful if not approached with some type of survival plan.  I don't mean for it to sound all bad - these challenging moments are interspersed with times the boys will play nicely together in the playroom, have a living room dance party, or laugh wildly as they chase each other through the house.  I'm thankful for these times and they are some of my most favorite moments, but the truth is some days the hard ones seem to out number the easy ones.  Those are the days that I don't know how I would calmly get through if I wasn't able to get some de-stressing time for myself.

When Erik approached me with his idea that joining the gym would be of some huge benefit to me, he presented it to me as something I could attend without even working out since the childcare is available for anything you want to do while on site.  Our gym has a sauna in each locker room, as well as a lounge area that many moms use for relaxing/catching up on social media/making those phone calls that are impossible to successfully make with small humans in the room.  I liked the idea of having those options available to me and he did get my attention by mentioning them, but once I got back into it I realized how much I missed the intense workouts I so used to enjoy (and to this day I still haven't even used that sauna.)  After Arlo was born I never really got back into running, and certainly didn't spent any time doing strength training outside of a semi-regular yoga practice.  Now I am back to doing both, as well as spin classes and other intense strength/cardio classes.  As apprehensive as I initially was with taking a six month old to group childcare, it went far better than I anticipated it would.  Oliver is a favorite of the staff, and they all know the boys well since we are there most days of the week.  The boys both get some energy out playing with toys and friends and I basically get to do the same, my toys being the gym equipment.  I am thankful that Erik encouraged me to get back into it, and while my body will certainly will never look the same as it did before growing two humans (nor do I ever expect it to) I am as feeling as fit and as strong as I ever have been.  Which feels pretty damn good.

At the end of May, Erik and I took our first trip since Oliver came into the picture.  My parents came to stay with the boys, and Erik and I went to Puerto Rico for six days of kid-free adult time.  I remember the first full day we were there, laying on the beach overcome by this feeling of true relaxation that comes only with having zero schedule, zero responsibilities, and no one to answer to but ourselves.  After nearly a year of being "on duty" nearly every minute of everyday, the feeling was foreign and only then did I realize how much Erik and I really needed the break together.  Our days were filled with swimming, surfing, quiet date night dinners, and drinks in the middle of the day just because we could.  I can't wait to go back someday.

Puerto Rico, May 2017

In July we took our first big trip as a family of four.  We had road tripped up to D.C. a couple weeks prior, but the trip to Michigan was the first time flying with both kids.  Overall, the travel went well, but it was still a lot of traveling.  We stayed with Erik's parents for a few days, then drive four hours north to Alpena for part two of the trip.  My family reunion was the main event up north, and it was great to see all the family who I only get to see every two years.  I was able to connect with two of my childhood friends, and meet their kiddos who I had not yet met.  It was a wonderful trip, and one I would consider a great success considering the logistics of traveling so far with a three year old and toddler. 

The summer so far here in North Carolina has been mild and enjoyable.  We missed out on a week long extreme southern heat wave when were in Michigan, and the temps in the high 80's/low 90's have allowed for a lot of outside time with the kids.  At the beginning of the summer we refinished our back deck, giving it a fresher look as well as creating a space that is much more kid friendly.  We've gotten a ton of use out of our $9 plastic kiddie pool and water table, and Oliver is now at the age where he can enjoy most of the same outdoor activities as his big brother.  He was an early walker so trips to the park are great for keeping the boys busy and entertained, and the library is still a frequent destination especially on rainy days.  It's only early August but somehow it feels like summer is almost over.  Our local grocery store put out their Halloween decor two weeks ago and the teachers and kids seem to be prepping for their return back to school already.  I'm not quite ready to give up summer yet though and am looking forward to at least another month of swimsuits and sticky watermelon hands. 

Arlo (3.5 yr) + Oliver (10 mo), June 2017

So, I guess that's a quick snapshot of 2017 so far.  There is more of course, there always is, but I suppose these are the main events.  More on the kiddos and what they are up to in a later post...

currently.

