A Little Place Called KOA

A while back, I suggested we make the most of our weekends by taking a Friday or two off and camping up north. Hey, even an Arizona native needs a break from the heat once in a while! (And for what it's worth, I don't think you ever truly acclimate to 108 degrees!)

We suggested it to the other families in our mom's Meetup group and voila! An entire getaway was organized by the savvy and well-experienced Carla.

I can't even begin to tell you how much fun we had!

You were probably expecting the worst... I told my violin teacher and she just apologized and said she was glad she wasn't me. I know it doesn't sound like the best idea: a small group of parents with children under the age of one in Flagstaff sleeping on the ground for a weekend. But the secret to our success: KOA. Kampgrounds of America (and I give full grace for the assault on proper spelling--that's just how great they are!) are something I had recently become aware of, but this was our first time using one and I can't recommend them enough: clean restrooms complete with showers, small store for necessities, a playground, breakfast kart serving eggs and such in the mornings (again, with the "k", I know), family movie night under the stars, laundry facilities, bike rental and more. If you're fairly green in the camping arena, as we were especially with our baby, this is the place to start.

And let me just tell you, Dia spent three days in the dirt. THREE DAYS. This was easily the greatest weekend of her LIFE. Here's proof:

Day 1 (*Notice how clean she is!)

By the next morning, we were pretty well dirty. And lovin' it.

And while she had the CUTEST pop-up chair, the tarp was way more fun! Did you want some?


Some friends brought their hammock--group swing!

More eating! Did you know Annie's makes a decent baked bean without sugar?

And being only about an hour and a half from the Grand Canyon, we made a stop--it was Rory's first visit! Oh, and Dia's, too! He was blown away. It is such a beautiful sight. Dia was mostly impressed with the other people, dogs and how papa could disappear behind the rocks.

Had a picnic in the car!

Enjoyed the beautiful park! And beautiful weather--what a blessing to be outdoors for three days after a summer of, "No, we can't go outside, D. It's 107."

Happy girl, beautiful time! Beautiful girl, happy time!



Playing peek-a-boo with a girl we met at the playground

Tough girl!

Back at the KOA, Dia met a little three-year old who showed her the ways of the world, i.e., how to ride the merry-go-round while standing up and how to shove wood chips through the fence.
(Dia would often point to the playground--it was visible from our campsite--and pump her arms furiously while huffing and puffing. She loved playing and LOVED watching the big kids.)

The whole group! Great mamas, papas and babies

Confirmation

To be honest, I am always torn when a new archeological or environmental discovery is made that confirms a biblical account. I guess there's a part of me that says, "Well, yeah! Of course. I didn't need a scientist to tell me the Bible is true!" I believe the Bible and always will--even if all the science points against it. I fully believe that there is a Mind and Being far greater than mine so I don't expect my thinking and even my scientific method to offer complete truth all the time.

But today on the Diane Rehm show, I was truly excited to see that when God encouraged us to "go to the ant" (Proverbs 6:6-8, Proverbs 30:25) he really meant it! Did you know Southwest Airlines "went to the ant" when designing their unique boarding and seating arrangement?! Oh and there is more! Enjoy!

Peter Miller: "The Smart Swarm" (Avery)

A Few Firsts

I love that even though she is growing older and bigger and wiser and even more beautiful (if that's even possible!), there are still things she is doing for the first time!

Like talk in her sleep! Early early Sunday morning I was roused from my sleep only to look over at Dia and see that she was smiling and saying "Uh-oh!" in her sleep! Eyes closed and in full slumber! I wanted to laugh so hard. I could hardly believe it. If you know Rory at all, you know that this is a full Papa skill. Already following in our footsteps, I guess!

She also signed for the first time Monday night! She can now sign "more"! I was shocked and so excited when my mom started signing it with her and she shortly started repeating the motion. So she now has several words and a sign in her arsenal of communication!

And remember that picture of her exploring the doggy door? Well guess who got stuck in it today? To be fair, the flaps on the doggy door are in their last stages and need to be replaced soon. As it is now, when the dogs go in and our the flaps sometimes get stuck in and on each other basically leaving a rectangular floor-level window. It is practically begging D to explore it! And today, she got herself half-way through it. She loves being able to look right out without anything obstructing her view and now, I assume, she will also love being able to head outside whenever the fancy hits! Can you say, "Uh-oh"?

This is a little stretch, but she also got her first fourth tooth today. Okay, okay. Just her fourth tooth! But still, I had to stretch it so that the "Firsts" title would fit! So she now has two bottom teeth and both eye teeth. Yippee!!!

And as per the photo, Dia had her first spaghetti dinner (organic rice pasta with Trader Joe's organic marinara)! Mmmmm! She loved it. We usually just give her plain pasta which she loves, but the other night she refused to eat it. She wanted to sit in my lap and play with my "real" pasta dinner. Rory and I agreed that that simply would not work, so we let her sit on the floor screaming while we attempted to have a nice dinner. We eventually tried sitting her down in the high chair again and for some reason, thought to put some of our "real" pasta with sauce on her tray this time. And voila! That's all she had wanted the whole time! And let me tell you, I had such a pang of guilt. She wasn't being difficult or spoiled or troublesome or anything like that. Her heart had been pure, we just mis-communicated. Agh! I never want to cause her unneeded pain and even though it was only for a few minutes over some pasta sauce, all wounds of your child are heavy burdens on a mama heart. And it's only just beginning! Lord, send Your mercy, compassion and grace.

Lately

Time for a little catch-up!

