So this week was the pits. I mostly try to stay light on politics, personal stuff, and my faith here, because I want this blog to be useful to someone other than my family members (and I feel mixed about putting my faith out for public consumption), but this week reminded me that a little focus on the positive might be in order. I think even if the election hadn't been the most heartbreaking ever, this week kind of would have been the pits. But this blog is all about being positive, so I am going to find things to be grateful for.

1. A Hug from a Friend- Last Wednesday, one of my friends from co-op and one of my absolute favorite people in Seattle stopped by at Seattle Recreative to give me a hug and share a tear (and some sass). I am so grateful for that moment, and I will probably remember it forever, because it just made me feel like we so aren't alone in this. Plus, it felt good to get it out of my system before going to hang out with a room of 5 year olds.

I think one of the scary things about this election is that it can feel like the bullies won. This guy who is so profoundly unkind to others won out, and his winning set off a whole slew of nastiness. In my darker moments, it feels like maybe trying to be a light is a waste of time. Destruction, ugliness, chaos- they all work pretty fast, and that makes them feel effective. But kindness works slower, partially because in reality you can only be kind to so many people at a time (you have to stop and listen). But I have been struck again and again this week at how resilient kindness and love are, even if they can never be as loud as antagonism.

2. Surprisingly Woke Kindergartners and Blissfully Oblivious Toddlers- I half-expected my class on Monday to be blissfully oblivious, but they quickly proved me wrong, and the very first thing they wanted to talk about was the election. We talked a lot about it, and for some of them, it means they may have to move, so this is no small thing (even for small people). It broke my heart, but it felt good to talk about it with them and feel like I was at least a little useful.


Luckily, later that day, we went to Daniel Tiger Live and I got all the oblivious bliss anyone would ever need. A room full of toddlers and a trolley were just about enough to make me forget (almost). Plus, The Bub made me cry he was so excited. He just kept saying hello to Trolley and "Daniel Tiger off the TV." Perfect birthday gift.

3. Hillary's speech- I cry every time I hear it or see it, not because I am sad for her (even though I am), but because I 100% believe the first female president of the United States was watching it too. She may not have crushed that glass ceiling, but I think the loss has activated a whole generation of women including the one who will keep pushing for the goal she set. I am so excited for that day to come.

4. A Feminist Partner- I love the Boy for so many reasons, but it's hard not to appreciate him even more after this week.


5. A Few Hours with the Frosting Bucket- I got this bucket from my Buy Nothing Group over a year ago, and it has been filled with way more green waste than sweets. I am feeling especially grateful for my Buy Nothing (and hoping you all will go join or start your local group- it's worth it), and this bucket is a perfect example of something that looks like junk but actually has so much more life in it.


6. Goodwill Date Night- When actual romance is basically out of the question, cuban sandwiches and Goodwill make for a pretty alright substitute. Why does anyone ever buy a vase when you can get every kind on God's green Earth for 70 cents? Join Buy Nothing and go do some Christmas shopping at Goodwill. You will be so much richer, and you can spend that money on something cool.


7. Space Bikers- After brunching, we were walking laps at Seattle Center to try to force a nap and kill time before a birthday party. All of the sudden, a huge group of bikers in cosmic spandex with planet diaramas on their helmets and backs came circling around the fountain. With the music playing, people taking pictures and enjoying the Saturday with their families, the music playing loud outside, and the totally bizarre fountain racing, it was a perfect moment. So weird. So Seattle. Such a good reminder that we are all so strange and different from each other, but that can make life really unexpected and wonderful when you least expect it (and even if the nap failed.

8. Running Around like a Crazy Woman- I like when I have my life together, don't get me wrong, but there is something consistently satisfying about having a lot to do. I feel fired up, and I can see a lot of things that need done that aren't just cleaning my yard or something.

9. Zumba and Bread- I can finally say it. My kid is a genius. He figured out what is missing in most exercise routines- a big chunk of french bread! So fun to have him dancing with us, and with his work out snack in tow. When someone comes up with a whole french bread workout, let me know, because I will be all over it.

