Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real

Today, Samuel went swimming for the first time!

Yes, we asked his pediatrician first, and he said it was okay. And we didn't stay all that long. Plus, Hubby needed to get back to studying for his exams (Aug 10 & 12 -- only 2 weeks away!).

I thought and though about what I could put up for {Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real} and realized that Samuel in the pool does it all! Here's some stills from our time there.

First getting in... chilly!

Daddy! You put me under the water!

Hmmm... not sure if that was a bad thing or not.

Maybe its not all that bad.

After 15 or so minutes, Samuel was starting to kick like he does in the bath, and I think he was really enjoying himself by the end.

I realized how much water and "the kitty" go together (since Hank is fascinated with baths and tubs of water), and that my voice can get very high when I'm talking to the baby. Ah, well, its always a bit odd to hear yourself on a video or some such.

Cuties, sleep sacks and wraps

The cutest little guy... in his high chair. I love this chair. It reclines so we've had Samuel sitting with us at dinner anytime he's awake. As often as not, he wants to be held or wants to nurse, so he might not stay in the chair all that long, but he's getting used to it.

Samuel seems to like the sleep sack. The downside is its a tad short.  In the book, its marked "0-6 months". The kid is just over 2 months old and the sack is too short. Luckily, its warm enough now that its no biggy, but I'll make some longer ones for when the weather cools (and house does also).

With having colic, he does not like to be laid down (it is getting better, I think, but there is a ways to go). He has demonstrated that he doesn't like the wrap as he thrashes and cries until he falls asleep. On a whim, I tried facing him outwards. Moby wrap instructions say not to do this until the child has good head control at about 4 or 5 months. Samuel's head control isn't too bad, so I gave it a try. The child seems to really enjoy it! (sorry about the flash in the mirror, Hubby is gone to school and this was how I figured to get a picture)

He can kick and wave his arms all he wants with little restriction. It gets a bit hot after a while (easy to do when the house is only a/c'd to 80'), but it seems a good deal for the time being. I'm gonna try vacuuming with him like this when he is up from his nap (in the swing... :P).

How's sans-dairy going?

Actually, yesterday, Tuesday, was a much better day, despite all the errands we ran. Last night, he even let me put him down, on his back, in the baby gym a friend lent me. This morning, I just put him down for a nap, in his bassinet! And he's asleep. I think it might be making a difference!

I figure there is a chance that he's feeling better and being less fussy, and my going sans-dairy  might be coincidence. So, my plan is that if he's this much better all week, I'll start on dairy again early next week... a bit cheese (pizza, perhaps?), a glass of milk or maybe a bowl of ice cream... and see how he responds.  When I quit coffee the change was quick, and the change pronounced when I started on decaff. And when I stopped decaff, the change was as equally quick and pronounced. Dairy is important enough for me that I was to confirm, in a semi-control experiment, that it is dairy.

Of course, if it is dairy, perhaps I'll try the decaff again :D

1 1/2 hours later: Well, he slept for 20 minutes, then was up fussing. I tried 2 more times to put him down and he was fussy-fussy each time. So, he's in the swing now (and I just realized I forgot to get batteries while at the store yesterday! They aren't out yet, but its good to have the next set ready to go, right?).  I'd said I'd give it a week, I figure there needs the time to clear my system, and then time to clear his system. :::sigh:::

Salmon Croquettes vs Tuna croquettes

I found a recipe for salmon croquettes several months ago on Food Renegade. Salmon is more expensive than tuna, so I made the croquettes with tuna. We like them quite a bit. Recently, I got some canned salmon and tried out the croquettes with the salmon. I made half with salmon and half with tuna.


I think the salmon comes in smaller pieces, as the croquettes made of salmon stayed together better. Plus, the salmon blended with the other flavors better than did the tuna. The tuna was just stronger in flavor and overpowered the veggies (and onion & pepper are not weak).


The tuna certainly wasn't bad, and for those on a budget, the tuna is a better deal.


