Herland Notebook

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-23T17:52:00.006-05:00

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas! We are having a nice quiet little holiday with just us four. We will miss family in Ohio BUT it is actually nice that Eleanor will be able to wake up in her own bed on Christmas morning.

We're heading to San Antonio afterwards to meet up with friends. Looking forward to seeing more of this big state of Texas!

Picture Book Love

2010-12-23T13:14:00.008-05:00

This morning Eleanor and I were reading during Samuel's nap. We read about Christmas, a boy who worries, a boy who dreamed of having a fish, about a Christmas tree farm, and a Great Doughnut Parade! (to name a few) I think if I had to pick, reading books to my babies is my favorite thing about their childhoods so far. I know that's not a big surprise for a librarian to say, but I never feel unappreciative about the books we have, the books we've been given, and the books we borrow.

As we read this morning I was thinking about when we'd no longer be reading picture books together. I got really sad. I wondered what I'd do with the huge mountain of books we own. It is alot. Hundreds. I buy these books as much for myself as for them. So many favorites. The stories I love. The memories of reading them together I love. Since I am a librarian I don't think it'll look too crazytown to keep them down the road :) And of course there are all the books and programs I've done as a librarian for other children. That will be a continuation for me (I hope).

And then I thought about the fun of what will come after picture books with reading chapter books together......and then both of them reading on their own. Maybe they'd be happy to talk about the books they are reading with me. Maybe Eleanor and I could do a book group together......and then I didn't feel too sad about not reading pictures books together as much. And that of course is years from now!

It's special to get out Christmas books and read them throughout this month. Christmas Farm was my new favorite Christmas book this year even though it came out in 2008. It is a really sweet story

The second photo is Eleanor and the third photo is Samuel :)

Charley Harper Nesting Blocks

2010-12-22T13:52:00.005-05:00

I LOVE Charley Harper and the sweet line of children's toys and games that have been out the last few years. I just noticed that new nesting blocks became available last month. Sweet! Of course we already have two sets of nesting blocks (Eric Carle and a museum set), but I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually made their way into our house. *I* want them! We have the memory game, puzzle and flash cards which are great quality, beautiful and excellent for gifts.

Christmas!

2010-12-20T23:14:00.005-05:00

I love Christmas! I want to hang onto it as long as I can before the bleh months for me of January through April hit. Maybe it'll be different now that we're down here in Texas and the weather is better though? Here's to hoping!

I wanted to show a photo that I snapped today. We received a Christmas package from my friend Dianna in the mail. She has a talent I long to have in her sewing and crafting and knitting. She always floors me and opening up a package with matching aprons for Eleanor and I, as well as cloth ABCs which eleanor is clutching here, was no exception. I love the expression on my girlie's face. It shows the sweetness of getting a gift and she said, "Ms Dianna must really really love us." :)

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas! xx

Anniversary Beer and Mixtape Love

2010-12-16T19:43:00.005-05:00

Today is our 10th Wedding Anniversary. WOW. A 10th Anniversary is kinda a big deal right? I always imagined we'd take an awesome trip to Europe like our honeymoon which was two weeks in Prague, Budapest and Paris, but with Samuel's recent arrival and Michael's intense start up to his work here, it just didn't seem like the time. And that's cool. I feel just so happy to have our family and Michael to have gotten his new job.

So anniversary gifts. I think the first couple years we did the traditional anniversary gifts. You know, first anniversary is paper, but that kinda fell by the wayside. I have been focusing on more practical gifts and wanted to get Michael something he'd really enjoy.

Fastforward to a Anniversary Beer Sampler! Michael loves beer. Here are 10 beers for every year married. This sampler includes some of his favorite beers like Fat Tire and Abita Turbo Dog, a Czech beer to remind us of part of our honeymoon, and an Indian beer as a nod to what we drank in the UAE. Add in a favorite beer of mine (Amstel Light) to drink with him and some new ones to try :), including a beer from Texas! ha!

I also had a mixtape print personalized that he liked too. I'm looking forward to putting this in a frame in our bedroom. It reminds me of all the mixes we've made each other over the years :)

Lately

2010-08-29T23:04:00.003-04:00

I want to blog, I really really do, but life keeps getting in the way. We've been busy moving and getting settled into our new home in Texas but more importantly, I've been very busy with this little guy and his big sister. Seriously, Samuel is like the happiest baby. I swear sometimes all you have to do is smile at him if he happens to be fussing and he'll just stop and smile back. So sweet! And chubby!

I look at my last post and laugh because it was such a stressful time recovering from my birth, preparing for our upcoming move, and being in that brand new baby stage that is so intense at first. I wanted to speed up time and I kept looking forward to getting to a calmer time and am so there now. I just want to pause time right now and enjoy every single moment.

