Even though I should read Dr. Sears Baby Book, I read Wine for Dummies.

Even though I know I should wake up at 6:30 to go to yoga class, I sleep until 8 and run around with my kids, twirling around, skipping, and lifting them up over my head. Just as good of a workout for body and for soul.

Even though I think I should save every penny for camera equipment, I buy shoes.

Even though I know I should be grateful for what I have and hold onto to old pieces of furniture, I sell the old stuff to make room for some new stuff.

And even though I know my moisturizer, foot and hand cream, shampoo and conditioner, and my makeup too contain all sorts of weird chemicals, I use them. I want nice skin, smooth hands and feet, a clean mane (roar), and lipstick. I just do.

Even though I think I ought to encourage my daughter to play with her wooden, natural, educational toys, I laugh when she and her brother play with their colorful, plastic McDonalds’ set.

Even though I know gasoline and oil are wrecking the Gulf, ruining natural life and wrecking the lives of people who depend on a clean ocean, I fill my tank up and drive. I say to myself, “I want to help but I need to drive. I live in this world.” So I think about making a donation or collecting Toby’s hair to ship to the cleanup crews. Pet hair apparently absorbs oil.

And even though I sat down to check e-mail and only e-mail, I wrote this post.

What do you do when you know or think that you ought to be doing something else?

What I know is, sometimes it feels good to break my little rules, the shoulds, the oughts. It’s somehow liberating.

A few weeks ago, I came home to find Redbook magazine’s Mom’s Survival Guide on my doorstep.   I’d been having “one of those days” as a mom and the Mom’s Survival Guide seemed like it could be the answer to my prayers.  Below are a few of my favorite segments from the book:

• on bullying
• “Maybe you have a pet theory as to how this woman [mom of a bully] has managed to raise that big bully of hers.  Forget all that.   “If you go into the conversation with a negative opinion of her–and the attitude that you’re a better parent than she is–she’ll smell it a and won’t want to help you,” cautions Rosalind Wiseman, author of Queen Bee Moms and Kingpin Dads: Dealing with Difficult Parents in Your Child’s Life . . . Try, “I’ve got a problem that I hope you can help me with . . . I’m a little uncomfortable talking to you like this, but I feel it’s important.”  When you describe the situation, leave out words like “bullying and “mean.” Thank her for her time and add, “I hope you’ll tell me if my child ever does something you think I’d want to know about.”  This conveys a feeling of goodwill and makes her kid less of a villain by acknowledging that all children need adult guidance at times.

• on healthy eating for kids
• It’s no secret that a healthy diet helps kids grow strong and improves their mood and brain function.  But how do you actually get kids to eat well?  Think small.  ”You can make little changes to how, what, and when your child eats for big nutritional payoffs, ” says pediatric dietician Marilyn Tanner-Balsiar, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.
• and “Real Advice from Real Moms”:
• “Everyone at our table gets at least 5 minutes to talk about their day.  The kids know they will have this chance, and they wait for it anxiously without getting up, in our family, once conversation gets started, it’s hard to stop it!”

• on learning to let go
• We all want to keep our children safe from harm–it’s arguably our number one job as parents.  But it’s easy to go overboard because those precoius bundles are so vulnerable.  After 9/11, Sue Donas was convinced that someone was going to pipe bomb her daughter’s day care near Hillsdale, NJ, because it was housed in a Jewish Community Center.  She used to circle the building looking for suspicious characters.  Once she even had an abandoned car towed away  . . . “You can raise your child in a bubble but you can get reassurance that she’s in responsible, protective hands.”  For example, instead of patrolling the day care grounds, Donas could inquire about the school’s security policy–and it might just set her mind at ease.

• on helping your child deal with fears
• Don’t brush off your child’s emotions.  ”I often hear parents say, ‘Why is my child acting so afraid? It doesn’t make sense,’ says Fred Penzel, PhD . . . “They try to minimize the situation by telling the child that his fear is nothing to worry about. That strategy usually backfires,”  he says.  But do use a matter-of-fact tone.  ”Acknowledging fear is important, but ‘you don’t want to go in the opposite direction and excessively reassure your child . . . That sends the message that there is something to be afraid of.”