It's the end of August, and I am currently...

Eating:  Cabbage!   Our local grocery was recently sampling a coleslaw with raw sweet potato, savoy cabbage, cilantro, and a peanut-lime dressing.  Both Arlo and I tried it and loved it, and since then I have been trying to figure out ways to add cabbage into more of our meals.  I also recently made a delicious bean and rice bowl that looked like this:

I will be putting this recipe into our meal rotation for sure.  The toasted green rice was a nice change from my usual plain brown basmati and the black beans were so flavorful.  I topped it with fresh tomatoes from our garden and a ripe avocado.  Recipe here:  Sweet Potato and Green Rice Burrito Bowls.

Erik has been doing a lot of traveling lately for work - in the past month alone he has gone to Roanoke and Asheville for work related trips, and last weekend he was in Pennsylvania for his brother's bachelor party.  To help me get through last weekend by myself with a teething toddler I made these yummy black bean brownies with whipped coconut cream.  Sooooo good.  Due to my lack of self control around sweets (and crying/food throwing/rebelling my son did) the entire batch was devoured within two days.  But they had an entire can of black beans in them so they pretty much count as health food.  Right?!  If the thought of putting black beans in your brownies isn't your thing, I do encourage you to still try the whipped coconut cream.  So easy and delicious.  I used this recipe, adding in maybe 2 TBSP powdered sugar and a bit of vanilla:  whipped coconut cream.  I enjoyed it on the brownies (and straight from the bowl!) but my favorite was eating the leftovers on fresh strawberries the next morning. 

The coconut cream started me on a major coconut kick and I subconsciously picked up all the coconut things at Trader Joe's yesterday...

I tried making the whipped coconut cream with this can from Trader Joes and found that the regular full fat canned coconut milk still works the best.  The TJ's coconut cream is almost too thick or gritty or something.  Anyway, give it a try - it's delicious!

Watching:  We had kind of forgotten about one of our regular shows, Californication, until we discovered new episodes on Netflix recently.  It's not a show that puts you on the edge of your seat or anything, but still good for evening entertainment.  Also still working my way through Gilmore Girls.  I don't want it to end!  And as far as movies go, this weekend we watched St.Vincent, which was very good.  But I think I would say that about anything with Melissa McCarthy, I just love her!

Making:  Oh the things I have been making...  This time of the year always seems to spark my creativity and I end up feeling overwhelmed with all of the projects I want to do.  None of them are ever essential things, just fun projects to serve as creative outlets.  I have been working on a rather large project that has kept me busy for the past week or so, but it's not quite ready to be shared yet.  Here's a sneak peek, any guesses as to what it is?

Here are a few hints:  I made it for Arlo, and to procure the materials I had to make trips to both Lowes and the fabric store, and to make it I had to take over the entire (empty) bonus room upstairs to spread the whole thing out on the floor as I was working on it - it's that big!  A can of coconut milk for whoever guesses correctly first!

I have also been sketching from my new drawing book I recently ordered online (used for like $3!)  It's called 20 Ways to Draw a Cat, and it's so fun!  I have never really been very talented with drawing but I love to doodle and while this book doesn't really teach you how to draw, it's served as great inspiration when I just want to sit for a few and zone out with my colored pencils.

Looking forward to:  Erik's brothers wedding coming up very soon, and the beach trip (sans Arlo) that Erik and I will be taking for our anniversary the weekend after that.  Also soooo looking forward to fall.  It has always been my very favorite time of the year, and after our unusually hot summer I am looking forward to it now more than ever.  The stores have just put out all their Halloween and fall stuff, and I couldn't resist picking up the cutest pair of skeleton jammies for Arlo the other day.  Which has somewhat helped to alleviate my semi-annual PJ panic.  You know, when you start to think that the weather might suddenly turn frigid (or boiling hot depending on the time of year) and OH MY GOD WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH PAJAMAS!!!  Ha.  So maybe not quite like that, but PJ's are my favorite thing to buy for Arlo and there is nothing like a tiny human, all freshly bathed and ready for bed with their teeth brushed and hair combed, wearing a brand new set of adorable PJ's.  Is it October yet?!