Also please note, I didn't use "organic" or "no additive" (not sure how Worcestershire sauce can be additive free, that's what its all about, the many subtle flavors?), I just used what I had. I used simple veggie oil to fry them, as well.


I learned something new making these, as well. I always wondered about rolling the patties in bread crumbs and then frying. I thought it was for looks or some such, so I often skipped it. Something inspired me to coat some in bread crumbs this time and some not. Those coated in bread crumbs stayed together better when frying and flipping. As Hubby said, just because you don't know why doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, especially when following a recipe. (something I don't do so well at)

Going sans-dairy, and sans-coffee, and sans....

So far, I've given up coffee and other caffeinated beverages for the baby. I did this during pregnancy, so its not new for me.

Two folks suggested dairy as a possible source of the colic (i.e. the baby is very fussy, but we have no idea why diagnosis). So, because its worth it, I'm giving up dairy for the next week.

This morning, I made a bagel, since the Cheerios with honey and milk is out (dairy), and smeared a nice portion of cream cheese on the two beautifully toasted sides. Alas, Hubby says... dairy. I consider lunch and think of a nice, cheesy tortilla. Dairy. Pizza? Dairy. yogurt? Dairy. Ice cream? Dairy. I ended up having scrambled eggs sans cheese in a tortilla with salsa.

Dairy permeates most of my food choices. I LOVE things made with milk. In fact, when it comes to drinks, give me a milk shake, a milk-based frap, a made-with-milk iced coffee, a glass of milk! This is rough folks. Rough. I'm gonna have to get creative here.

My spirit was so trodden down by the prospect of no dairy for the next several days, I had a spoonful of peanut butter with chocolate chips. That will raise one's spirits any time.

Colic. Really?

So, last night's post ended rather abruptly. We figured out that the fussiness and crankiness was likely colic (though I think its a mild form based on the stories I've heard), I was tired from a long day of holding, rocking and singing to a crying baby, and I wanted to get that post finished. Does that ever happen to anyone else?

Anyhoo, even if it is colic, I still think its a good idea to rate your days and plan the low-key days around the high-action days, and make sure most days are run-of-the-mill days. I bet that makes the fussy days fewer and the happy days more, even for a fussy child. I have no direct experience, but my "mother-sense" says this makes sense.

And I've decided I'm not gonna feel bad about letting Samuel nap in the swing, even if it uses the batteries a bit faster, if that means he gets some decent sleep during the day. I'll try the crib first, and maybe even second, but the kid, and mom, need a nap sometimes.

Speaking of which, I'm off for a nap! Happy restful, refreshing Sunday to all.

A-days, B-days, C-days and Fussy days

Several months ago, I read "Simplicity Parenting". I really enjoyed the book, though I think the author was preaching to the choir in my case. He spoke a lot about simplifying life, including things, schedules and environment.  One big thing that I picked up from this book, was looking at days and evaluating how busy they are.

Particularly busy or exciting days are "A" days.

Rather normal, run of the mill days are "B" days.

Especially slow days are "C" days.

Hubby and I have always been fairly good about making sure we don't have too many A-days all at once and that the A-days are balanced with C-days. The author of Simplicity Parenting suggests that for every A-day, you should have 2 C-days, either samwiching or interspersed within the A-days, or following the A-days.

With Samuel, I've been aiming to only go out one day during the week (Sunday church would make 2 days). Seems that a day out, which might be from 1 hour to a few hours, results in at least 1 fussy day following. At first, it might of meant 2 or 3 fussy days, but lately its been only 1 fussy day. I think he is just extra tired.

This week, we had 2 A-days. Tuesday, we took a trip to have lunch with my sister and go to Ikea. Unfortunately, the trip to Ikea was a complete bust as they have recalled ALL their cribs which they neglected to note on their website. Of course, I also neglected to call them the day before, so shame on me, too. On Wednesday, we did our normal grocery shopping (which right now counts as an A-day). Now, as of Saturday afternoon, we've had 3 fussy days for the 2 A-days. I talked to the pediatrician, and he declared colic.