Baby Land

2010-06-27T11:17:00.005-04:00

We are 3.5 weeks in baby land now. And THANK GOD I am starting to feel better. This time is HARD. It's sweet. It's wonderful. It's intense. It's exhausting. It's -- I'd rather sleep than win a million dollars. It's cooing. It's baby love. All you that are parents know this. How my little guy is going to be a month old in a week is hard to believe. Funny how having a newborn is so special BUT you also wish it away too. Mantras like "this will pass" float through your head all the time and you look forward to when things will get a bit easier and all sussed out.

Big sister Eleanor has been great. What a helper! Seriously. "Eleanor, can you run upstairs and get baby Samuel's swaddle?" "Eleanor, can you grab Samuel's binka?" (our word for a pacifier :). "Eleanor, can you throw this diaper in the garbage?" She is eager and happy to help. Of course she also has the tendency to be right in his face when he is trying to go off to sleep too but she's just excited.

I wanted to share some preview photos that my friend, Jessi, took of him a couple weeks ago. I think they show the sibling love perfectly. Funny how I wanted Eleanor to have a sister but now I could not imagine not having a little boy and I know Eleanor will love her bro as much as I love my two younger brothers too.

Samuel

2010-06-09T16:20:00.001-04:00

Our baby, Samuel Bela (pronounced "bay-lah"), arrived a week ago on June 2nd weighing in at 9lbs, 4.5 ounces and 21 inches, nearly a week after his due date. He has the sweetest disposition and is surprising us by how much he sleeps! Such a contrast to our first born who gave us a run for the money at first on the sleep department and screaming - I mean, crying. Of course his most active/fussy time seems to be 3-6 a.m. and it is not easy to wake this one to eat!

So blessed to have Michael taking care of us. He is so tired looking - we all are save Eleanor - who as you can see is major excited to be a big sister! She also had a great time with my amazing mom and grandma who watched her while we were in the hospital. And thanks to Dianna, my best friend, who watched her for an evening while my Mom drove up from Cincy.

Keeping this short as I could go on about our Samuel. I had a very difficult time having him. and it resulted in a c-section. Basically I am recovering from two births. This has been one of the hardest - if not THE hardest - weeks of my life with the pain and worry of recovery, so thankfully I have something special to lift me up during this incredibly emotional time. Isn't he sweet?

Also thanks to my friend, Jessi (photographer extraordinairre, who is expecting her 3rd boy this summer), for visiting us in the hospital and taking the first and last photo :)

Waiting

2010-05-29T22:14:00.004-04:00

This baby is 3 days past his due date and I feel like he is never going to come. Although I have to cut him some slack because he did wait for his dad to defend his dissertation this week and for us to have a great visit with out-of-town family we hadn't seen for nearly two years. But seriously - come on, baby! We want to meet you!

Something I haven't shared on this blog yet but alluded to - we're moving to Texas this July! It's going to be a crazy busy summer with the new baby and move, but I am so proud of Michael in getting a tenure track position at a great university there. Texas is going to be a change for us but we are excited about this great opportunity and finally settling somewhere.

During their visit, our family gave us this adorable Ohio state teether. I've had my eye on this etsy shop for awhile now and it was special to receive. Thank you, Sandy and Joe! It's just perfect for us to remember where our family comes from. I'm proud and glad that both Michael and I were born in Ohio (Cincinnati) and our children as well (Columbus). This was a very touching gift for us to remember our home as we move onto a new one.

Topiary Park

2010-05-15T17:05:00.000-04:00

After a week or more of rain rain rain, it was so awesome to have a beautiful day like today. We decided to venture out to the Topiary Park right smack in downtown Columbus. It's located right next to Main Library and we used to go here for walks or to throw around a baseball ALL the time when we first got married and moved to Columbus, but it's been awhile now. I actually think the last time I might have been here was when I was pregnant with Eleanor....

Anyway, it's a wonderful place to visit. We had a little simple picnic, looked at the beautiful Topiary which is interpreted from the famous George Seurat's painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte, checked out the baby ducks in the pretty pond, and Michael and Eleanor got in a fun game of hide-and-seek!

The Friends of the Topiary Park and those who maintain it should get big kudos for how gorgeous it is always maintained. It's the start of the season, so of course the bushes will grow into the sculpture. Also neat to visit during winter months as well.

Handmade Love

2010-05-15T15:51:00.001-04:00

I swear I have some of the most thoughtful and creative friends around. I thought I'd share some of the beautiful sweet handmade items that friends have made for our little guy on the way.

LOOK at this sweater above and the way it buttons! I am really going for the charcoal and dark browns and this sweater and adorable little bunny are perfect. It'll be the perfect size come this Fall/Winter. Thank you, Dianna!