Loving:  My new haircut!!  Right after we moved in to our new house, we received a coupon in the mail for a free haircut at a somewhat swanky nearby salon, and while I usually cut my own hair at home, even I couldn't argue with free.  So I dropped Arlo off at the sitters house for a few hours and spent at least a full hour feeling super pampered while I had my hair washed, cut, and styled.  She choose to straighten it which I never do, but with the new cut it really works for me.  Now seeing if I can achieve this look on my own is a whole 'nother story... 

straight hair - who am I?!

Also loving the Sunday morning routine we have found our way into this summer.  We start the day with breakfast and a family walk on the greenway that connects with our neighborhood, and then I get to go to a yoga class while Erik and Arlo go on a little adventure together.  One of Erik's former co-workers gave us a brand new Burley bike trailer before we moved, and we are getting so much use out of it.  We have even taken it grocery shopping, it has a little trunk behind the seats!  Erik will load up Arlo in the trailer, which Arlo really seems to enjoy, and then they take a trip to one of the many neaby parks, always with a stop at Starbucks first.  Then they come home and have lunch together, and soon after I arrive home from yoga.  It's a win-win for all, the boys get some alone time while mama gets her namaste on.  Plus - exercise for all.  And then we all come home happy.  How can I schedule Sunday to come a little more frequently??

Not loving:  the word "perfect."  I think I have seen it a little too frequently on social media and blogs lately.  "This day is perfect!"  "My kids are perfect!"  "My whole life is freaking perfect!"  Insert eye roll here.  Nothing is ever perfect (except maybe an avocado at peak ripeness) and I get suspicious of people who are constantly claiming everything is.  So if you hear me use that word please slap me.  Unless I am talking about an avocado.  Rant over. 


Learning:  So at the moment I should be studying for the ACLS class I am taking this week.  But no, blogging is way more important.  Moving on...

Getting back to:  Sewing!  Eager to crochet a few things in the near future.  I know of a few babies scheduled to arrive this winter (not from me!) and I think all newborn babes need a crocheted item or two. 


And one last thing - earlier this week was National Dog Day.  Which I had never heard of but let's roll with it.  I say let's take any opportunity we can to celebrate our four legged fur babies.  A belated shout out to my gal Lucy, who has been driving me crazy with her sudden desire to chew Arlo's toys, but who I will still love to the end no matter what...  Happy Dog Day, Lucy girl  :)

currently.

This past week has been quite the wild ride. Definitely not one that I wish to repeat, but it wasn't all bad...

Feeling:  sick. Oh, the sickness. First, let's start with last week when Arlo came down with a high fever which turned into a rash that kept him out of school for a day. He recovered from that with no issue but then at the beginning of this week started spiking fevers again (I am talking 103 to nearly 105 degrees F). Scary high. He didn't have any other symptoms except the fever though, and I decided if he was still febrile on Wednesday I would take him to the pediatricians office. Thankfully by Wednesday afternoon his temp was normal, but I came down with the stomach flu that evening. For two days I ate literally nothing and existed on broth and ginger ale (tried some crackers but those didn't stick if you get what I'm saying) but today I woke up feeling about 60% better. Still no appetite but at least I kept down a handful of crackers this morning. However, what woke me up (at 4:15am I might add) was a whole bunch of itchy, red, bug bite-looking welts on my legs, stomach, arms, and neck. Was there a spider in my bed last night?! And for some icing on the cake, this morning I picked up Arlo from the dining table bench he had climbed onto, and when I did felt and heard a loud pop in my lower back which sent me directly to the floor in excruciating pain. WTF. I'm currently in bed with pillows all around me, hoping the aleve I recently took will do something (anything) for the pain.

Eating:  nothing. ugh. And I love food...