So, now I don't feel so bad about letting him sleep in the swing.

Pretty, happy, funny, real

{Pretty}

I inherited my Mom's spoon collection when she died. She had nearly 100 spoons, I'm guessing. I'm not one who loves to polish them, and it took me a year to do, but I got rid of most of them. I saved some of the spoons to just use (soup spoons, small ones for yogurt), but these I saved to display. I believe many the spoons, my Mom inherited from her Mom (so, my Grandma). There's even one that has "Scott A Deewall Jan 15, 1962" etched into it. That's my uncle who died many years ago. I like getting to look at those spoons, notice the beauty of the silver, and think of my Mom.

{Happy}

Had to give 2 for happy -- I got cheerios to have for breakfast. I *LOVE* cheerios and will eat bowls and bowls of them if given the chance.

And, we finally got the shelves put up in the nursery. Only took us a month once I figured out where I wanted them (figuring that out took a month before that).

{Funny}

I caught Samuel playing with the elephant the other night. This is the first time I've seen him play with something, not just look at it, or have Mommy manipulate it for him. I think he was just kicking for fun when he kicked the elephant, which will jingle with a bell in the ball and the rings clank together. I watched him as he stopped for a moment, then raised 1 foot to kick the elephant again. And again. And again. Now, he will try to kick the elephant if he's awake when I put him down.

{Real}

The lack of rain and the heat are killing even the weeds. That green patch in the back is where the septic tank sprays its excess water, and we water the foundation (thus weeds around the house) and the peppers in the garden. We are not "yard" people, so it doesn't get watered and merely mowed occasionally as needed. Last summer that meant about every 2 weeks the weeds were big enough that it was looking meadowish, and it got mowed. This year, Hubby hasn't had to mow at all. My Dad mowed when he was here in May, and Hubby's Dad mowed when he was here in June. And that's it. I've also noticed that the "in season" veggies haven't hit their in-season low prices this summer. We need rain, badly. A break from 106' heat would be nice, too.

I look forward to reading other's {Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real} posts!

Baby Sleep Sack

I finally got to make something from my birthday book "Growing Up Sew Liberated". Since Samuel is escaping the swaddling these days, I figure he needed something better to sleep in, so I made the baby sleep sack. I used a t-shirt of Hubby's that he doesn't wear, and arranged the pieces so the logo is on the upper chest. 

I decided to use the neck binding from the t-shirt,though I learned there really isn't quite enough binding for the neck line for the sleep sack. I made it work for this one, but next time, I'll buy some knit binding for the neck lines.

I did one goof, and had to rip out the sleeves and redo the body pieces. I miss understood when she, the author, said to put the back piece on top. I thought that was when I had them face down on the table and was pinning them together. Actually, it means when the child is wearing it, the back layers on top the front piece. Anyhoo, I got it right the second time.

I'm quite proud of myself. It's the first time I've made something from a book, and I think it came out nicely. Now to send it through the wash to get the fabric marker off, and Samuel can wear it to sleep in!

I'm also thinking ahead and realize he will need something heavier when it gets colder. Its only cold here for about 2 to 3 months, but it's cold enough to need a few extra clothes. The heater drops to 58' at night, or that's what we've set it at before, which means a very warm blanket or two at night. I think I'll make a few sleep sacks from a heavy material, flannel or fleece, a tad longer to account for layering underneath, and a drawstring  instead of elastic around the bottom. That way, we can cinch it a bit more closed to keep in warmth.

Those who have clothes babes in a chilly house, I'd love to hear how you did it. What did you layer? Did your babies sleep with a blanket?

Book Review: Growing Up Sew Liberated

Growing Up Sew Liberated: Making Handmade Clothes and Projects for Your Creative Child by Meg McElwee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the book, and have finally gotten to make something from it. The baby is getting to where he escapes the swaddling, so he needs something that will stay on him better. I decided to make the baby sleep sack.