10. Answered Prayers- Despite the election hoopla, my heart is mostly directed at two women in Tennessee right now. Praying for peace, joy, strength, and healing all the time and I am feeling so joyful that God does heal. I am grateful that I have seen God do miracles before, and I have faith I will see more, so with that on my mind and in my heart, I am going to pull out of my funk (and hopefully jump on a plane at some point so I can give people some hugs in person! I can't wait).

from Kamik

1. Kamik- We live in Seattle, so you know we need some rain boots for everyone in this house. I tried and tried to find rain boots used, and I just never tracked down ones we liked that were in the right size. It hurt, because I almost exclusively buy our kids' shoes used.

At first, it looked like we weren't going to find anything ethically or locally made, so thank goodness for Kamik. This company is family owned for over a hundred years, and most of their boots are made in Canada (or maybe the US). They take the ethics and sustainability of their boots very seriously. They make their boots with partially recycled materials, and they have zero-waste targets for their manufacturing.

And they cost the same as most of what's out there. Check Amazon. Same price range as the made in China unsustainable boots.

 My favorite part is that they offer a recycling program; you can send them your boots back once you are done with them, and they will recycle them into new boots. Come on. Dream solution to the wet feet problem. The designs could probably be simpler for toddlers, but their adult options are really chic and simple (for rubber boots). If you are thinking about buying rain boots, hunting boots, or winter boots, check them out.

2. Swanson's Nursery- We are lucky to live in a city where there are seemingly endless places to take kids or things to do. We already love Swanson's for outfitting our garden, but they actually have pretty cute (and free) seasonal stuff. On Tuesday, we met friends for the cutest miniature hay maze there. So cute. The toddlers were most impressed by the fish in their cafe, which really reminded me that sometimes exploring is the most fun for them (also, splashing the fish and getting slightly soaked).

3. Visits with Gump- My dad is here! I am in a house with a lot of boys, but everyone seems so happy. He went with the Boy and the Bub to pre-school today, and it seems like he had a great time. It's fun to have visitors come and see little pieces of our life here in Seattle, and he is such a huge help for us to get on our feet before the Boy heads back to work. At the very least, it has created the window for The Boy to make a lot of freezer meals.


4.  Maasai Necklaces- One of my new favorite projects for my art classes, these necklaces are just acrylic or tempera paint on paper plates. It's a perfect way to use the paper plates in your cupboard!

5.Trump Book Reports- Specifically, Trump Book Reports at 2-3 AM while I sit in the dark breastfeeding and eating pears. Hopefully the giggles create a positive snacking environment for the Baby Bear, and he doesn't internalize that I am a crazy person this early in life. But come on. That business is funny.

6. Schwartz Brothers Blueberry Scones- A highlight of my day, for sure, was sitting in a community college cafeteria cleaning out my email and eating their blueberry scone. A+ Washington treat. Like a thousand calories. But sometimes, when you have been up all night guffawing boobs out, you just need a treat.

from ricecereal on wordpress

1. Softoys- We found this adorable little toy company in Port Angeles when we were crabfesting. They are handmade in Washington; they aren't too fussy and their cute little animals or dinosaurs fit into a carrying bag. I think our Noah's Art might live in the backseat of the car, as the Bub loves taking aminals out then putting the aminals back in. The owner swore they also are easy to throw in the wash and come back as lively as ever, so I will report back on that. Did I mention they are pretty darn cheap? Might be a perfect gift if you need to buy a gift for a toddler!

As a side note, the lions on this ark aren't going to be able to repopulate the Earth.


2. This Handsome Turtle- Our neighbors are spring cleaning and giving us a bunch of their son's old clothes. This was super generous, and these handmedowns will probably be the center of The Bub's wardrobe for at least 2 years. This is all well and good, but The Bub only cares about this infant turtle costume, which he has worn around the house as a vest while calling himself handsome. So cute.

3.Garlic- We are on a post-baby diet, which is the dumbest idea we have ever had. Who goes on a strict diet when they are already seriously sleep-deprived? We are so hungry, and everyone is cranky. I will be happier about it in a few weeks, but for now, I just feel grateful for garlic, because it tastes so delicious but it is actually good for you. And it keeps our zucchini noodles delicious and not too heartbreaking.