Lately, Dia is all about "uh-oh" and peek-a-boo. She loves to drop things (or just to shout it out randomly as well) and sing, "Uh....ooohhhh!" And when it comes to peek-a-boo, she likes to have her eyes on her playmate while hiding at the same time. I have hinted at how talented she truly is, but come on, peek-a-boo with your eyes open? Brilliant! :) Just shows how much she wants to witness the joy she brings us.

She will use a toy, clear plastic bag (not that she plays with those, but sometimes the bread bag is sitting just right on the table), a finger, one hand, two hands, a spoon, the table, a chair, my wallet, her hairband, just about anything to hide one eye or simply cover the bridge of her nose while sporting the cutest, slyest grin awaiting the big payoff: "Where's Dia? Where is she.....? Peek-a-boo!" We laugh and smile a lot around here, let me tell you.

We also have a problem with lettuce... She loves it. I guess we eat a lot of salad because she wants lettuce and other green leafies more than anything else! In fact, tonight at dinner she pushed aside her bread and jam for more salad. But she only has three teeth....she can't chew it up. So we let her suck on it...

Which brings me to the newest addition to Dia's mouth--her left eye tooth. :) It came in on a Wednesday and is here to stay. And makes her mouth look much more grown-up.

She is also 19.5 lbs and 31 inches long (one good thing from our Urgent Care run--updated stats!).

Her still blonde hair is long and actually gets dirty (mostly from food she puts behind her head...not sure why, but hey, why not?) so she and Papa take a bath just about every night. This is my primo practice time...that's right! There is something new about me! I started learning to play the violin a few months back and while I hate to brag, I can play Kookaburra AND Hot Cross Buns.

Her best friends in the world are Roxy and Depot. He puts his paws on the bed every morning to her great delight and she regularly tries to feed him by lifting up his mouth and trying to shove things in between his teeth. Yesterday, she wanted him to enjoy a banana still in its peel, so she lifted and shoved and shoved to no avail. (Depot loves food but he has his limits.) Finally, she put it in her mouth trying to show him how to do it. Still, he did not bite. Finally she put it in an ice chest I had sitting on the floor, dragged the chest over to him spilling water which she splashed him with. Alas, he did not eat. But you can't say she didn't try. :)

Dia is now mobile! She regularly dials out on my cell phone and yesterday called Rory while we were driving (I had no idea). She hung up, so he called back and she answered! I regularly see dialed calls to numbers like 334-777-9901 and 111-111-5555. I know there are crowds of people upset with me for "prank" calling...

And I now have to gather my purse before heading out. Not pick it up, you see. Rather, I have to gather its remnants strewn about the floor. She loves this girly little bag of fun. She pulls out every card and receipt and talks to them while crawling around.

She is also still true to one of her first loves: birds. She loves them and runs (aka turbo crawl) to the window if she thinks she sees one. It's hard being in such a hot, humid climate right now since she would prefer to be outdoors at all times, but it's almost fall and we will make up for lost time soon.

She is joy personified! And while this video is late in catching all the fun, it's a bit of the delight we enjoy daily. Happy August everyone!

The Week We Had...

You would not believe the week we had.

It started back a few days before the annual home-school convention. Dia had a low-grade fever and full supply of teething behavior. But when the fever hovered around 102 both days of the convention, I didn't feel right dragging her to seminars and workshops, so we stayed home. Unfortunately, our dogs got out that Friday (two Golden Retriever mixes who love to run!) and while they usually find their way back home within a few hours, this time only Roxy returned. But with my fever girl I couldn't drive around looking for our missing pup, so we walked a bit calling his name and just prayed he'd come home.

When he remained MIA that Saturday morning, we made signs and began posting them around our neighborhood. I got home in time to get my mom's call that my grandfather had past away. He hadn't been well for some time, but still, the loss is always hard.

Thankfully, the Lord answered our prayers and a neighbor had taken Depot in for the night and then called when she saw the signs.

We got him home, but Dia's fever just wouldn't quit. Finally around midnight, it spiked to 103.6 so we made a run to Urgent Care. They diagnosed her with a minor ear infection, prescibed an antibiotic and we were on our way.

Until Monday night when the rash started. It started on the back of her neck and by Tuesday morning, covered her entire trunk and was accompanied with severe diarrhea. A few calls to our pediatrician and the pharmacist and we were pretty sure my lovebug had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. A doctor's visit the next morning confirmed it and we were almost in the clear! Until it started back and different that next weekend! Thinking it was possibly a delayed a viral infection, but since it disappeared within two days and caused no discomfort we never made a visit to the doctor.

So while we never made it to the convention, we....well, we're still standing!

Mr. Postman

A few weeks back, this came in the mail:

It was on top of the junk mail pile when Dia first saw it and, well, the only way I can describe her reaction is sheer excitement. She took hold of it with both hands, sat on the floor and shrieked with joy. I am laughing even now as I remember how hard we laughed then! She poked repeatedly at the cover and crumpled it over and over in her hands unable to contain herself! She carried it around with her for an entire day, thrilled to own it. Boy, these marketers really do know what they are doing to get a ten-month child that excited about capitalism!

And then last week, this came:

Dia was on the floor going through the junk mail (hey, she likes what she likes okay?), when she saw it (it's a shiny advertisement for Dora the Explorer toys) and it was like the American Girls catalog all over again! Only this time she insisted on sitting in each of our laps and showing us the cover while shreiking and breathing hard!

This girl! Dia June, you are priceless! I love your joi d'vie!