The directions are easy to follow and there are enough pictures to answer questions about arrangement and such.


I made one major mistake. I had it to the point of having the sleeves sewn on, when I realized I had sewn the two body pieces together in the wrong order. The directions say to put the back piece on top. I assumed that meant on top as I arranged them, with wrong sides facing up. But it should be back on top when the child is wearing it. So, I ripped out the sleeves and re-did the body pieces.


But the sleep sack is done, and baby will wear it tomorrow night!  I plan to make several more, some in heavier material. This one was from an old tee-shirt that hubby doesn't wear any more. Next post will have more details and pictures.

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Samuel's Bedtime story

Samuel has a story to tell....

Hi folks --  I know my mom writes all the time about what I'm doing, but I wanted to tell you this story. She took pictures for me, even, since I'm still learning all the words I need to tell the story well.

One of my favorite things to do is take a bath. I get to take baths in the evening, when I'm getting ready for bed. I get so excited when I figure out that its bath time.

Even the kitty comes to take a bath, too. But he never actually gets in.

And, when that moment comes....

And I get in the bath...

I have *sooooooo* much fun splashing!

Even though the kitty comes to take a bath, he doesn't even like to get wet. But I'm such a good splasher, the kitty can't sit just on the side of the tub... nope, he has to sit farther off!

After a while I get tired, and a bit cranky, which means its time to get out. Mommy puts me on the towel and wraps me all up.

She even insists on giving me a "baby massage" afterwards and rubs smelly lotion on me. If she takes too long I let her know. I'm ready to eat at this point and I'm HUNGRY, 'cause I just splashed out all my energy in the bath tub.

But, after she *finally* gets me swaddled up (not my arms, though, I don't like that), and I get a chance to nurse for a nice looooooooong time, I'm ready to sleep for the night.

I'm working on sleeping longer, but I still get hungry-hungry every few hours.

That's my story for you. Hope you liked it!

Book Review: The Edible Front Yard

The Edible Front Yard: The Mow-Less, Grow-More Plan for a Beautiful, Bountiful Garden by Ivette Soler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. Its full of colorful pictures of various plants and has good descriptions many, many plants that are edible and look good, or would go well with an edible landscape. I love the idea of this book, and will, someday, have an edible front yard. For now, I will strive to make my backyard garden look nicer.


Main complaint: most of her examples and pictures are of easy-to-grow-things climates, whether nice temps or water-rich. Sure, she says that if you live in Arizona, your edible front yard will look different that if you live in the NW, but she doesn't directly address it all that much. She does give a short list of drought tolerant edible plants, but there were only about 5 on that list. I know this is likely due to her writing about what she knows... she lives in Southern California, which is an easy-to-grow-things kinda climate (I lived there for 6 years, and grew all sorts of stuff in pots on our balcony). Why do I have a lawn out front here in central Texas? When it brown from 3 1/2 months of 100+' weather and rain twice in 6 months, it doesn't look overly bad. The garden, on the other hand, is looking not so great, and it gets watered every few days.


Anywoo, a fun gardening book, worth getting if only for the pictures.

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Home Management 101

I'm a flylady convert. I love flylady and she has taught me a great deal about home management and dealing with CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). I learned about morning routines, evening routines and weekly routines. I learned how to take it to a different level with Brenneman's book, Large Family Logistics. I'd read something similar in Home Comforts, but Brenneman made it far more practical and manageable.

She discusses designating each day for a particular set of tasks. For example, have a laundry day, a kitchen day, an office day, a town day and a cleaning day. And on that day, have a routine that you can follow for that day. She talks a lot about teaching your children what happens and how to do any of the tasks themselves. She even has a chapter for each kind of day, where she presents the routines and various things to think about as you figure out that day for your family.