1. Garage Sale Greatness- Our bubs got spoiled this week- we got a wagon, a little tree house with a slide, and one of those water tables. All for 20 bucks (I looked them up- all new that is 270 dollars)! Thank you to Buy Nothing and garage sales. I may eventually paint the slide so it looks a little fresher, but the boys certainly don't care. It just goes to show that you can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by looking for things used AND you keep plastic out of landfills! Score!


2. Back to Work- I am back to teaching classes and couldn't be more giddy about it. I get a break from my infant and toddler to go hang out with the vastly more mature five (and a half. Do not forget the half) year-olds! Excited to be teaching more kids about art, about making, and about using all those things people wrongly treat as garbage!


3. Pacific Northwest Fall- We ran off to Port Angeles for a 24 hour adventure to enjoy fall, to help heal our Applefest-missing wounds, to eat crab, and to prove to ourselves we could. We did it, but we didn't actually see much fall glory. The peninsula has a lot of pine trees, so it stays pretty green. It does feel empowering to get out the door and have an overnight adventure somewhere anyway.


4. Crabfest- Port Angeles is a cute little town, and this is a cute little festival (actually way smaller than Applefest from our small hometown). Just big enough to have some crafts, live music, and a whole bunch of seafood. We didn't have the pleasure of awkward small talk with people we kind of know like at home, but we still got lots of small talk in with strangers. I forgot how much more people talk to you with an infant than with a toddler. Also, The Boy is using the crab bib to try to keep crab off The Baby Bear's head. It did not work.



5. Crab- Nom, nom delicious. You know what is weird though? The corn cob was actually the best part. Where do they get that corn!?


6. Re-Play for Apple Week- The Boy is making some of our favorite apple recipes and I thought grilled apple, cheddar and bacon grilled cheese looked really good on my favorite recycled plastic plates! Woot!


7. Republican Leaders on Being American First- I feel like this whole awful political season has been about seeing the absolute worst in anyone who disagrees with you and wishing they would just disappear (or get stuck behind a wall). That tape was ugly, but I have been happily reminded that not all conservatives are like Donald Trump. In fact, very few of them are. I know many conservative men, and none of them would ever talk about women like that.

And I know people think the line should have been drawn sooner, but I am so happy it was drawn at all, and that we as the American people agree that women should be treated with respect, even if our definition is different. It's a strange moment of common ground and I am honest to goodness rooting for us all to get it together and come together in some positive way. Because we are all Americans before we are our political party.

 1. Baby Handprint Ornaments-  We did these with the Bub too, and what I like most about them is that when I look at them, I can still hear the screams. I kid, sort of. Wow, my children hate doing them, but I didn't much enjoy labor, so it seems fair. They both produce something cute, and I like that these are basically the first of many sentimental art projects they will hate doing. Sorry boys, I am your mother and you are stuck with me.

2. Show me your Mumu- I am in a wedding later this year and have been on the hunt for a flattering dress, Made in America, of a certain length and color. Easy right? Well, I have found a bunch that fit the bill thanks to this company Show me your Mumu that still manufactures in the USA and has dresses so flattering and chic your bridesmaids might actually love them. I wish they had been around when we got married,


 3. This Year's Walk to End Alzheimer's- I didn't think I would be able to go, so I was especially glad to be there. I was also happy to do the walk with my in-laws, because the tradition is really about my husband's family, so it made it more special to share in the chaos with them. I also thought this year was in the nicest spot so far in Seattle, and it felt like it had a really enthusiastic and positive energy (last year didn't, but it was a much wetter and greyer day).

4. Breastfeeding in Seattle Center Surrounded by People- Just add it to my list of weird places where the boobs have been out. I don't think people cared, and I love my covered goods breastfeeding cover for being a nice scarf to just wear as well as a cover for everything. I can already see how people with 2 children lose steam for getting out in the world, but I want the new baby to keep getting out there too, so tools like these really help.


5. Fall- I could not be happier that fall is here. For me, this season feels like a fresh start, everything smells good, and the world is covered in color. I get to wear layers and put decorations up, so I can't complain about life right now. Seotember October, and November are the best. Excited for The Baby Bear's first fall, because his bright eyes just drink everything in.