P.S.
With both advertisements, Rory replied, "You like this, Dia? Would you like Papa to get this for you?" Oh man! He is a sucker for advertisements, too. Laugh outloud! Okay, well maybe he is a bigger sucker for his daughter's joy. Everytime the two of them go to the store, they come home with a balloon! Shiny mylar orbs celebrating birthdays have slowly been filling our little house! And yes, Dia couldn't be happier. :)

A Surprise Blessing

The Lord gave me a gift today. A new view. A source of freedom and even excitement.

I have been dreading the month of August. Since about February I have been feeling a heaviness in my bones about the upcoming August. And it had nothing to do with the heat.

Here's a bit from my journal entry on the 18th of August:

"The eighteenth. The eighteenth of every month jumps out of the calendar with a shout of joy--my Dia was born on an eighteenth. Eighteenth of September to be exact. That makes her ten months old today. TEN MONTHS. I have already cried and "lost it" several times and it isn't even eleven am. I don't know why, but ten months feels like a milestone. Only two months from her first birthday--and counting."

Yes, that's right. I have become a melodramatic "that" kind of mom. I have been sensing with some dread my first born's first birthday.

I couldn't be happier that she is growing and thriving...it's just hard to swallow that this year (dare I call it that quite yet?!) really is slipping through my fingers. I have intentionally worked to savor this year, not rush through anything. And yet, it is still ending. (This seems incredibly unfair, by the way. If I savor and not rush, I should get a few bonus weeks.)

So today was a welcome reprieve. Today Dia and I went shopping. I intentionally kept her awake on the drive over there, thinking she would sleep while I shopped and tried on clothes. Instead, she soaked up every minute of "mall" time. She enjoyed looking through racks and would smile big when I tried on outfits (especially colorful ones). She waved at people (especially elderly ones) and chewed on a hanger or two. We spent a good three hours between Macy's, Starbucks and a few random stores and she was so much fun to be with! I have heard some moms prefer to have their kids watched at home while they shop and while I can understand that, today I wouldn't have done it any other way.

And so, while I have been giving my tear ducts a thorough cleansing several times in anticipation of the big o-n-e, today the Lord really encouraged me with the young girl who is growing up already as one of my best friends.

She really is just so much fun! I actually enjoy her company. And even though she usually only responds with mama, uh-oh, or uhn-uhn-uhn, I even enjoy talking with her.

Thank You, Lord for such delight, love and beauty wrapped in skin, strenthened by bone and a determined inner-will! Everyday of this last year has been full of wonder and a true inner joy I never before knew possible.

Look out, world. Dia's on her way!

(As you can see from the photo, Dia loves loves loves her mama's makeup drawer. :) She even carries my make-up brushes around the house with her.)

What're You Doing This Weekend?

Ever been to a convention? As a veteran home-school student, there is really only one convention ever worth noting (and no, it's not a Trekkie expo): the Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE) Home-schooling Convention. And yes, I am not ashamed to say, this was a social highlight of my school days! They actually had a "teen track" of speakers that had a plethora of relevant information and thought-provoking ideas that my friends and I really did enjoy and appreciate (and sometimes still discuss years later). And Rory and I still remember walking in the heat over to the Arizona Center for lunch from the food court (he always got "cool" food and I always ate the plain healthy stuff, of course).

And now, we are preparing to go again. It's been several years (dare I say ten???), but now we are going not as teens, but as parents. Wow. We are going to re-orient ourselves with that subculture of families known as home-schoolers. We are going more to learn what we should be learning and doing before we ask the same of our girl. We are going to start preparing for the daunting, highly overwhelming and we-are-not-one-ounce-qualified-for task of educating a young heart and mind.

Can I tell you how NOT ready we are?!

And yet, there is exitement brewing. Maybe you are like me and there is something attractive in the challenge. Something alluring in following a path not oft taken. Something convicting about doing what you know is right.

This is when I look to our parents. You know, those druggies from the seventies who God hand-plucked out of the mire to turn into diamonds of light comforting and guiding us to Truth? (We are so inviting them to come with us, by the way!) Their complete and total imperfection inspires me a lot right now. And I mean that as the greatest praise. If they can do it (and do a darn good job, I might humbly add--four college grads between them, two summa cum laude, ahem, and two teenagers still enrolled in college), then we can certainly give our best effort and hope, as I so do, to at least give our kids just a bump up, a little better view, the tiniest bit more than we had. And so, perhaps, that is all progress is. Taking all the good, all the glorious, all the raw material and gleaning just one bit more. And opening our eyes just that one degree further. Because we all know how far one degree can take us over years of steady plotting. (You can read more about my heart for home-schooling over here.)

So I don't know what you'll be doing this weekend, but we have plans to hear speakers explain things like:

• Seven Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential
• Rebuilding Your Education Paradigm: Teaching for Education Freedomship
• Cultivating Curiosity: Growing Your Little One's Love of Learning (We're both excited to hear the wonderful mother-daughter team leading this one--this is her blog)
  
• Teaching Boys and Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day (love the title!)
  

And of course, our highlight will be the hour led by Travis Turner, one of our favorite people in the world and the man who....well, who is like a second dad to both of us in so many ways.

There will be so much to do and see and we don't want to wait until we are ready to teach to start learning how. So home-schooling future full of trials and errors and mishaps we can blame on no one but ourselves that we hope somehow by God's grace only inspire and instill love in our children, here we come!

If you're interested, you can check out the convention website here. First-timers with preschool-age children and younger are FREE! And for more home-schooling info, check out this site. (Michael Farris, pictured at the bottom left, is the Keynote Speaker this year at the AFHE Convention and will be talking about parental rights, among other great topics.)

Good Eats

While the doctor (our amazing naturopath, Farra Swan) did give us the food list, and while this follow-the-rules-guidelines-are-our-friends mama did have every intention of following said list to the letter, Dia had plans of her own.