We are a family of three. This means I do diaper laundry on Mondays and Thursdays, a load of clothes laundry on one day and a load of sheets on one day -- that's 4 loads. Total. I don't really need a day dedicated to laundry just yet. Give me a few more children, some of whom are a bit older and I'm sure this will change. But for now, since Samuel wears a diaper only most days and neither Hubby nor I have "dirty" jobs, so we don't use that many clothes. That was one chapter that I didn't find much useful information from, but what I read is filed away for future reference.

Of the other kinds of days, however, I learned a great deal of practicalness to put into practice. I designated an office day (Monday), a town day (Tuesday), a kitchen day (Wednesday), and a cleaning day (Thursday). This leaves Friday and Saturday as "catch up" days, or free days, or what have you. For two weeks now, this seems to be working nicely. There have been kinks and unexpected events to disrupt each weeks rhythm, but overall, I like how the system is panning out.

The next step is for me to write down my routines and to dos for each of these days. Currently, I spend Monday (office day) working out the week and what needs to be done and when to do it. There are some things that are done the same way each week, I suspect, and I hope to figure that out on the sooner side, so I'm not replanning the same thing each week. But with the baby, so many things are new or feel new, that I'm not always sure if its the same thing I did before or not -- I sure hope that makes sense!

Speaking of which, its late enough, and I should head to bed. Tomorrow is just as important -- a rest day!

Best nights sleep in almost 2 months

Last night was awesome, all because I got to sleep for more than 2 hours in any one stretch. Generally, Samuel has been up every 2 to 3 hours to nurse, which means I get about an  1 1/2 hours to 2 1/2 hours of sleep between each feed.

Yesterday, I even chatted with the pedi at the 2 month check up about what I can do to get him to sleep longer.

Then, perhaps it was the rough day (he got 3 shots at the doc, then was grumpy most of the evening), the exhausting wail at 630 pm, or just the right time, Samuel slept first 4 hours, then 4 1/2 hours, then 2 hours. I only got the last 2 of that first 4 hours, but I got all 4 1/2 hours of that middle section! Then, when he start babbling to himself at 730, we left him there. I figured I'll go get him when he starts to sound unhappy. But he fell back asleep and I finally woke him to nurse around 830 am.

I know this might be a one off thing, and we are back to the previous norm tonight. But this is promising!

Book Review: Large Family Logistics

Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I currently have only 1 child, though I hope to fill my home with several more children over the next several years. And I'm drawn to book about home management and such (see my review of Home Comforts, and my reading of Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook). Though Brenneman's target audience is mother's of large broods, the principles she teaches are useful for anyone with children (and perhaps, someone who has no children?).

She walks the reader through organizing your week and your time in the most efficient way she has found leaving you time to spend with your children (or hobbies, etc). True, many of her suggestions include having older children doing something, but she acknowledges those only with "littles" which would also include someone without children.

In part 1, she discusses the foundational principle for what she does and how she does it. She also makes some assumptions about her readers: (1) you are breastfeeding your babies, (2) you are homeschooling your children. These are fairly easy to read over, though, just know that the assumptions undercurrent all her writing.

Overall, this was an excellent book, and I began implementing her ideas even before I finished the book. To see these changes,  keeping visiting, I'll post about what I've done and am doing. Look for the tag Family Logistics.



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Book Review: Seeing the Unseen, by TW Hunt

Seeing the Unseen, by T.W. Hunt

Finding the faith to believe that God will work, that He is truly good, that He answers prayer, that there is more to this life than what you see is not easy to find. I know that I depend on my own sensory experience to understand life, and, yet, I also know that there is more to life than what I can see.

This is the struggle that Hunt is addressing in Seeing the Unseen. He begins with discussing evidence for believing that the unseen exists (the spiritual world). From there, he ventures into what faith is, how to cultivate faith in your own life, the ins and outs of realizing faith, and where that faith will take you. Hunt offers practical and straight forward discussion and clear and relevant examples. I have a clear understanding of where I can go from here to grow faith in my own heart and soul.