6. Wall-E- You hear a lot about little ones liking Finding Nemo or Cars, but The Bub has just been captivated by Wall-E. You know that Pixar rocks what they do when a two year old is totally enamored from the first minute. I love that movie in general, but I love it even more now.



8. Our First Homemade Pesto- The Boy made it with his mom, and it makes my life. I feel excited and proud that at the end of this summer, we weren't totally defeated by the "growing your own food" garden experiment. We certainly aren't self-sufficient, but it is still cool to make applesauce, pesto, chimichurri and more with the plants from our own yard. If nothing else, everyone should have a herb garden. It has saved us so much money!

9. Barb- Yes, we are finally watching Stranger Things. Yes, it is as good as everyone says. We are only halfway, but the third episodes is one of the best episodes of any television show I have seen ever. People talk about the show in terms of Spielberg and nostalgia, but you could also bring iconicity into the conversation. How do you choose details that are striking enough that they stick immediately? Because that is what is happening here, and the icon of my heart is Barb. In a world full of Nancies, be a Barb.

1. "Carini" and Snappies- Word of the day. Fun to watch the Bub trying to crack up his Nonno. Also, use his brother's various things as toys. That is some multi-tasking.

2. The Recycled Orchestra- These students in Paraguay play instruments made of garbage, making the most out of the giant landfill next door. It's depressing to see the challenges they face, but it is damn cool to see what they came up with. It touches my heart too, because it perfectly illustrates the connection between being creative and rethinking "waste." This is my favorite NPR story this week, and I am going to track down the documentary- Landfill Harmonic.

3. Mel and Sue- We are watching tons of Great British Bake Off in our post-baby hermiting with the Boy's parents. Sadly, this is paired with the news that Mel and Sue are leaving! Boo! Those ladies (and their awful and wonderful puns) are total gems, so it is such a bummer that they are leaving. We were completely sucked in yesterday, so its sad that it is ending as we are just becoming seriously addicted.

1. Brotherly Love- Not to get too saccharine, but I cannot imagine this whole "bringing a baby home to your toddler" thing going better. Bubba does call his brother Succulent, and he does talk a lot about how his brother is "eating boobs again," But all in all, this is hard to top.


2. Amazing Nurses and Doctors- We lucked out with our nurses this time, and even better, my actual doctor within the practice was on call that day, and that was awesome. It was a good reminder of how much someone who really cares about their job can make a difference, and I am seriously sending this nurse a card, because she was so amazing.

3. VBAC's are Overrated- Ok, maybe I am still too close to have much perspective, but now I have done both a vaginal birth and a c-section now. They both are solidly sucky and great in relatively equal measure. I am glad I did it, just to prove to myself I can, but beyond that, I don't think I gained much from the experience. You don't get a special medal for going through it, and in fact in my case, they took the Bub away for two hours, so my c-section felt a lot more about our bond than my vaginal birth did. What am I saying? You do what works for you, but like so many Mommy things, people's insistance that one route is infinitely greater mostly turns out to be a bunch of nonsense. Do what works for you, and let the rest go. If you have a healthy baby and momma, you have succeeded.


4. Top Pot Victory Doughnut- Alright, a few things about vbacs are way better. One of the biggest perks is that you can eat very soon after. It doesn't have to be a doughnut, but it certainly doesn't hurt. God bless my Mother for bringing me this doughnut. And on that note...


5. My Mom- She changed her flights last minute and flew the day after surgery to be there when the Little Bub was born. The day after surgery. At a moment's notice. I have to be one of the only laboring women in history who was asking her doctor to slow things down however possible. So grateful for this amazing person who springs into action when we need her and who really shows that when you care, nothing can get in your way. I have often said she is a badass angel, but this took it to a whole new level. Thank you God for putting such a wonderful person in our lives and in the delivery room with us.


6.Laura Linney, Patron Saint of Birth- What kind of cool is it that PBS was having a Downton Abbey marathon through Labor Day weekend while we were laboring? It was almost more Edith than we could stand, but it made everything a little more fun. And if it hadn't have been on, we really would have been in trouble. Or at least bored. We did watch something else while they killed off Sybil, because that just seemed unhelpful for childbirth.