Could this be a life-lesson for said mama? I do believe so.

I am learning and re-learning constantly that Dia is her OWN person. She is under my care and my charge, but she is not ME. She is SHE. And oh how I love she!

So while I started out obsessively following our food list (it's a great list, actually, based on the mineral content of food for optimal digestion), Dia liked what was on our plates. And when I say, liked, I mean had to have it NOW. And since food, as you know, has always been a research in action thing for us, I was a little perplexed.

"But, Dia, see I read these books and talked with the doctor. Black beans and tortillas aren't on the list for another ten months. Your tummy really would much rather have the brown rice and banana slices. No, Dia. No, no, you see, the BOOK SAYS......Well, okay. Here, try the beans.

Oh, you like them? You really like them, don't you? You want more? More?! But the BOOK SAYS.......!!!!"

And clearly my angel baby recognized the logic in my argument and the black beans and tortilla you see her eating the picture are merely photo-shopped in. Right!

One thing I was raised with and have always recognized as healthy for us is that food should NEVER EVER be connected with deprivation. Limitations and regulations with food can often confuse us (children and adults) and confuse our God-given hunger cues and curiosity*. Food exists (was perfectly created by a perfect Creator) to nourish us. The key to this thinking and lifetstyle, however, is to keep on hand only the best quality stuff.

So here's what we're eating now (and no, it's not on any list, thank you very much):

The afore-mentioned black, beans, corn tortilla, avocado, tomotoes, etc.
Basically the Dia version of black bean tacos.

Strawberries! MMM! Fruit of all kind always scores with D.

She has my love for apple butter (and rice cakes, mmm!)!
I like unsweetened, pure apple butter and
Sprouts sells a great variety that I, and now Dia, love!

Green smoothies! Got Greens? :)

As I am discovering is true with just about every area of parenting, the eating thing has a lot more to do with I put in my mouth, than what I tell Dia to eat. My example before her is SO MUCH more powerful than anything I try to tell her to do, because she is first and foremost my shadow. She wants to eat, do and be everything I do and am. So the responsiblity for wisdom, really, falls on my shoulders. And I did read that in a book.

*If you're wondering how this thinking can possibly coexist with a raw vegan lifestyle which seems to be extremely restrictive, you might be confusing educated choices with regulations. We relate it a lot to Biblical living. It seems that living by such extreme regulations as put forth by the Bible would be so restrictive, but as one who has personally experienced this, I can tell you that the opposite is true! Such wise choices as putting others first, not lying, not swearing, etc. actually frees us. The same can be said with wise eating habits.

Good Read

As a mom, I love to hear how papas feel--in their own words.

This is a great article from a great magazine in the words of a new papa. It's a different sort of thinking for our American culture, but as you can see, it works for us, too.

Dia's papa says he wouldn't do it any other way and I completely agree.

(And yes, I piled pillows high in the background. Little Miss No Fear likes to dive off the bed when she silently not-a-sound-in-the-world wakes up.)

Music Baby & The Lure of Islands

I'd like to start this post with a tip of my hat to my youngest sister, Allison. She recently interviewed for and received her first job! She is now the official third and final member of our family to be employed by Islands Restaurants.

I guess you never know where family traditions will start, do you?

I put myself through college working at Islands and while I appreciated the work, I never understood the lure of such a silly looking burger restaurant.

Well, last night I could have kissed our waitress (and it wasn't because the service was all the great, either)! After five years of working there, I finally understand and appreciate the draw--it's a great place to take your kids! It really is. Ok, not for the food per se (though they do serve carrot slices and apple sauce...not organic, of course, but it's something...), but if you are out and about like we were last night and want a fun place to take your family, Islands is perfect. I feel silly just finding out about it, but hey, what can I say?

And the reason we were destined to be out and about last night can be summed up in two words: splash pad. We met up with some family (including Alli of course! Had to celebrate the big j-o-b!) and Dia's favorite ten-year old, Shannon (our flower girl from our wedding more than six years ago and my parents-in-law continued neighbor), for splashing and giggling in the fountains outside.


Dia had a great time playing, splashing and watching all the kids. I had a hard time capturing all the smiles and huge flailing of the arms and legs with the camera, but trust me, she was having a blast. What was super easy to catch on film, though, was Dia's real thrill:

Yes, that's my daughter applauding the guitarist.

Can't you just hear her saying, "Rock on!"

We've both felt (through prayer and just plain observation) that Dia is musically inclined. She has responded to Rory's playing guitar since she was weeks old and she goes crazy when I practice violin. She and Rory also participate in a Music Together class (which we LOVE!) and she is already responding to certain songs (I can sing them all for you at will, by the way). And then at our nine-month check up the doctor was watching her and actually asked, "Is she musical?" I just about fell out of my seat!

And then to top it all off, last night she crawled away from the water and the crazy fun kids to get as close as possible to the music man. She kept trying to crawl on stage with him (we let her play with the guitar at home so she knows how fun it is to play!) so we had to hold her so she could still feel close to the action. She stayed for several songs both to the amusement of the musician and the other parents around us. We were all in stitches because she kept raising her hands and bopping to the music and clapping. She did the same thing last week in church during worship. She loves music, especially live music.

What a privilege to watch her develop and witness God's destiny for her unfolding before our very eyes! And what a blessing that in this crazy world there are still family-friendly venues to celebrate life.

Angel Baby

Since I don't have a fancy cell phone I have to text pics to my husband and then have him email them to me. These few pics are just too cute not to share:

Doesn't she look so grown-up here? (Thanks to a friend who encouraged me to finally offer Dia "real" food and assured me she wouldn't choke. :) Oh, first-time mommy fears!)