*******

Redbook magazine’s Mom’s Survival Guide is jam pack full of information that could benefit all kinds of moms on topics ranging from behavior and emotional health to education and getting involved in enrichment and community programs.  Written in a style quite similar to Redbook magazine with many experts in fields of child development, diet and nutrition, psychology, and more, including quotes and advice from real parents, the book is a quick read and great for reading from topic to topic as opposed to cover to cover.  As with any parenting book, I found that some advice resonated with my intuitive parenting style while other tidbits did not.  That said, over all, I found it to be a pretty helpful book especially since everyday I am facing parenting challenges where I know that I do not have the answers.

I am giving away a copy of Redbook magazine’s Mom’s Survival Guide.  Simply leave a comment on this post sharing why you think this book could help you and your family.  I’ll put the book in the mail, though I will ask that the winner cover postage costs.

So, what kinds of parenting issues have you been dealing with lately?

Two things to share  regarding postpartum support:

1. First I’m happy to announce that there’s going to be a local postpartum support group in my hometown of Reston, Virginia.   When I was diagnosed with PPD almost 10 months ago, Postpartum Virginia supported two groups that met at places and at times such that I couldn’t attend.  Luckily I found a therapist who specialized in postpartum care and whose office was less than five minutes from my front door.   Since my first visit with her where I released so much pain regarding the trauma of experiencing a postpartum crisis, I feel that I am healing . . . in many ways, I feel better than my old self.  I know that my therapist has a good deal to do with how well my health improved, and I am so grateful that I found her.  Now, I feel like I can help pay it forward.  Postpartum Virginia’s founder Adrienne Griffin recently asked me to help lead the support group in my town; I have to admit, I feel mixed emotions: I’m excited to be part of a group that I think will make such a difference for so many women and their families and I’m also afraid: I want to be strong enough to listen and offer support to those women and families who are struck by PPD.  It isn’t an easy path to walk alone.  I don’t think I could have made it to where I am today without the love and support of so many many people.  Anyway, here are the details about the group:

POST PARTUM SUPPORT GROUP

Meet and talk with other pregnant and new mothers who are finding pregnancy and the postpartum weeks and months difficult and/or overwhelming.. I f you are feeling sad, anxious, angry or irritable, group support can help.  Babies most welcome.  Free childcare for older children.

Second  and  Fourth  Thursdays

10:00AM

Fairfax County Reston YMCA

12196 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, VA  20190

YMCA Phone: (703) 742-8800

The YMCA is also extending a helping hand by giving our group a space to meet in and by offering childcare for attendees.  I have to say I feel like so many prayers have been answered.

2.  Let me tell you how wonderful horrendous our insurance company, United Health Care has been since my PPD diagnosis.  While I was able to find a postpartum psychiatrist and psychotherapist who were both working so hard to help with my recovery, it was troubling to learn that neither specialist was covered as in-network providers by my insurance. What this usually means is that as clients of UHC, we are able to seek care out of network so long as we pay upfront and then seek partial (usually 50%) coverage after doctors’ appointments.  What we experience in the last ten months though indicates (to both my husband and me) that our insurance company never intended to compensate us, even partially, for my postpartum care.  Initially, a representative for UHC told me that I would be partially covered should I go out of network and she also “highly encouraged” me (I remember that exact phrasing) to seek in network coverage.  I wish that I could have done so.  Unfortunately, and as I explained to UHC, my postpartum disorder is postpartum anxiety, which, early on, meant that I could not handle making long drives, let alone with a screaming newborn.  UHC’s in network providers were all at least 45 minutes away from my home . . . a car ride that months ago I could never have completed by myself.

I credit my husband for going back and forth with the insurance company.  Both he and the HR representative where he works have made what seems like an endless number of calls to UHC regarding the lack of reimbursement for out of network visits.  The thing is, we are allowed to go out of network . . . on paper, that is.  Apparently though, new rules are discovered as we attempt to have a claim covered.  It is getting ridiculous.

So why not change care?  Why not switch to a UHC in network provider granted that I can now make 8 hour drives, am going off of my anxiety medication, and am overall feeling better than I have in years . . . my health care providers know my medical history, they know me, they have a record of giving good care.  And according to UHC, from March 2010, my visits to these providers are now “approved.”  The problem, still no reimbursement (at $100 plus dollars a session) for all prior visits.  Which adds up to a lot of money.