7. Reusable Nursing Pads- Nursing moms everywhere, I beg of you, skip the disposable nursing pads and get something like these from Love your Reusables instead. I love them- way more comfortable, easily cleaned (I mean, really, it's just breast milk) and I can use the same small stack for the whole time instead of constantly creating more landfill-filler. It may seem more expensive, but the per use cost is so much lower.

8.A Semi-Sleeping Baby- I don't want to jinx us, but I am currently so excited to have a little one who will go back to sleep after he eats, rather than staying up for hours on end every time. Again, a lot of optimism at play here, but I am hopeful we might stay closer to human this round!


9. Etsy Going Home Clothes- I mean, it's dancing dinosaurs for goodness sake! I love this outfit from Little Beans Baby. If you want a great outfit for a little one at any age or moment, be sure to check Etsy first.

10. Roy Schneider in Jaws- Why do I find his giant glasses and turtleneck to be so on point? This movie is making me really think about things. Not so much sharks, just 1970's male fashion mostly. Also, why is his wife not wearing pants? Also, never turn your back to the ocean, people. Overall, I like the film way more than I thought I would, so that is interesting, but not as interesting as the strange appeal of Roy Schneider's face.

I wrote this first in September of 2016, and our country certainly has changed a lot since then. There is so much negativity and antagonism out there, much of it coming straight from the leadership of this country. It's terribly depressing, but we aren't powerless against it.  We are all co-authors of this country, and tomorrow, more so than any other day, it feels right to focus on what is good and what unites us as a people.

Every year on September 11th, at least one person puts up images or film of the two towers which are absolutely crushing. To these people, it is important that we continue mourning the catastrophic event, and I don't think they are wrong to mourn, but I choose to think about the holiday in a different way. When I go back and read the newspaper articles, watch the news clips (some of which I did earlier this summer), or even watch the late night show returning monologues, I am moved to tears by the amount of compassion we have for each other, our gratitude towards fireman and police,  and our willingness to put our sympathy and gratitude into action.

 In that moment, which people are right to remember as dark, eventually showed the best of who we are as Americans, our willingness to help each other, and our collective and active authorship of our country. You could see that light clearly in that moment, and that is what I choose to focus on for this day of remembrance.

We can still show each other compassion, contribute to our communities, and take care of our country.

For this reason, I LOVE the 9/11 day observance, which encourages Americans to do good deeds in remembrance of the events (this is so much more productive than posting a picture on facebook- commenting is not caring, people! Don't add to the noise, just do something). I love that they allow you to share what you did to potentially inspire others. It is a National Day of service, so how can we step up our serving? I posted this list a few years ago and have even more ideas now of things you can do even with a little one in tow:



1. Share what you have, donate things you don't need. It's going to get cold- donate old coats, socks, and hats. If you can't get out tomorrow, just clean out your closet and donate it. Join your local Buy Nothing Group.

2. Call a local public school or PTA to see how you can help support the new school year.

3. Go for a walk where you smile and say hello to everyone you see. Make small talk, make the world feel smaller.

4. Buy something local. Support the businesses that feed your area.

5. Sign up to volunteer somewhere new (let's just all do this)-you can find organizations here.

6. Take treats or bread to your local firehouse or police station.

7.  Commit to having a conversation with one new person a day. When you hear there is a protest somewhere this year, go and make an effort to hear what they are saying.

8. Organize a group to fix something you didn't break.

9. Take public transit (and give up your seat!), use reusable bags, and turn off the lights in rooms you aren't in.

10. Go visit a nursing home. Be somebody's company for the afternoon. If you are raising little ones in a city, they actually have programs where you take them to visit. Your toddler can be a massively helpful volunteer.

11. Build something. Sign up for one day with National Rebuilding Day, Habitat for Humanity, or another non-profit that provides homes and labor to people who need them.

12. Get to know one of your neighbors. Can you name all of your neighbors? If not, set it as a goal.

13. Write your local congressmen. Write about what you care about, to encourage them to make a move, or to thank for the job they are doing, but write them.

14. Donate blood. Muslims for Life do a blood drive every year on this day.

15. Write 20 thank you notes- who could you thank?

16. Start a tradition in your neighborhood. How about planting 20 trees (9 and 11) every year on this day? It will make your air healthier and these crazy hot summers cooler.