We've been enjoying the park behind our house just about every evening. It's a great way to be outdoors without sun burn and gallons of sweat!

I LOVE THIS PHOTO.
So precious. Can't believe my measly flip phone captured such a great shot.

This was a morning out in the grass. Love life, love the sun, love my baby.

Food

As you know, I have been digging and searching and really wrestling with what to put in my and my family's bodies. It is a really hard question to answer these days! Ideally, my husband and I would drop everything and move to a farm to live off of our organic ideals...don't be surprised if we just do this someday, too! But for now, we are smack dab in the middle of a city whose health professionals say, eat meat, don't eat meat, go raw/vegan, raw/vegan is deficient in nutrients, eat organic, conventional is fine and other such paradoxes that make it SO HARD for a mom like me to really understand what to eat.

Here's what I am chewing on for now:

• Whole, fresh foods are ultimately, no doubt the best. There is nothing that comes in a package/box that can truly offer our bodies what it needs. (This also works with my theology! God created this earth with everything in it we need.)
• Sugar is absolutely, no doubt the worst. I call it the White Satan and will one day write a blog post about how truly horrible this stuff is (from its conception in the Caribbean coast that led to the development of the transcontinental human slave trade to its addictive, immune-system depleting status of today). Agave, maple syrup, honey and dates really can replace the white stuff in your life if you're willing to shop smart and bake at home.
• Vegetables will always be the way to go...but meat can play a part, too. I do believe in Proverbs 12:10 (a righteous man has concern for the life of his animal) and in a sustainable method of farming (this is another theological issue for me--we are stewards of the earth and ought to set an example in our care of it) so organic and free range, grass-fed, hormone-free beef and poultry as well as cage-free eggs are always well worth the extra few dollars.

Rory and I never felt (or looked!) better than when we spent two years as raw vegans. We learned a lot during that time (for example, a healthy growing man CAN survive and even thrive off of green leafy vegetables--we stopped referring to lettuce/kale/chard-based meals as salads and coined the phrase "entree of greens" for a more manly twist) and my goal now is to incorporate that knowledge into our meat-friendly diet. My plan and prayer is to be green vegetable-focused using meat to garnish once or twice a week. Main sources of protein will be eggs, beans/legumes balanced with grains and nuts and seeds. We are still learning and still searching, but summer is a great time to focus on fresh foods and salads. With a lot of grace, I think we can do it.

So, the last time we were at Whole Foods I picked up several young thai coconuts (here is a great video showing how to open one at home or feel free to ask a grocer to open them for you--they have always been willing and friendly about this in my experience) and a 5-pound bag of organic carrots. I was craving a Bugs Bunny:

Bugs Bunny

1 coconut, water set aside in a glass and meat scraped out and put in the blender
Juice from 3-5 carrots, washed and trimmed of any yucky parts

Blend all the ingredients together for a delicious, super hydrating beverage and pick-me-up ideal for mornings, evenings and any time! (I have an Omega Juicer that I love but you can spend a little more for something fancier or a little less for something equally juicable.)

(And yes, that is my daughter eating strawberries off of the floor. While we might be picky about WHAT we eat, apparently, we are far less concerned with where we eat it!)

Toys

My mom is a toy-lover. She loves fun and loves toys. And since I believe less is more, she has been encouraging me to supply DD with a healthy dose of fun-inducing toys. But nothing we have purchased (and it hasn't been much, really) thrills Dia as much as

The fridge--especially when I put peaches at finger-grabbing level! (This is her, "It's ok, Mom. I have it all under control" face. :) Just kidding--she's actually waving and dancing but I couldn't capture it very well with the camera.)

The magnetic clip that holds papers on the fridge. She is an equal-item eater and enjoys eating both the clip AND the papers equally well.

Her comb! Tastes great and slides well on tile floors.

The ever fascinating dishwasher. Dia is already great at dishes--she regularly unloads the silverware tray onto the floor for me (sans knives, of course). She literally huffs and puffs and puts her crawl on turbo speed when she hears me open the dishwasher, the fridge or the pantry (where the dog's bowls are kept)!

Large melons and other objects not normally found on living room floors...

ROCKS. Enough said.

And while we have yet to master going down, she could (and does with her Oma's help) climb up stairs all day long.

Basically, she is finding the joy in everyday items and learning her place with them. It's the regular stuff of the day that thrills the most. And I am thrilled just to watch!

And then one day...

Her little blonde strands grew long enough for a barrette!

And blowing in the wind, lol!

These days are going quickly....too quickly. But what a joy to watch her grow right before me.
My greatest blessing and greatest happiness.

What I'm Eating Now

It's delicious. If there is one thing just about everyone can agree on when it comes to a raw food diet, it's that the desserts cannot be beat. And with the summer heat upon us, what could be better than no-cook pie? Make that a chocolate no-cook pie! I do so love chocolate.

This is amazingly made of avocados, dates, agave and some coconut and nuts. Simple, simple, simple and actually nutritious.

I am still finding my balance between raw foods, veganism, locavorism and the high protein diet I enjoyed during pregnancy. I'll keep you posted if I learn anything new or make any new decisions.

Here's a recipe for one like mine--I use and recommend half cacao and half carob instead of the chocolate she uses and I just use a plain pie dish, nothing fancy for me-- (she goes a bit slowly but explains everything really thoroughly if you're new to raw foods):



Make sure you watch Part 1 and Part 2.


Enjoy!