Watching:  ok here I can write about some good stuff!  I finished Parenthood a few weeks ago (so,so,so good), and while I tend to not like the way that most shows end, I actually thought this I ended perfectly. Erik and I also finally finished up Sons of Anarchy and I have never been more relieved to finish a show. I also thought this one ended well, but the increasing violence and brutality over the past few seasons was not doing anything good for my anxiety and I am so happy we can replace that show with something else on Netflix!  

I guess that finishing Parenthood had left some void in my soul for a family-type drama (and apparently Lauren Graham) as I recently started Gilmore Girls and love it.  Rhianna recommended it to me and what a good recommendation it was!  The starting of this show coincided well with getting sick as I have spent many hours watching it these last few days. I have a feeling that this is one of those shows that will continue to get better as the seasons go on, but for that I will have to wait and see!

Making: oh how I wish that while I was stuck on the couch these past few days I could have been crocheting something awesome, however I couldn't even sit up let alone hold a hook and my yarn. Someday, probably much later in life, I will find time to get crafty again. For now though, I have set my expectations very, very low I this department, as to avoid disappointment when it doesn't happen.


Looking forward to:  not being sick/itchy/in excruciating pain!  Going outside for the first time in... 48 hours?  Eating a plain cheese (plant-based) pizza, hopefully later today.  Mellow Mushroom is calling my name (yes they have vegan and gluten free pizza there!)  And when I say eating a pizza, I should really clarify that this will likely be only one tiny slice cause I'm sure that's the maximum my stomach will allow me to have.

Announcing:  despite the sick and somewhat crummy week we are all having, there is one happy ray of light that came through for us.  We found a house and are officially under contract!  I have mixed feelings over the whole thing though. One one hand, I knew this was coming, have been really looking forward to figuring out where we are going to live, and a happy that we finally found a place.  On the other hand, it just. got. real.  We are moving - away from the town we have lived in since we moved to NC, away from our friends, and away from everything we love in this area.  I am trying to focus on all the positive things, the fact that the house is awesome and checks off 95% of our wish list, the location is amazing (walking distance to a huge nature park, trails, playgrounds, and a greenway) and how we will now be much, much closer to Eriks work.  But it's hard not to get a little sad when I think about leaving so many things that I love behind...


Loving:  this new app I found called Skin Deep by the Environmental Working Group.  You might have come across their website in the past, or at least read about some of the research they have done.  The EWG tests the ingredients of various skin, cosmetic, and body products and then gives them a score based on how toxic (or non-toxic) they are determined to be.  This whole thing started when I was doing some research on the best natural sunscreen for young kids. I learned that the sunscreen we were using last year, while it claimed to be all natural and actually worked really well, contains some questionable ingredients and is not something I would want to purchase again. I decided upon and ordered Thinkbaby 50+ SPF, as it gets fantastic reviews and scored a 1 on the EWG's scale. I think that the highest (worst) score that a product can receive is a 10, so it scores just about as low as it can.  The Skin Deep app is totally free, and has a really neat future is that allows you to search for a specific product.  You can simply type in the product name, or use your phone to scan the products barcode, and if they have the product in their database it will instantly pull it up for you and give you a breakdown of how each of the ingredients score, as was as an overall safety score.  And yes, I plan to be that lady in the beauty isle of Whole Foods, scanning product after product, making sure that what my family and I use are safe and gentle for our bodies.  No shame there!

Not loving:  this new "how old do I look" website.  Now, I know I am older than Erik (just by one year and two weeks exactly) but I am certainly not 36. Not even close.  I was just 31 when this photo was taken last year.  But hey, I will give them credit for at least figuring out that I am female. 

Want to know how old you look? Try it here: how-old.net

Botox, anyone? ;)

currently

Ever feel like blogging but don't really have anything that important to write about?  Yea, that's me today.  So, I might ramble on about absolutely nothing.  You have been warned.