17.Do a service project with the kids in your life. Teach future generations about our responsibilities to serve one another. Go clean up a street or help someone you know needs it.

18. Plant flowers or a tree. Weed a public area that needs care.

19.Stand up for someone who is in a vulnerable position, who has less money, power, or privilege than you do.

20.Pick up litter. Adopt a highway.

21. Stay involved in the issues you care about. Stand up for our veterans and follow initiatives that get them the medical and mental health care they desperately need. Speak up for National forests and parks. Stand up against systematic and unnecessary police violence.Fight the plastic bag lobby. Get as far as signing petitions and knowing what is going on.

22.Go get to know someone who is nothing like you. Promote tolerance within yourself.

23. Donate money- do it to help get people clean water or to feed their family (yes in the United States- we still have lots of people who need help)

24.Let someone else go first.

25. Support the victims' families through organizations like Peaceful Tomorrows.

26. Write to Words for the Wounded.

27. Share your creativity- look into ways to contribute to local public art, or small theaters, museum events, or city bands. Make things with others,

28. Give up using straws! Do you know how much waste we make as a country just from plastic straws? If you don't need one (and seriously, most of us don't), don't use one. It's the theme this month.

29. Learn how to start your own organization or event at CreateTheGood.org. If you can identify a problem or gap in your community, it is also your responsibility to do something about it.

30. Go to a remembrance service. Be there for someone.

31.Volunteer to tutor or mentor someone who needs it. Have one volunteer commitment you do every week (many of us are already there- Millenials are one of the most volunteering generations in history.

32. Take the time to really listen.

33.Support teachers and their classrooms. Ask them what they need and go get them that.

34. Turn off your tv and computer for the whole day.

35. Go visit a retirement home or hospice. Help the people who are most invisible.

36. Create jobs by buying American- it is definitely more expensive, but some of it just works. No one wants to fund unsafe conditions or child workers, so don't support these things with your money. Give an American company who is ethical your money
.
37. Carry a bag in your bag to collect trash in. It's an awesome habit to start.

38. Be kind in airports. Actually talk to people.

39. Leave your cell phone in your pocket. If someone you love is on fire, they will call you. No need to check facebook to kill time. Why are we all living our lives like we are killing time?

40.Recycle. Compost if you can. To be America the Beautiful, we need to stop treating our country like one giant landfill.

41. Join Team in Training or participate in an athletic event for a cause Sounds horrible to me, but I bet someone who reads this would kick ass at this!

42. Serve a meal at a homeless or youth shelter.

43. Get involved in campus treatment of sexual assault. Write your alma mater and their alumni association. Put your money where your mouth is and don't support organizations that protect the mistreatment of women.

44. Travel somewhere else in the US, even if it is the next town over, and talk to people there. Experience the difference.

45. Stand up for someone online- Online harassment is crazypants. When you see it on one of the sites you read, say something,

46. When you see a police officer, always say thank you. Don't feel like you have enough chances? Write them a card and send it.

47. Sign up for emergency training, so you can give CPR to someone who needs it if the time comes.

48. Acknowledge someone who you know already does so much for other people. Show gratitude and encouragement.

49. Ok, everyone do this too- invite someone new over for dinner. Feed someone and get to know them.

50. Do something, anything, on purpose to make your world a little better.



Ooooh, baby, this is just the tip of the iceberg, right? I am curious if people really do volunteer on this day, because posting a meme really doesn't seem like enough. What are you going to do tomorrow, even if it is small? Let me know what you come up with!

1. Our Bench- Thank you, Polywood, because this bench is just my new favorite part of our yard! Perfect for picking things out of the garden or for big fat pregnant ladies who need to sit down!

2. That Some Days are Hard, but the Next Day can be Better- Not our best week, and it is a lot of stress to manage right at the 39th week of pregnancy. But tomorrow can always be better, and most days, it probably is.