Margaretha Irene Bergler

I don't know if it's just the wonder of California or a magical spell cast over those of us heat-drenched Zonies, but it is always hard to leave California. This last trip was especially difficult. As we usually pull away from the curb on Hillward Street in West Covina, Oma and Opa (Rory's Grandma and Grandpa) stand and wave us down the street until we can see each other no longer. As they say, "it's tradition." (The movie Ever After copied it from us, I promise.)

If you have never had the privilege of your own personal Oma, well, my sincerest apologies. You have plum missed out. Omas aren't like regular grandmas. Especially Rory's dearest Oma Bergler. This Oma was born in Indonesia to a wealthy family (they were the first to bring automobiles to the island) and loved to play piano. She endured horror and pain at the hands of the Suharto Regime that shook up the entire nation, but she and her husband eventually made it to Holland with their four children (the ardous boat voyage was personally relayed to me once by Oma herself and it sounded, well, horrible) and then onto America (by now with SIX little ones) where a family of, I believe, five children sponsored them and let them stay in their home with them. As I recall, there were eleven children, two husband and two wives sharing a four-bedroom home.

That was back when American living was a privilege and Oma and Opa lived out the dream and the sacrifice. The two of them set an example we still admire and model ourselves after in so many ways. This is no small task for two foreigners raising six children in the sixties and seventies.

Sixteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren later, Oma somehow became old. She could never know how well she really wore "old," though, in our eyes. Oma brought joy without fail, though she warned all of us to never get old. I don't think we'll ever know all that she saw, experienced, lived through. But I do know that we all should be so lucky to have an Oma like our Oma.

Thankfully, I don't think any of us took her for granted while she lived among us. But still, now that she is gone, there is so much we miss--such as her small frame standing next to Opa as we start our drive back to Arizona. This last week, it was Dia's Oma (Rory's mom, Sonja) standing there next to Opa (her dad) waving us down Hillward towards our drive home. And tears flowed, I imagine, as heavily for the one taking Oma's place as they did for those of us leaning out the car window.

We love you, Oma. We'll be seeing you soon....although, some of us may be old by the time we get there--despite our best efforts, I assure you.

Ornithology 101

We have a new favorite pastime in the Starks household. It often begins with fingers pointing wildly and a steady, constant "Buh-buh-buh! Buh! Buh! Buh!" In other words, "There are birds!!!!!"

It's a very exciting time to be alive, my friends.



And in case you can't see it at the end, she reaches over to put her arm around me so that we can both see the same thing. Love has arrived....it's spelled I-n-d-i-a.

Love That Grows

Some people have children as a surprise.

Some get pregnant to feel special.

A fair amount hope a baby will save a marriage.

Others do so to fit in with the crowd.

By the grace of the Lord, my husband and I were so full of love for each other that it couldn't help but replicate itself. I recommend this option. I highly highly highly recommend it.

We didn't get there by ourselves, though. If you've been following me for long, you know the journey has been and continues to be long, rough and extremely worthwhile. To learn more....

Rejoice!

I found myself in bed this morning pondering my day. June begins tomorrow and I get positively giddy over sitting down at our family calendar and planning out our month ahead. This morning, I was mentally re-running through our weekly menu.

I enjoy keeping a menu for meal planning. I do not, however, shop according to the menu. I shop according to what's in season (this is best done at the local farmer's market if you don't have your own garden) and then come home and pray for inspiration! Our menu revolves around our shopping. I know this sounds a bit backward, but it works.

Seasonal shopping keeps things interesting (I don't like serving or making the same old dishes year-round) and keeps me learning. I often turn to the cookbook mid-week when we only have a few random pieces of food stragglers left in the fridge/pantry and flip back to the index to look up their suggestions for cauliflower, let's say. And I inevitably find a new way to prepare a familiar food. I have to be flexible (I may not be able to add sundried tomatoes or maybe it will have to be cashews instead of almonds), but if you don't mind the adventure (and potential call to the local pizza delivery in case you completely ruin everything--which has yet to happen, I am happy to report!) this is a great way to eat/cook in season without getting bored. In fact, Rory and I have found some of our favorite meals with index cooking! One of my favorite and most-used indexes is found in this cookbook.

And this morning, as I reminded myself that it would be broccoli and pasta tomorrow followed by ceasar salad, then BLT's (turkey bacon on spelt toast, fyi) and then a date night for Friday, it occurred to me that this is rejoicing in the day the Lord has made. Rejoicing in the day just might include the chores of the day. Rejoice in the diapers that will be changed, rejoice in the food you will prepare, rejoice in the clothes you will wash! And again I will say, Rejoice!

Recommendation

Take a beautiful photo of your child/children.

Have said photo enlarged, framed, etc.

Hang photo on wall in visible family space.

Watch as little eyes light up and tiny fingers point at the glory that is themselves on display for all to see. Hug child and point and exclaim, "Who's that?! That's my beautiful BABY!" with true and genuine glee.

This will thrill for days, weeks, months on end. As well as show our children, not just tell, that they are beautiful and loved.

Photo credit: http://www.simplysmittenphotography.com/

And the Younger Will Teach the Older...

The other day Jessica (my younger sister) was watching DD while I was having my hair done. These two usually walk around the shops and get coffee (well, Dia gets a straw to chew on) and come in and see me for the hour or so it takes to tame my mane, but as it was a bit warm, I suggested they turn the air on in the car and play with our bag of car toys.

(FYI--greatest idea ever! Buy a large canvas bag from one of the grocery stores and fill it with random toys reserved solely for the car. Place the bag behind the driver's seat for easy reach and grab while on the road and makes for super easy toy toting to play dates and park time! Since we aren't in the car that often, these toys end up being "special" for Dia and last a long time without boring her.)