Reading:   Sadly, nothing!  I have a few books lined up but nothing that looks so great that I can't wait to pick it up and start reading... So there they sit.  Taking recommendations for really good books, the kind where I won't mind losing hours of sleep because even though I know I have to get up early with Arlo, the book is so good I will stay up way past my bedtime reading it.


Making: Ugh - again, nothing lately!  I have all the supplies for a really cute crochet project but haven't had much motivation to start.  The idea of getting out my yarn, scissors, and hooks is not all that appealing when I know our tornado of a toddler is going to grab them and run off the second he can.  And I thought it was hard to crochet with cats...


Eating:  Smoothies!  Wait - can you eat a smoothie?!  We have been on quite the smoothie kick lately.  I discovered a couple of weeks ago that Arlo will drink smoothies (and only smoothies) from a straw cup, so I have been making one everyday to replace his afternoon bottle.  Favorite smoothie ingredients right now are bananas, blueberries, spinach, flax oil, vanilla, and Arlo's milk concoction (hemp, oat, soy, and flax milk mixed in equal parts.)  He loves it and so do I!


Feeling:  Mildly frustrated with house hunting.  Everything we find that is the right size in the right location is a plain squarish box with no character.  Everything we find that actually has character is about half the size we are looking for, or in an undesirable location.  Trying to have faith that something will come along soon.  I am not eager to leave our current area - but I am eager to know where we will land next.  And then get our current house on the market.  So I guess what I am really feeling is a bit impatient.

Wearing:  Ummmm....  So my wardrobe these days are pretty much yoga leggings and non-pajama t-shirts.  And yes, to a mom of a toddler this actually counts as real clothes.  Comfortable, easy to pick out, and perfect for chasing our (almost) 15 month old around the house, playground, or library.  Let's face it - we don't really go anyplace too fancy these days.

Watching:  Parenthood, season five.  I almost gave up on this show when it got a little slow and boring.  So glad I stuck with it, it is soooo good again!  Almost done with this season and can't wait to see what happens next.  Sadly, Erik couldn't hang and has not been watching it with me.  However, the timing has been great - Parenthood for me while he watches basketball.  Gotta love March Madness  :)


Looking forward to:  Easter!  Not only am I super excited for Arlo to wake up and see his Easter basket and hunt for eggs, but we also have special visitors that will be here over Easter weekend.  Mémère and Papa (Erik's parents) are coming to visit!  Although we have Skype dates with them from time to time, we have not seen them in person since Thanksgiving.  I can't wait for them to see how much Arlo has changed since then.


Loving:  Warm spring days (today excluded - it's very cold outside considering we are at the end of March.)  Playdates with Arlo's little friends (and their parents who are capable of adult conversation!)  Reading books to Arlo - he is finally starting to bring them to me as if he wants to sit together and read (and when he does my heart melts into a little puddle on the floor.)  and also, Sunday morning yoga with Mama R.  It is the best!

And I can't put up a post without a picture of Arlo, so here is a few taken this morning at a local Easter egg hunt.  We met up with our good friends, the W family.  It was the kids first egg hunt and they had so much fun.  There were 2,000 eggs hidden in a large grassy area, and both babies would have been happy to have grabbed just one each.  Ha!  They are the cutest...

besties

there are 2,00 eggs here, but this one is my favorite!

currently.

Hey!  I'm still here!  I took a little blogging break, but now I am back.  Or, at least plan to try and pop in a little more frequently to post updates.  The past couple of weeks have brought some pretty exciting changes to our family (no, I am definitely not pregnant) and I plan to share a little more about that in the next few weeks.  For now, here is a quick little update about what we have been been up to lately!

Reading:   Wild.  Oh my goodness, this book is so, so good.  In fact, I wavered between sitting down to read or blogging during the nap that Arlo is currently taking, but blogging won out because I have had a nagging voice in my head for the past few days warning me that my blog neglection over the past month might worry my three readers.  Ha.  Seriously though, this book is addicting - I have laughed, cried, and stayed up too late reading it these past few days, and I am only about 1/3 of the way though it.  She writes like I wish I could about something that a much braver version of me wishes I could have done in my early 20's.  Before this book, I read Saving CeeCee Honeycutt which was given to me by my mom, and enjoyed that book as well.  A feel-good, coming-of-age, girl-power book that is a pretty light read if you are looking for something in that category.