I found one topic that I balked at. In one section in one chapter, Hunt discusses the trinity, which started out well supported by scripture. But then, he makes a position for why the Son was incarnated (why not the Spirit or the Father), and why the Son was incarnated at all. He presents this small section as if it is clearly supported by scripture, but, in fact, isn't. I don't want to present a spoiler here, so I will say little more at this point, but I'm happy to further discuss this as others read the book. (It's in chapter 5: Learning to See, in the section “Seeing God's Oneness”, pg 55 in my book.)

In all, I would recommend this book for someone desiring practical advice and application to developing a deeper life of faith.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Happy -- at least on the outside

Samuel figured out smiling a few days ago, at least smiling on command and in response to us. Tell me this isn't just the cutest thing you've seen today:

He's getting pretty good at head control, so I stuck him in the bumpo for a bit. This child doesn't know how to not be cute...

I've finished off 3 of the 4 books I got for my birthday, plus another book I got in late May/early June. So expect a slew of book reviews in the next few days.

Friday is Samuel's 2 month check up. I hear he gonna get a slew of shots... I know he will cry. I hope I don't cry, too!

Book Review: Attributes of God, book 1

The Attributes of God: A Journey Into the Father's Heart by A.W. Tozer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was my first try for reading Tozer. I found the information useful, accurate and relevant, but there is something in his writing style that just doesn't appeal to me. When I figure out what it is, I'll let you know.  But until then, for learning about who God is, this book is excellent.


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Book Review: Attributes of God

The Attributes of God: Deeper into the Father's Heart by A.W. Tozer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the second of Tozer's books I've tried reading. The content is excellent, and so far, I agree with him and think he is teaching truth. However, there is something in the writing style that I just don't enjoy. Perhaps its the style that results from him "writing like for a magazine" which I've heard said about the two Attributes of God books. Ah, well, to some extent, we are each unique.


For a good explanation of who God is, however, these seems an excellent book.


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The diaper stash expands

A while back, both wool soakers where drying and I needed a soaker, so I created a "make-shift soaker".

This is a fleece cutout that was destined to be apart of a pocket diaper, until, that is, I discovered this fleece repels moisture, instead of wicking. I figured this fleece should become soakers, then. But I'd already cut out all the fleece into diaper shaped pieces. Drat. Ah, well, frugalness and creativity to the rescue -- and a soaker was created.

I realized with a bit of elastic around the legs, the fleece would make nice and adjustable soakers. I liked the ones I made, but they were size-stable, and the last two I made turned out too small to get on the child (and they are the same size as the wool soakers, they just don't stretch). Plus, I ended up with all these small pieces and I can't figure out what to use them for -- but too big to just toss in my tightwaddery.

So, TA-DA, make-shift soaker version 2. Beta tested and all! I made one, it worked wonderfully, so I made 4 more. Remember, the fleece is already cut out.

First, I sewed up the sides a channel for the elastic.

Then I threaded the elastic.

To put it on Samuel, since he is still kinda small, I fold down the front, like most the one-size-fits-all style pockets, and snappi it on. I've put it over flats, prefolds and kissaluvs. And they should fit him for quite a long time.

 

This do-hicky I love! Its a "drawstring threader" and works great with elastic, too. No more using a paper clip or safety pin to thread that elastic through! Yea! Wish I'd spent that $1.50 years ago.

Tomorrow, I plan to cut out flats from t-shirts I acquired from the local thrift store.  Ya know, for being a "thrift store", the stuff is rather expensive, in my opinion. I had a hard time finding anything among the t-shirts less than $5 and many were closer to $10. I guess I just need to go garage sale-ing.

A day in the life of Rachael

Had a good day today. Samuel took a nice long nap in the middle of the day, so I got some sewing done, and lunch eaten while not nursing (seems he particularly wants to nurse when I have food to eat).

I was able to finish two fleece soakers of the small size.