I’m lucky that our family had the financial resources to cover my care since our insurance company continuously fails to coherently explain why they are not delivering the service that we pay rates for each month, which is health care coverage . . . both full and partial.  I wonder where I would be today had my family been scraping by and living paycheck to paycheck, unable for me to see a doctor let alone a therapist who understands postpartum disorders.

That’s where I’ll leave off for now . . . I certainly hope that I’ll have better news to share sometime soon.

My mother has an old saying, “Where there’s smoke, there’s supper.” Let’s just say that cooking has never been the forte of the women in my family. But we try, really we do. My sister tells me that she’s even won a pie baking contest or two. Me? Well, I decided that I ought to start cooking healthy meals for my family; I want my kids to eat nutritious foods, I want to eat nutritious foods, and I try too woo my husband with nutritious food (masquerading as something else, hee hee). Anyway, here’s what’s cookings:

Whole roasted tomatoes with fresh thyme from my garden, garlic, olive oil, ground pepper and coarse salt,

served over tomato spinach pasta with parmesan cheese

or over traditional shells

When I cook chicken, turkey or fish for my husband and daughter, I pour my love into it.  As you might remember, I’m a vegetarian, but I love two omnivores . . . so I’m doing my best to give them good foods they like and have some peace too.  I rolled the chicken in olive oil and then lightly seasoned it.  It’s one of Annabelle’s favorites.

And last, but certainly not least, are these sweet peanut butter and chocolate cupcakes.  We substituted 1/4 cup applesauce for butter and oh my, these were so moist and delicious.  Since I didn’t have a frosting, we topped these off with organic creamy peanut butter.  Annabelle gave it two thumbs up.

So, what’s cooking in your kitchen?  Any simple recipes you’d like to share?  I’d love to hear since I’m just learning my way around here . . .

Two things:

1.  My post about meeting Attachment Parenting International‘s founders Barbara Nicholson and Lysa Parker is live on API Speaks.  If you didn’t get a chance to read it and see photos the first time around, click here for more.

2.  I’ve been reading Stacy’s blog, Mama Om, for quite some time now.  Every time I stop by and read what she and her boys are up to, I am inspired.  She shares her parenting wisdom, challenging moments, and practical tips for peaceful communication.  When I read Stacy’s post called “Taking It In,” I was reminded of Imago therapy in which “[d]ialogue consists of Mirroring (repeating) each statement, Summarization, Validation (“That makes sense because …”) and Empathy (“I imagine that makes you feel …”). This enables each partner [or dialogue participant] to extend themselves to understand the experience of the other as different from their own. If you can work with an Imago therapist, he or she will help to deepen that dialog.”

Lately, I’ve been feeling a disconnect with Annabelle.  I’m not sure whether it is because of the changes she is experiencing physically (and hormonally), because she is still working her baby brother into her reality, she is discovering friendships and rejection, and she is transitioning out of the school year and into summertime.  It could be any, all, or some other unknown cause for “what is” between the two of us . . . it is part of the reason I schedule time to take her on “mommy dates” or I spend a half hour to an hour cuddling and nursing her at night.  In part, I think I need for there to be a good, an awesome, a loving connection between my daughter and me . . . it is hard for me, her mama and once upon a time her everyday playmate, to think that there could be a riff.

When I read Stacy’s post though, I thought about how I communicate with her . . . I thought about how our day to day lives have changed, how we are always moving and how she is not seeing her mama as much as she used to . . . I also thought about the way she talks to me and the way I talk to her.

So I decided to give Imago a try.  I decided that when Annabelle is telling me something at the top of her lungs that I would slowly and quietly repeat back to her what she was saying to me.  This happened this morning.  I was talking to my friend Rebecca over our car’s bluetooth connection.  Rebecca and I were making plans to bring our kids to an indoor playground since it was raining outside.  I said, “Oh no!  I forgot socks!  Do you think you could bring a pair of socks for me and for Annabelle?”  I knew Levi wouldn’t need socks since he isn’t old enough yet to play in the “sock zone.”

Meanwhile, in the backseat, Annabelle was telling me, with all her might, “NO!  NO!  I DON’T WANT SOCKS!”