Making:  deodorant.  Here's why...  Three and a half years ago, just before our wedding, I developed a pretty bad allergy to my "natural" Toms deodorant.  Although, I didn't know that the deodorant was what I was reacting to.  I thought that I had somehow inexplicably acquired poison ivy under my arms.  So for the next few weeks, I kept puttin' on the Toms, and the rash got worse.  I finally stopped using the deodorant because it was hurting to apply it, and wouldn't you know, the rash went away after a few days.  I started using that rock salt deodorant soon after with mild success.  A few weeks ago I decided that maybe I had outgrown my allergy to deodorant, so I use some of Erik's "natural" stick.  Everything was fine...  for a few days.  But it wasn't long until I ended up with that same allergic break-out under my arms.  So...  I did some research online and learned that I am not the only one who has an allergy to deodorant!  There are several recipes out there to make your own, one in particular that gets great reviews.  So I whipped up a batch and have been using it daily for the past few weeks with pretty good success.  The recipe is cheap and easy - coconut oil, arrowroot powder, backing soda, and tea tree oil.  It works pretty well, but it is the middle of winter so the true test will be conducted this summer. 
And that's way more than you ever wanted to know about my allergy to deodorant isn't it?  Sorry...  But for the people who spend time around me on a regular basis, I think you will thank me.  Hopefully gone are my #dirtyhippie days.

But I am still going to continue to wash my hair only once a week.  So there's that...

Eating: I am currently on a toast-for-breakfast kick, and just polished off two pieces of whole grain toast with earth balance and apple butter while typing this.  Erik and I are letting gluten back into our lives periodically and so far, so good.  It tends to catch up with us after a while though so hopefully my taste buds will tire of toast before my tummy does! 


Feeling:  Not fully awake - Arlo has four teeth coming in all at once (his canines) and last night he was up twice, and then up for good this morning at 6am.  Thankfully, after these four teeth surface there are only four more to go - the way back molars (that's the technical name, right?) 

Listening:  90's country station on Pandora.  So lucky I have a husband who puts up with this.  And P.S.,  what ever happened to The Dixie Chicks?!


Wearing:  The new yoga clothes I treated myself to with my Christmas money from the P's.  For the past four weekends I have been going to a local yoga class and enjoying it immensely.  I forgot how important yoga used to be to me, both for physical as well as mental health.  So happy and thankful that it found its way back into my life!  I am currently doing yoga twice a week or so, but I am slowly working towards getting to the point of practicing three times a week.

Watching:  Downton Abbey.  Don't tell anyone, but Erik actually chose to watch DA with me last Sunday over the superbowl that originally he was pretty excited to watch.  #besthusbandever.


Looking forward to:  Actually, several big things.  More on that to come soon  ;)


Disliking: My postpartum hair.  It's growing back in such a way that it looks like I cut short bangs around my forehead.  I promise, I would never do that with my curly hair.  I have taken to bobby pinning back the silly parts so it doesn't look like I walked straight out of a 1980's music video! 


Loving:  Our freshly painted fireplace and new mantle hand-built by my talented hubby (pictures and info on that coming soon as well!)  Morning hikes in the woods with Lucy.  Dark chocolate.  Baby shoes - now that Arlo is walking everywhere I have become obsessed with finding him the cutest little footwear (ebay and the thrift store have had some great finds!!)  Yoga classes with my friend, mama R.  This new phase Arlo is in where he loves playing outside and cried when we have to come inside (although I don't love the crying part!)  Very much looking forward to this spring and summer when we can spend long hours at playgrounds, letting Arlo burn off all that toddler energy he currently has!

Currently.