When Dia's diaper needed changing, however, Jess let her play with the spray bottle we use for wetting our cloth wipes while she did the dirty deed. Dia loves water right now, so the spray bottle ended up fascinating our Bugs for quite a while!

Here's the great part: When Jess told me about the spray bottle fun, she said, "I hope that was okay. I didn't know what was in there for sure, but I tasted it and it tasted like water. Plus I knew the Holy Spirit would warn me if it was anything but water and He didn't, so I figured it was okay."

The only thing my little sister needed was an A-Okay from the Holy Spirit. If that isn't a living faith, I don't know what is.

I most certainly can learn a thing or two from my Jessi.

Six Years Later...

Yesterday marked the sixth May 15th since 2004. 2004 being
the simple four numbers that represent
the year Rory and I wed.

And I guess at some point, the date May 15, 2004 has become more than a date.
It's starting to feel like
a marking in history,
a specific and fixed representation of the alignment of the sun, moon and stars
on one particular 24-hour light and dark cycle.
And since 2004,
that alignment of planets and positioning of the sun (i.e., that day)
has become ours.
We own it.
Every kiss, every fight, every discussion and resolution has cemented our ownership.

It's our day and the last six summers,
autumns, winters
and springs with its
warmth
and cold,
light
and dark cycles

prove, to me, that we have earned it.

Yesterday was our holiday to stop, kiss, share and talk as we lived and loved during yet another celebration of the 365-day spin and cycle of the earth that brought us to our sixth year.

Our marriage for me, at six years, is really and truly becoming fact. It's like breath. It just is. To live is to breathe, to exist is to be with Rory. Though I feel it taking more of me and more of him and slowly rubbing down the edges and delineations between our persons and our spirits and leaving an us.

Six years later, there is us.

Prepositions

I noticed today that we have entered what I am coining "The Preposition Phase." When I was in school (aka home with my mom), I learned my prepositions by drawing a big action scene with items and characters all in preposition form ,e.g., the bird "on" the rock, the pirate "aboard" the ship, etc. (very creatively, she put the random ones like "of" and "about" on a banner pulled by an airplane "in" the sky). Well, I am proud to announce that the prepositions still live and Dia is now currently studying them from a physical perspective (she's a genius, I know!):



"Under"--nothing is as fun as scooting underneath the kitchen chairs.


Except, that is, climbing "over" the chairs!


"Through"-- Mmm...doesn't that doggy door look inviting? Don't worry--she hasn't actually made it "through" yet....but I know my days are numbered!


"Among"--Dia can often and regularly be found among her best friends: Depot and Roxy. Surprisingly, Depot (our younger and more rambunctious pup) is dearest to DD's heart and they play amazingly well together.


"On"--She loves climbing on Depot! And he is so good to let her do that.


And everything ends up "in" her mouth!

It's probably because of these two new beauties:

The Monday after she crawled, she broke her first tooth, said "Papa" for the first time ("Mama" and "Mom-mom-mom" were her chosen first words earlier in the month--I've had to ask family and friends to confirm this because my heart literally stops beating each time I hear it!) and started clapping all at once! It's been like skiing downhill--on the most beautiful path in the world with the nicest pair of skis money can buy! I feel like the baby I once had is now well on her way to toddler-hood and beyond.

And then of course, there is all the fun that Papa brings. We'll just call this her exploration of gravity and balance--actually, I think she has balance pretty well covered!
(CAUTION: Do not view if you are faint of heart....)

The Stink Factor and Other Reasons to Use Cloth

I've been waiting on two things to happen before posting about using cloth diapers: mobility and solid food. Well, folks, the results are in!

First, let me say that the only reason that a lot of our lifestyle choices align with the "green," "hippie," "granola" movement is pure coincidence. We actually make most of those choices because research shows that they are truly better for us and our health--call us self-centered hippies. It just so happens that most of the choices that are better for our human health just happen to also be better for animals and land. Now I am not saying that maybe God had a plan in His design so that we could all live harmoniously while progressing, but...well, maybe He did!

Ok, so this brings us to cloth. While we were really turned off to the idea of disposable diapers sitting in a landfill for literally over one hundred years, to be honest, it's not like we ever see the landfill so we didn't think that much about it. (See? Self-centered hippies. I told you.)

But cloth kept nagging at me. And then I found this. Actually, the article I found was different but told the same story. "The new polyacrylate gel (found in disposable diapers) has been linked to some side effects, including allergic reactions such as skin irritations, and to toxic shock syndrome. In addition, the dyes in the diapers have been linked to damage of the central nervous system, and disposable diapers may contain low concentrations of dioxin, a by-product of the bleaching process used in the production of the paper pulp found in the absorbent layer. Dioxin has been linked to liver damage and immune system suppression."

According to the World Health Organization:

"Short-term exposure of humans to high levels of dioxins may result in skin lesions, such as chloracne and patchy darkening of the skin, and altered liver function. Long-term exposure is linked to impairment of the immune system, the developing nervous system, the endocrine system and reproductive functions. Chronic exposure of animals to dioxins has resulted in several types of cancer. TCDD was evaluated by the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1997. Based on animal data and on human epidemiology data, TCDD was classified by IARC as a "known human carcinogen”.

WHAT?! Ok, first of all, Toxic Shock Syndrome has been like a monster hiding under my bed since the first time I used a tampon in junior high. But in a diaper? Is that even legal to expose babies, the most vulnerable of us all, to such a risk? Not only is it legal, it is the accepted NORM.