3. My Mother in Law's Ham Glaze- We celebrate ham day every September 4th, but we are doing it a little early this year. I was just tickled that the house smelled like mustard and honey and amazingness yesterday.

from Even More Clumsy

1." My Grandmother's Baskets"- My great Aunt Betsi writes a blog that I love (my favorite is a post about a little piece of plastic litter that she has been noticing NOT changing over the course of months walking by), and this week, she has been posting about baskets that could be on the shelf family heirlooms, but she actually uses them. I love how she describes it, so be sure to check her blog out.


2. A Hose, A Blanket, and a Balloon- It really makes you appreciate the genius that goes into marketing toys, because so little is necessary for a two year old's good time. Can I also say I feel a twinge of pride that every stuffed animal in this picture (but one) was either bought used or gifted as a hand me down. I would say in the last couple of months, we have seen our changes in approaching stuff really come into its own, and its exciting to see how much is used or ethically made in our house.

3. Made in the USA Lumpectomy Gear- Never would have thought this existed in a million years, but if this blog has taught me one thing, its that someone has already thought about the problem, and if you intentionally seek out things that were made ethically, with regard for the environment, or nearby, you will be SHOCKED how often you can find it.

4. Weddings in the Time of Social Media- I was too pregnant to go with the Boy to a wedding this weekend, but thanks to cell phone pictures, facebook posts, and a drunken Skype, I got to feel like I at least got a sense of what the night was like, and I got to see lots of the beautiful details (and stop at a beer distributor). So grateful that if we have to live so far from home, we can do it now, and not 50 years ago like my grandparents did it- lots of letters and road trips.

5.Buying Things Used- You had no idea I liked this, right?! I am the kind of person who gets tremendously sentimental about stuff. My mom is the kind of person where most stuff doesn't matter to her at all (both she and my brother are excellent at shaking off excess baggage), so she would rather spend less money, because she doesn't intend to keep it that long anyway. Most stuff is just stuff, and it doesn't deserve much thought, energy and money. I love this about both of them.

 Where cheapo stores like Walmart might seem like the best answer, you cannot beat the deals you find at a kid's consignment store, so we can get everything still on our list (except the damn double stroller) for cheap while still having a positive environmental impact! It works really well If you are no fuss shopper like my mom,

Majamas from Amazon

6. Majamas- So, our baby is due VERY soon, and I am finally packing our hospital bags. We were talking about getting a new pair of nursing pajamas to go with the 2 or 3 I have from last time, and I am psyched about these numbers from Majamas. This company makes all of their clothes in the US, and they are so thoughtful about what a new mom needs! I will let you know how they work.

1. Lessons in Wire Hangers- We have been trying to get rid of this pile of wire hangers (mostly from the dry cleaners) on Buy Nothing, and someone offered us the wisdom to just take them back to the dry cleaners! I know this is crazy, especially given that I write this blog, but the option never occurred to me. Though I would throw it out there


2. Grilled Cheese- Is there such a thing as an end of pregnancy surrender? I try to be healthy and exercise, but 2 weeks out, I just want to eat cake and grilled cheese off my belly while laying on the floor like a beached whale. My toddler son is like "hell no, I am better than this american cheese grilled buttery nonsense" so we can now say with confidence his tastes are more sophisticated than mine.

3. Tutu's Bed- Currently, the most fun thing is laying on the bed in the guest room. I don't know why, but I kind of enjoy these mysteries. Babies are weird.

Word of the Day "Did it" while throwing our arms up in the air in victory.

Fisher Scones from Amazon

1. Fisher Scone Mix- I am currently trying to learn to make amazing biscuits from scratch. Trying. The first ones were not so good. Until I am biscuit master, these are an amazing backup. So delicious, still made nearby, and did I mention delicious? One of my current favorite things, next to the Boy's strawberries, which are seriously great. If he ever offers you any kind of strawberry treat, say yes.

2.The Sole Secret Bench- We replaced our laundry system because it was on wheels, and we have a crazypants toddler who liked to drive it into things. This on its own is not a big deal, but combined with a new infants and pack 'n play in the same room felt dangerous. The new Sole Secret bench is so pretty, and it really makes the room feel more put together. It's supposed to be for shoes, but remove the dividers and it works perfectly for this! Plus, these benches are made in America! Win!