I love this idea that mama R introduced me to a while back.  I am going to try and write one of these each month - it's like a quick peek into our lives in a single blog post.  Here is what is currently going on with the B's...

Reading:   Pretty much just kids books these days.  We read Arlo a bedtime store every night while we feed him his bottle.  I recently came across a copy of my favorite childhood book, Corduroy, at the local thrift store.  The first night we read it to Arlo, Erik and I looked at each other at the end of the story with tears in our eyes.  Such a sweet book about a little bear who finally gets a home.  We are also very into Winnie the Pooh these days.  Erik does a fantastic Eeyore voice which is pretty much my favorite part of reading the book.

Making:  Last month we made a thankful board that hangs in our kitchen.  My most recent project is a display to hold our holiday cards.  I will be sharing that project with y'all soon!  I have also made Arlo several bandana drool bibs (similar to the one seen here) because ever since his molars started to come in, he has been a drool factory.  They are so much cuter than a regular bib, and now he doesn't have to go around all day looking like he is about to eat lunch!

Eating:  a quinoa + butternut squash + kale recipe my friend introduced me to at a potluck a few weeks ago.  I am pretty sure I could eat it everyday...  Recipe coming soon!  Also these Uttapams I found at Trader Joes a while back.  I am all about the healthy, home-cooked food, but I am also a real human and sometimes dinner is something from the freezer that doesn't require any prep or much clean-up.  These Indian flatbreads are vegan, gluten-free, tasty, and inexpensive!  They are my go-to right now when I just can't get myself to put together a big meal.

Feeling:  well-rested because our little teething monster has returned (fingers crossed) to sleeping through the night, and has done so several nights in a row now.  cheery from the Christmas music I have playing on Pandora right now.  happy that I have the day off with nothing planned except a little laundry and cooking up a big batch of potato soup later this afternoon!

Listening:  I may be a little late to the party - but I have recently fell in love with that song "All About that Bass."  Like, I just wanna dance around our living room shaking my booty singing it loudly when I hear it.  Side note - I have realized that while Arlo is easily soothed by me singing "The Wheels on the Bus" he is also just as easily soothed as me singing Meghan Trainor's latest hit.  So, you know, that's been my song of choice when Mr. Fussypants starts asking for a song...


Wearing:  my new teal leggings, infinity scarves, boots and legwarmers, wool socks, and the crochet ear-warmers are back - yay!

Watching:  Sons of Anarchy (such a violent show which is totally not me - but oh so good anyway), and to balance out the sex, drugs, death, and destruction of SOA, I watch an occasional episode of The Carrie Diaries.  This show is directed at teenagers I am quite sure, but the young girl in me enjoys it as a guilty pleasure!!


Plotting:  Arlo's first birthday party!  Pinterest will actually be planning this entire party for me  ;)


Loving:  dark chocolate, Christmas music, and this new Soothing Touch massage oil I happened upon at the local co-op recently.  I love this stuff so much I have been adding a few drops to the water solution I use for our cloth wipes.  It is good for Arlo's skin and smells so nice at the same time!

Currently.

Recently my friend, mama R, wrote a similar post on her blog.  I hope she doesn't mind, I am stealing her idea to share a "currently" post of my own!

Reading:  I picked up a book at the thrift store a month or so ago, called "Through Thick or Thin" by Alison Pace.  I am only 20 or so pages in, and obviously it's not holding my attention well as I started it several weeks ago, but I am hoping to get back into it as our recently hectic schedule calms down a bit.  Over the summer, I started reading regularly and loved it.  An avid reader growing up, I lost interest in college when uninteresting required reading took over my life, and never really got back into it as an adult.  Here is hoping I make time to pick up a book from time to time, as I really do enjoy it.  Taking any and all book recommendations if you have them!
Oh, also always referencing Super Baby Food reading about new foods to introduce to Arlo, and soon will be picking back up Baby Signs as Arlo is starting to show the first signs of readiness to learn some simple sign language.  Stay tuned for his 10 month update for more on that!