I politely got off the phone with Rebecca.  Then I turned to look at Annabelle and I made eye contact with her.  I said, “You don’t want socks.”

“No,” she a little more quietly.  ”It’s not cold out and I don’t want socks.”

“Okay.  It’s not cold so you don’t want socks.”

“No,” she said a little more emphatically.

So I tried to explain a bit about the sock rule.  I said, “Did you know that the playground has a rule?  The playground has a rule that everyone needs to wear socks.”  This is true.  In the past, I’ve had to purchase socks from this indoor play area so that Annabelle and I could enter the playground.

In the last year, between age 3 and on her way to 4, Annabelle has become so articulate.  She looked at me, raised her eyebrows and said, “But Mama, why do we have to wear socks?  Why is it a rule?”

“It’s a rule because the playground wants people to protect their feet from germs.  They want to protect your feet and other kids feet and other mommies and daddies feet from spreading germs.  Does that make sense?”

She nodded.   A little while later when we met up with our friends, Annabelle put on her socks.

******

Now, I have to tell you that the Imago approach helped me slow down and “hear” my daughter.  It helped me hear what was behind her “No!”  About an hour later though, she melted down and we decided that we ought to head home.  In the car, without prompting, she said to me, “I’m feeling kinda grumpy this morning Mama.”  We then talked about how she had woke up earlier than she usually does and how she hadn’t eaten enough . . . anyone would feel irritable if they hadn’t slept or eaten enough, right?  At home, I gave her a bowl of cold whole wheat pasta, a favorite lunch of hers, and a few minutes later she was giggling and playing with her brother.

So I walk away from these situations with more to reflect on; I am going to keep working the Imago approach into our communication patterns and I am going to pay more attention to my little girl’s physical needs.  I’m already feeling more connected to her . . . and it was just one change on one day.

A few weeks ago while preparing for our vacation, I picked up a few books to read (lofty hopes, I know) should I get a free moment or two. Among the many books on yoga that I checked out of the library, the one that I picked up again and again was Larry Payne and Richard Usatine’s Yoga Rx. Yoga Rx, as its subtitle indicates provides step-by-step yoga routines and programs to heal common health problems. As you might expect, I was most interested in reading up on how yoga treats anxiety and depression. According to Payne and Usatine, the yoga prescription for mental health includes: the care of a mental health professional, enlisting the help of trusted persons, eating a healthy diet, reducing intake of caffeine and tea, getting enough sleep, practicing yoga breathing, having/learning an awareness of your body’s signals of anxiety, meditation, committing to yoga for at least 6 months, and practicing a yoga routine that is outlined specifically for anxiety and depression.

Poses recommended for coping with anxiety and depression include: Mountain, Warrior Poses, Forward Folds, Balancing Poses (like Tree Pose), Cobra, Child’s Pose, and Corpse Pose (this pose is one of my husband’s favorites).

Over the past 6 months, I have become such a devotee to yoga that I decided to return to teaching yoga classes. I am hoping to put together a “destress yoga” class (though I realize most people may find that most yoga practices helps with stress) or a yoga class for folks who think that they could never do yoga. In fact I just read a great article in the local living section of the Washington Post called “Yoga: It’s Worth Going to the Mat.”

The more I learn about yoga, the more I am convinced that our bodies can help heal themselves; I hear stories of people who tried yoga for back pain, diabetes, weight loss, headaches and migraines . . . the list goes on.

What do you think? Would you give a yoga class a whirl? Have you ever tried a natural remedy for healing an ailment?

Over the last eight months, my life has changed. Eight and a half months ago, I gave birth to my son Levi; weeks later though, I found myself in a terrible place and I knew that I needed help. Thankfully, so many people and organizations stepped forward to hold my hand and lift me up, one step at a time. Each individual helped me in their own. Neighbors brought meals and watched my daughter so that I could attend my postpartum therapy sessions, Adrienne Griffin, the founder of Postpartum Support Virginia, called, e-mailed, and coached me through my first days back at home with my family after I spent two days in the hospital and then another two days away with my husband while I battled the dark feelings and emptiness I was experiencing. My mom, sister, and mother-in-law came into town, taking time off from work, to take care of Levi and Annabelle, and friends, so many friends, stepped forward and made time for playdates, to talk, and to offer a helping hand when I needed it. We also welcomed a wonderful babysitter into our lives who came several days a week to give me time to sleep, take care of household responsibilities, or simply spend time doing something for myself. As you can see, these angels on earth helped me get through a very hard time.