The two wool soakers are both of the "small" size and the fit beautifully right now. But when I went to try the soakers on Samuel, I couldn't get them much past his knees. I'm debating whether to put them in the 'too small' box or make a change. I'm considering cutting the waist band and putting in a loop and button for closing it. I think I'll try this on one soaker and still make 2 in a slightly bigger size.

A few days ago, I got the whim to actually read the manual for my sewing machine. I learned quite a bit, on little bit being I can create almost serger type seams. Very cool.

Bummer, the picture isn't as clear as I'd like, but I think you can tell.

In light of the soakers being too small, I endeavored to measure my little boy.

Its not easy trying to use a measuring tape on a little guy who only stops moving when he's asleep. And look at that TOME next to him. Martha's book is significantly heavier than Samuel. And it has lots of nice pictures. I like books with pictures, and its even better when they have words telling you about the pictures (versus just pictures, or just words). My favorite books have lots of pictures and lots of words, which tends to make them rather big books.

This evening, I started tracing and cutting out pattern pieces for the baby sleep sack in Growing Up Sew Liberated. I have some white, light weight jersey I'm going use, appropriate for sleeping in on hot summer nights (when the a/c actually kicks on at night to keep the house at 78').

Baby Stuff and Books

As you might guess, my mind is very focused on BABY right now. I find it hard to think about, much less talk about anything but the baby. (I just realized, I've done almost all video and no stills of recent. Gonna have to fix that).

Isn't he just cutest and brightest baby you ever saw? Of course, he is. He slept longer last night than ever before, so that's very exciting and he's started the social smile, which makes play time even better. He still has a hard time going to sleep; I've started following a nap time and bed time routine which seems to help some, though its still a tad early to tell.

I continue to work on diapers, though I'm going to switch to making soakers for now. I counted the full stash and we have enough diapers, when Samuel upgrades a size, for me to do laundry on Monday and Thursday (not every other day). But, we will need more soakers as most of the diapers are prefolds.

Also, for my birthday, I picked up some new books that I'm excited about. They are:
Large Family Logistics
Growing Up Sew Liberated
The Edible Front Yard
Martha Steward Homekeeping Handbook

I promise to offer opinions and a review of each one. I'm almost finished with The Edible Front Yard and Large Family Logistics. The Martha Stewart Homekeeping Handbook hasn't arrived yet (3rd party seller -- got it cheap!), and I want to sew a few things from Growing up Sew Liberated before commenting on it (I've looked at all the projects).

Any exciting books or babies for you?

Goals Updates

I've been thinking about getting a blog post up, but was having a hard time deciding on a good topic. Baby and diapers dominate most of my thinking, time and creating moments (working on diapers). So, lets consider goals.

This goals update post is motivated by several things:
Hubby asked when the last time I blogged was;
I've been trying to think of a non-baby, non-diaper topic;
I purchased and have been reading "Large Family Logistics". (no, I don't have a large family yet, but I'm hoping for more kids -- in due time, of course)

The author discusses the establishing of goals, which reminded me of my previous made goals from earlier this year, last posted about in April.  But then May got away from me, and June is a blur, so here we are at July.

Of previous goals:

• February Lady Sweater still isn't finished.
• I *should* have done more diaper prep. We've used more disposables than I wanted (but not had to buy any, at least). I'm slowly getting it together, though.
• Zone cleaning and general house keeping continues, though at a slower rate than even before. 

For July:

• Round out the diaper stash. I've got 4 in the works (using suedecloth, not fleece!)
• Figure out a good house keeping routine that works with me being home full time and having a baby (this deserves its own post which it will get when I review "Large Family Logistics" when I finished reading it)
• Ride bike (stationary) 20 minutes 3 times a week
• Prep garden for Fall plantings
• tomato plants
• corn
• Uncle Chuck's beans
• herb plants
• Lettuces and spinach

I have to remember, I might be home full time, but I'm almost as busy as before with the baby. Must not let goals get the better of me.