3. Our New Helmet- I kid you not, off the side of the road. Has some sort of dragon/ fairy hybrid on it, and it is very purple. But he doesn't care, and it is good to build the habit even if he mostly just pushes his tricycle through the gravel.

4. Cuddles? Someone has learned the word for cuddles, which you would think might mean more cuddles for everyone. Not so much. Mostly he continues to try to escape, though he does love "cuddle boobs." Which is basically trying to use cuddles as a way to stick his head in my chest and make me mad.

5. Canlis Piano Music- Oh Canlis, you are so jazzy and classy. Also, are you playing Mike Posner on the piano? And the Bieb? Also, yay for this Rachel Pally maternity dress- it has done all the classy and fancy work this pregnancy, and it was made in America! I felt really pretty for a huge balloon of a woman.


6. Dungeness Crab and Zucchini- We went to a very fancy restaurant for our 4th anniversary, since The Boy is leaving next week. I wouldn't want to do it all the time, but it is kind of a cool, fun experience every once in a long while. Plus, the view looked gorgeous and we got to see a truly special red moon rising over the city. Nice to have a grown-up night out, even if we will never truly feel classy enough for fancy dinners out.

7. Sick Days- I never finished this yesterday, which turned out to be a sicky day in our house. The Boy took great care of us, and we actually made a mature decision about putting our health before being busy. I hated it, but I am glad now. Trying to slow down is tough!

Word of the Day- "Many, many." Hilarious. Specifically in regards to many, many boogies, because we all have colds and are disgusting. The Boys have bounced back, but this prego is still many, many.

1. Actual Gift Shop Goodies- We went to the Pacific Science Center yesterday, and even though their gift shop still has lots of Made in Elsewhere stuff, some of their t-shirts were actually made in LA! Score! We don't buy much at places like these, but I couldn't resist this t-shirt. Ethically made and adorable, plus my favorite Bubba word right now is "Rockienaut" for "astronaut."



2. Malevich in Legos- I have mixed feelings on "Art of the Brick"- it definitely belongs in a science/ hands on learning center, not an art museum. But it is fun to see artworks on display in lego. Especially an artist like Malevich, who would absolutely hate this.

3. Living with Kids on Design Mom- I love this blog, even if I cannot imagine living in such pristine spaces, but this blog is smart, really thoughtful and respectful to its subjects. I also think they make for great inspiration for living with plenty of kids but less stuff- if they can do it, so can we!

Planetwise from Amazon

4. Planetwise Wet Bags- I love these wet bags. We have one now, and it feels so much better than traveling with a bunch of plastic disposable bags. A simple change that is cost effective and super cute.

5. Franz Whole Wheat Bread and Tillamook Cheese- I love that our basics- bread, milk, eggs, cheese are all from nearby. What basics do you buy from more local companies? Also, Franz whole wheat is so tasty- not as healthy as 9 grain, but I can't do that while prego, for whatever reason.

6. Being Outside- We had a day almost completely at home today, and before it got too warm out, we wedded the garden and drew a lifetime supply of helicopters and teeny houses. Once it cooled off, we headed to a park and played on the swings for an hour. So glad we can be outside and have fun like that for free!

1. Finger Paints- I love these paints and a few old sheets of sketch paper. Paired with a wheelbarrow of dirt, we spent a whole afternoon making and playing. Such a fun day! We got these locally, and you can find lots of organic options.

2. Garlic Naan- Favorite thing in any Indian restaurant. I love bread so much. I wish I could stop, but I just love it so much.


3. Baby Consignment- I just finished my Eco-Friendly Baby Registry last week, and in it, I say over and over again there is no more environmentally-friendly (and low cost) option than getting your baby supplies used. It shouldn't be considered charity or tragic for parents to lean on used supplies- kids go through things fast! Yesterday, we went to get a couple last minute items for our coming Bubba, and I felt so encouraged to see just how much they have there- sleep sacks, blankets, boppy pillows, carriers, bottles, EVERYTHING. Take the stigma away from buying your baby stuff pre-used, look up your local consignment stores, and go save tons of money. It is crazy to do anything else.

Word of the Day- The Bub repeated my first bad word "Suck it." Oops. Time to slow down on the swearing. Maybe.