Meanwhile, I was learning how to take care of myself; depression is an energy sapper; I knew that if I was going to have the energy to heal, care for myself, for my children, and for everyone else in my life, I was going to have to make some changes. My best friend initially introduced me to the idea that food could help my brain combat its imbalances: I could feel better simply by eating. She bought me a bag of flaxseed to mix into foods like oatmeal, cereals, yogurts, and smoothies, and she also brought me a large bag of walnuts. Since I received these awesome gifts of food from her, I have started eating a diet that is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, protein, and Vitamin D. Here is what a typical day of eating looks like for me:

Breakfast

1 cup oatmeal, 3 to 6 tbsp. of flaxseed, sliced strawberries, bananas, or apples, and 1/2 cup of soymilk or Omega 3 organic milk

“Oatmeal is one of the best foods to nourish the central nervous system and help with depression.”

“Flax, says Udo Erasmus, PhD, has a mood boosting ingredient: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that is essential for the proper function of brain cells, yet up to 85% of women aren’t getting enough of it. Early research conducted by Dr. Martha Clare Morris of Chicago’s Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center notes that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is believed to be important for brain development.”

“Numerous studies connects dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids with depression. Countries with high consumption of seafood, high in omega-3 fatty acids, have lower rates of bipolar and unipolar depression, post-partum depression, and seasonal affective disorder.”

Snack

1 oz. almonds, 1/2 cup of dried cherries or cranberries

“Poor diet can have a disastrous effect on memory, co-ordination, concentration, powers of reason, behaviour and mood although this is very rarely recognised or looked into by medical professionals. Mental distress is linked to a deficiency of iron, magnesium and B-complex vitamins. Zinc deficiency can also be a major factor in causing depression and leads to loss of appetite, subsequent poor nutrition, inevitable chronic fatigue and finally, depression. Many people who go to their doctor complaining of fatigue are often wrongly assumed to be suffering from depression and prescribed anti-depressant drugs which doctors often use as a first line of treatment. Unfortunately, many of these drugs can interfere with zinc absorption. Low levels of zinc in the body can not only lead to a loss of appetite and fatigue (which can be exacerbated by anti-depressants) but can also be a factor in the cause of depression itself. It is therefore important to get adequate amounts of zinc in your diet in order to prevent a downward spiral from forming. Sources of zinc include: shellfish, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, soya beans, wheat products (especially wheatgerm and wheat bran), sesame seeds, cocoa, sunflower seeds, sweetcorn, rice, wholemeal bread, oats, cheeses (especially cheddar and edam), legumes (especially aduki beans), peas, barley, nuts (especially almonds), peanuts and peanut butter, wholegrain flours, buckwheat and brown rice.”

Lunch

2 slices Ezekial bread, avacado, tofu, and pepper slices

1 cup soy milk or hot tea (kava, kava)

Snack

Lara bar (made with real fruit, nuts and no preservatives or additives and is loaded with walnuts, almonds, and cashews)

Dinner

Whole wheat pasta, organic tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brocolli, and nuts, stir fried tempeh or tofu

“The connection between carbohydrates and mood is linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin. We know that eating foods high in carbohydrates (breads, cereal, pasta) raises the level of serotonin in the brain. When serotonin levels rise, we feel a calming effect with less anxiety.

So don’t shun carbs – just make smart choices. Limit sugary foods and opt for smart carbs, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which all contribute healthy carbs as well as fiber.”

4 oz. of red wine (2 nights a week and not on days when I drink kava kava tea), 1 serving of 85% dark chocolate

* I drink a dry red wine and limit myself to 2 4 oz. servings each week.  When I was first diagnosed with depression, I avoided alcohol and caffeine and have only in the last two months started to incorporated small servings into my diet.  Here is a wonderful article from Yale New Haven Hospital discussing the benefits of red wine for your health.

Eating a healthy diet makes me feel good both physically and mentally.  My favorite part of my day is relaxing at night with my family while I drink a cup of tea or wine and eat a few bites of dark chocolate.