You can find "green" disposables, but according to my (limited) research, while they don't contain dioxin because they aren't bleached, they do use polymers to absorb the moisture. Not to mention that the super-absorbent diapers, while a seemingly smart solution for the diaper-changers, leaves baby feeling dry and yet sitting in their own uric acid for far too long.

In this issue of Mothering Magazine (one of the reasons I love the U.S. Postal Service--they hand-deliver this gem to me every other month), there is a huge spread on diapers and one writer explains that upon calling Proctor and Gamble (the makers of Pampers and Luvs), she was not able to get a list of the ingredients used in diapers. Apparently, this information is "sensitive and proprietary" and not all of the ingredients can "be disclosed." (Mothering Magzine, "The Diaper Dilemma," p. 58)

Suffice to say, after discovering all of this, we felt "disposables be darned!" We were gonna use cloth if it killed us.



Turns out, we love it.

So does it stink? Does it leak out of the side when she crawls?

No sir!

And here's why if you are trying to avoid stink, cloth diapers are actually the better choice: the Bum Genius Diaper Sprayer. I have baby-sat, nannied, lived with two younger sisters who were once babies and had many a friend who used disposables. And while not one of them went to the outside trash every single time they changed a diaper, many had diaper genies and other such products to eliminate stinky diapers, but they still stunk! The waste just sits on the diaper in the trash in your house and, well, putrifies everything! With cloth, you get a little poo, you use a little spray and then voila! Poo flushes down the toilet like all human waste should (that's right--throwing human waste "away" aka sending your poo-filled disposables to sit in a landfill for literally one-hundred years until they begin to decompose is disgusting and yes, this is where I get all "Sierra Club" on you, seeps into our land and waterways).

So while the solid food certainly has added an "air" of awareness to Dia's diaper situation, after cleaning her off, I simply take the diaper to the toilet, shake it into the toilet and if need be, reach for the handy sprayer that is attached to the back water pipes and sits nicely on the side of the toilet. It's small, hardly noticeable and super easy to operate. No stink, no stench, no smell, no problem!

As far as mobility, we did have a hard time at one point with "leaking," but went to Wildflower Diapers here in town and they showed me that I wasn't fastening the diaper tight enough. A couple of re-tries and now we are old pros. That isn't to say that a blow-out couldn't one day catch us off-guard, but I'll never forget holding my infant-charge while nannying and feeling that warm gooey sensation run down my leg as his disposable diaper got a little too full (I hate to think it may have been from my inadequate changing!).

But so far, it's been a blast--oops, bad lingo. I mean, it's been great.

Plus, she only just got her first diaper rash when we started solids--thinking maybe from the acid change in her diet/waste. Plus plus, these diapers are CUTE! Have you seen all the super adorable designs? Animal print, bright colors, pastels, you name it.


We use the wool covers which aren't quite as fashion-forward, but you have to admit that bottom is cute in purple!

As far as laundry, I do about a load every three days or so. And the cost? Well, put it this way--we went to the cloth diaper store once and got everything we will ever need for Dia AND every child to come after. We didn't spend much because Grandma and Oma helped out and that was one of their big gifts for their granddaughter. You can also get pre-loved diapers at great discounts, not to mention that once you're done with the baby years, you can actually sell your used diapers and make some extra cash yourself!

The big sell for me: no late night diaper runs to the store. Just think, husbands--your wife will never turn to you at 4am with the plea of desperation, "Honey....? We're out of diapers....." I don't like shopping and really dislike being dependent on stores for survival and let's face it, diapers are a survival item!

I know that cloth is not for everyone, but there is a very reasonable, rational, health-conscious reason we use it and if it just so happens that it's better for the earth our daughter will soon inherit, then so be it.

Do You Grocery?

In case you haven't noticed, I am passionate about food. Organic, locally grown, nutrient-rich and color-loaded nourishment. Obviously the best place to get such deliciousness is from your own garden/farm. Second choice: the farmer's market. My third choice has always been Whole Foods, but a few weeks back, my sister changed my mind.

Ever been to the Phoenix Public Market? It's like farmer's market...but in an air-conditioned building with a deli and wine bar! And from our first little visit, well, let's just say I spent a lot of money and they were very, very nice to us. :)

It's a cozy little place with a coffee bar just outside the doorway and all of the food and other products (you can get Tom's products and Braggs and other necessities) are either locally produced/grown, organic or both. And the best part? You don't have to get there at the crack of dawn for the best produce! That's right--strawberries will still be there even at noon!

Not to mention that the extremely helpful staff (they actually hand-carry by many, many bags out to the car for me!!! Should I repeat that? Hand-carry--and I never even asked!) is all local (obviously...) and make a point to get to know you and build relationships with you.

We used to spend our weekend going to the many various stores/farmer's markets around town to get all the good stuff we like, but now (besides a few necessities) we can get just about everything at one great store! And actually support farmers/growers/businesses right here in town. You can get milk (soy or dairy), meat (AZ raised and grass-fed), chicken, eggs, yogurt, cheese (so far only dairy and alternative, no goat yet), pasta, cereal, baby food, deodorant, floss, olive oil (from Queen Creek), produce (they carry a lot of Maya's Farm which is primo quality in my book) and more. Plus, they only offer in-season produce (that which the AZ land can produce at the moment), so it's significantly more trust-worthy than Whole Foods who import a lot from Chile and other cities/states/countries.

Basically, we're in love. If you're in the downtown area (we make the drive about once a week and find it completely worthwhile), stop in for lunch, wine, coffee, or your entire grocery list! It's a fun place to visit and extremely valuable endeavor to support.

(Photo credit: http://www.phoenixpublicmarket.com/)