Making:  For the first time post-baby, I have recently gotten back into crocheting.  And boy, does it feel good!  I forgot how therapeutic it is for me.  So far I have made a monster, Amish puzzle ball, and started an afghan (which I may or may not decide to finish.)  I have a whole bunch of hats on my list to make, and am looking forward to starting those soon!

crocheted monster (left)    puzzle ball (right) - comes apart into three pieces!

Eating:  Apples!  Seeduction bread from Whole Foods (BEST bread ever.)  I recently relaxed my gluten free rules and have found if I don't overdo it, my body is okay with a little gluten here and there.  Also eating Ethiopian food that my friend from work has introduced me to.  She bring me all kinds of amazing things and I can't believe I have lived my whole life without all this deliciousness. 


Feeling:  Good.  Really good.  Great.  Really, really great.  There were some tough times that followed Arlo's arrival earthside, and it took a while for me to get back to my usual self, but today I can honestly say I am feeling nothing less than happy, hopeful, and at peace.  It's a wonderful place to be!

Thinking about: The trip we took last weekend to the mountains - SO much fun.  Can't stop thinking about it because I want to go back!  Also looking forward to the holidays.  Halloween is next week, and after that it always seems that Thanksgiving sneaks up quickly, and then if you blink it's Christmas.  We always spend the holidays with our families so it's a very special time of the year for us!

The B family at Dupont Forest, pre-hike

Listening:  I go back and forth between two Pandora stations.  Bluegrass and Baby Einstein.  Arlo and I like to listen to music together while I make dinner and I find many songs written for kids to be fun and enjoyable.  Jewel has a version of "And the Green Grass Grew All Around" that I think is so pretty.  And any version of "You Are My Sunshine" will nearly bring me to tears.  So yea, bluegrass and baby tunes most of time in our house!


Wearing:  Um, scrubs all this week since I worked four days in a row - the most I have been away from Arlo so far!  Next week I will go back to my usual two day per week schedule, and that will be fine by me.  I don't know if this counts as a "wearable" item, but I have not gone anyplace recently without my new Okiedog messenger bag.  I bought it as a mini diaper bag but have been using it as my own handbag since it arrived a week ago.  I understand the necessity of the big ole' diaper bag, but I just couldn't get on board with toting around that giant thing everywhere.  So for the past 5 or 6 months, my "purse" has been a flimsy portable grocery bag, the kind that rolls up into a tight little ball when not in use.  I blame this for the loss of my car keys during our beach trip, so I decided to treat myself to a new bag that could replace my "shopping bag" purse.  It's a small bag but still large enough to fill with the essentials - my wallet, keys (on a key ring sewn into the purse!) phone, a single diaper, a few wipes in a baggie, one bottle, teething biscuits/puffs for Arlo, and a small teething toy or two.  If we are going out for a longer trip I also bring the regular diaper bag but keep it in the car.  Love my new bag!

new Okiedog bag

Watching:  Shark Tank.  I don't understand my obcession with this show lately.  MSNBC has reruns that seem to be on every weeknight, always right after Arlo goes to bed for the night.  So lately I have found myself turning on channel 37 in hopes that an episode I haven't yet seen will be playing.  I love to see the creative and sometimes rediculous ideas people have come up with to pitch to the sharks.
We are also watching the most recent season of Californication on Netflix, and Arrested Development is another show we seem to have been working our way though for the last year or so.  It's our go-to show when we want something light and short to watch before bed.


Plotting:  Our Halloween costumes.  The purchase of a new convertible car seat for Arlo (sooooo much research!)

not his costume - just some adorable skeleton PJ's a friend gave us

Loving:  The cooler weather we have been having lately.  Extra blankets, hooded sweatshirts, fleece hats, hot tea, wool socks, and a baby in footed zip-up PJ's.  Apple cider and apple crisp from the apples we hand picked at the orchard last weekend.  The fact that my parents were here all week and spent every minute loving on Arlo, while I was able to pick up some extra hours at work.  Life  :)