What are your favorite relaxation and feel good foods?

So we’re back, :-)  This past week we visited Siesta Key Island in Florida, a tiny place that is sort of like home away from home.  I took so many pictures (thank you honey, thank you Annabelle, thank you Levi, thank you Nikon), caught up on sleep, rolled around in the sand with my kids and my hubby, wore lots of sunscreen, walked among flamingos and petted sting rays (so soft), and sipped wine while watching the sun set each night.  Let’s just say that it was a very much needed vacation.

And now . . . we’re home.  Which I really am happy about.  As much as I love the adventure and restoration that is vacation, I thrive on ritual, routine, my real day to day life.  Though coming back to reality after a break is a whirlwind (a much welcome one); I am currently trying to sort out:

a) how to manage a fully mobile Levi; little man is crawling and climbing at 8 months old; he’s even pulling up to standing . . . I know this guy is going to really make me work, really keep me on my toes . . . my little boy is a bruiser.  With Annabelle, she always wanted to be with her mom, always nursing, never to pulling open cabinets and banging things around.  Levi is definitely his own person, that’s for sure.

b) how to manage a 3 year old who is going on 13.  Phew!  I really didn’t think I would have to deal with hormones, mood swings, and attitude until my kids reached their teen years, but suddenly, my baby, my toddler, my preschooler, knows far more than her dear old mom.  And she’s so smart, she really is . . . so I find myself picking up parenting book after parenting book trying to find the answers, the formula, the instructions that were supposed to come with my kid but didn’t.  I find myself praying that I don’t screw up, that I don’t screw her up, that she turns out okay even though her mom doesn’t know what the heck she is doing.

c) keeping up with myself.  I have a wide range of interests: if you follow my blog, you know this . . . I kind of wander around from subject to subject (which I’ve read is not very good for a blog’s traffic, ah, oh well), delving head first into whatever is fascinating . . . which means that my interests sort of pile up, and even though they all add to my life and make me more interesting (at least I think so), it can be sort of overwhelming.  Yes, I am actually complaining that I have too many good things in my life.  Currently I’m trying to figure out how to organize my time so that I can pursue photography, keep up with my blog (it is so good for my soul to write it out), practice daily yoga, learn how to cook healthy veggie/omnivore meals for my family, make one on one time for each of my loved ones, keep Toby healthy (he just returned from his yearly physical and we learned that Toby is obese and at risk for things like heart disease and diabetes . . . I am putting him on a prescription cat food and then we’re going to have his teeth cleaned (poor kitty also has gingivitus)), stay on top of my leadership duties for Attachment Parenting  as well as starting up a postpartum support group, and then on top of it all, stay connected with family and friends (near and far).

Meanwhile, Levi is teething.  Ouch (for all 3 of us . . . Matt and I are up all night long).

But life is good . . . I list all the parts of my life that both enrich who I am and tire me out; isn’t it that way for most of us?

For a week now, we’ve spent the better parts of our days outside; the weather warmed up (and then cooled down a bit), the bulbs popped up, and kids and grownups alike have been outside living it up. As the saying goes, “Spring has sprung.”

Which means that sitting down inside, in front of my computer, doing that tap dance across my keyboard where I blog and read your blogs too has been put on hold. Inside games can wait too; why put together puzzles when there’s dirt to dig and seeds to plant? Every kid I know has been outside, running around barefoot, scooting, biking, and making afternoon picnics too. We’re loving it up.

And there was other stuff too . . .

like watching Annabelle perform at her final class for princess ballet

and sitting outside under our umbrellas on the days it rained outside (warm baths and hot cocoa to follow)

we ate healthy meals, cooked on the stovetop and not prepared with a microwave (I’m currently researching whether or not using a microwave is a safe way to heat up our foods); thank you Rebecca for all the info!

and each night, after dinner, my husband and I sipped wine and ate chocolate together, the perfect end to our days

I toughed up and got my tetanus shot (the doctor said I needed one and I know Annabelle gets some satisfaction knowing that kids are not the only ones who get vaccinated)

oh, and for the first time in a while, the hubby and I got dressed up for a night out (more like 5 to 7 p.m., but that’s about as late as we two old fogies can handle these days)

we attended an egg hunt, I photographed this little girl

(so adorable),

and last, but certainly not least, I read this book and this book and this book. Thumbs up to them all, especially Rose’s Garden. Inspiring.

How was your week?

Just a few random things . . .

First, my good friend Abbie, otherwise known as the Farmer’s Daughter, just welcomed her baby boy Joshua Daniel!  Both baby and mama look beautiful and healthy.  I am so happy for their whole family, including Grandma Ruth, over at Musings of an Everyday Woman.   I am so looking forward to all the cuteness and stories that baby Joshua will bring.  I can’t wait!

Second, it’s been a rainy few days here outside of D.C.  Yesterday we headed into the city to visit one of my favorite museums, the National Gallery of Art to see this photography exhibit and the Chester Dale Collection, which includes this painting, a print of which is now hanging inside my house and which I know little about; anyone else know anything about La Coiffure (1901)?   The whole family ducked inside the museum from the pouring rain and we all stayed, together, for about 20 minutes or so.  Then my hubby, ever so politely, asked to duck back out with Annabelle and go see the trains and dinosaurs over at the Natural History museum.   Maybe there’s hope for Levi, I thought?  Maybe I can encourage an art lover in my little guy?  We pushed onward.  I stopped at painting after painting, pointing out the colors and style of art, noticing that others in the gallery would smile at me and at Levi.  I continued talking, checking now and again to make sure my little art lover was listening.  A man who passed me stopped, smiled and said, “Now that’s a true art lover.”  I laughed.  I walked a few steps and then leaned over to peak at my little guy.  He was in a deep sleep, :-)  Oh well, I guess I’ll have to be a solo lover of the arts.

Next, I’ve been reading and reading ever since you all made book suggestions so I could expand my horizons.  I just finished Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv, which opened my eyes to just how disconnected my generation and my daughter’s generation are from mother nature.  Growing up in an old manufacturing town in Connecticut, alongside a lake and surrounded by woods, farmland, and home to a state park and nature center, I thought that my childhood had been one that any Huck Finn could appreciate; Louv points out though, just how little yesterday and today’s children understand, play, and love nature (and thus the environment too).  What I found most helpful was a long and thorough appendix entitled “Field Notes.”  There, I read with excitement the simple and endless ways that I and my children can reconnect with nature.   I’ll be sure to make more of an effort to allow time for unstructured outdoor play and exploration of the woods behind our house.  And I can’t wait to read these articles, by Louv, too.

I also just wrapped up Growing Up Green by Deirdre Imus, one that I remember having read before but definitely learned a few new things the second time around.  Imus wrote this book as  part of her efforts to nurture a healthier environment for her family and for children with cancer; in her book she talks about her work as the founder and president of the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology(R), part of Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC).  When I read about Imus’ dedication to helping children fight cancer and to helping families prevent against disease, I have to say I was in awe; I remember almost 3 years ago when I started blogging, I thought to myself, “This will be a great way to do something for the environment and for my new baby.”  Becoming a mother ignited my passion for the environment.  For Imus though, and this I think is admirable and outstanding, she not only decided to make a difference for her immediate family but cast her net wider by setting up a foundation.  Growing Up Green, is an awesome read too.  My favorite parts were those on baby nutrition, especially because this time around I am bottle feeding and because Levi is just getting started with solid foods.  I can’t wait to try a few of her recipes.

Which leads me to my last random note: I’m cooking!  Can you believe it?  After all these years of proclaiming myself the anti-chef, I am finding that I actually enjoy chopping up vegetables, tossing food into a skillet and putting together a healthy, yummy meal for my family.  Oh, yeah, and even more shocking . . . it has occurred to me that I no longer enjoy cleaning.  There is more to this story than I’ll share here, but what I will say is, thank you oh wonderful universe for giving me postpartum depression and helping me realize that I don’t have to have a spotless house.  No one is going to get me.  I joke, but seriously, I think there is something deeper to my wanting my house to look like a “showcase” as my girlfriend puts it.  What I like, what I really like about a clean house is a clean house . . . I just don’t like the cleaning part.

So, that’s it . . . hopefully I’ll get to do some photo work sometime soon.  Lots of reading, lots of playing, lots of being productive and learning about budgeting.  All good stuff but not photo stuff.  May the next time I post be photo stuff.

How was your week?