Cathy also made me a sweater and it's itty bitty! gush. Love the pretty green and so soft.

Amanda made these crazy great bibs. Love sock monkey anything and that they are also reversable. I haven't mentioned names yet but you can see how sweetly she embroidered his name here :) Amanda also made me an awesome mei tai which I can't wait to show off once he arrives.

Rebecca is a fellow LOST fan and gave me the biggest smile with this Dharma onesie! ha! On a side note, Michael has no interest at all in baby clothes but when I was showing him this onesie he got a big kick out of it. Can't believe the series finale is next week!

Hope I am not forgetting anything someone has made.....we have received so many nice gifts and sentiments already for baby. So sweet looking at things and trying to picture him in them.

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-09T04:29:00.000-04:00

I awoke this morning to beautiful roses and a sweet card from Michael. It was a nice way to start the day! Feeling very loved today. Our little family had lunch out and a nice walk around Ohio State University. Sweet to have strangers smile and wish me a happy mother's day. I guess what says Mama more than holding hands with your preschooler and having a huge pregnant belly! :)

--What I have loved most about motherhood:
nursing, watching a little person grow, carrying Eleanor on my hip, reading together, hearing "I love you Mama," recelebrating and experiencing childhood for myself again--like lots of visits to the zoo, area parks, holiday fun, etc.

--What has been hard about motherhood:
less sleep, being pulled in a million directions, finding balance at times, more worry

--Looking forward to with eleanor
creating more art and other creative pursuits, reading chapter books with her, her learning to read, seeing her become a big sister, finding out more about what interests and passions she'll have

--Looking forward to with the little guy on the way
that moment we first meet each other, soaking up all that baby love since I know he'll be my last, nursing again, lots of holding and cuddling, that sweet baby smell, learning what kind of personality he'll have and how he might be different to parent.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the amazing Mamas I feel so lucky to know!!

that's me pictured on this special day at 37.5 weeks! any day now!

Love Mix

2010-05-07T16:37:00.000-04:00

This has to be my favorite onesie I've seen of all time. I love it.

For reasons I'll share later, I haven't done any nursery work for the little guy on the way but I am envisioning some cool decals above his crib. I've had a simple tree in mind but wouldn't a collection of mixtapes be awesome?!?! Haven't seen any online though. Might have to get my bestest friend to draw me some (hi Dianna! ;)

For months I've been loosely thinking about the music I want to have ready for the birth. I've jotted down a song or artist here or there but not done any gathering yet. Need to get on that. Will be funny if we don't end up listening to any of it but I hope it's part of things. Music and smells really hold an experience with you - add to it so well, don't you think?

Right Now

2010-04-24T13:50:00.003-04:00

I've become a crap blogger, I know, but thought I'd check in and say hello. We have alot going on now but some exciting things ahead, so maybe I'll get my act together and be present here more soon enough. One of the exciting things is baby is due in 4.5 weeks, although I doubt I am going to go that long. And I have other big life changing news to share soon, but it'll have to wait for now. Let's just say our summer is going to be all kinds of exciting crazy and I hope we're up for it!

Right now.....

--I'm nesting and getting many things ready for baby from organizing his clothes to getting our changing table/dresser set with supplies to getting my hospital bag started.

--I haven't been seeing Michael a great deal as he finishes his dissertation these next few weeks, BUT I have been daydreaming of the great couple days we had earlier in the month. It was a no-kiddo pre-baby getaway while Eleanor stayed at my parents. My first nights away from her EVER. Long overdue. We had everything and anything ahead we wanted to do and nothing we had to do. So great.

--Girlie is talking lately about nothing beyond being a big sister. She's major stoked about the little guy coming. The other day after talking excitedly about being a big sister she exclaimed "I'm going to be too tall for houses!"

--I'm smiling as I see flowers come up in our yard. I even see the startings of this gorgeous 3 foot lilly beginning to slowly emerge.

--And here's an adorable new picture book to share titled Cupcake by Charise Mericle Harper we have been liking alot....

Hope you are enjoying Spring! Thank god it finally arrived.

What We're Reading

2010-03-19T09:01:00.003-04:00

Sometimes when Eleanor and I are running into the library and grabbing books quickly we can take home a jackpot of great reads OR an ok stack that is pretty alright. This week we definitely grabbed some great ones. Here are some that we are really enjoying.

The Hello Goodbye Window by Norton Juster and Chris Raschka--when this was honored with the Caldecott Medal a couple years ago, I liked it, but in revisiting it, it's a top favorite of mine now. Such beautiful illustrations and emphasis on family and imagination.

The Courage of the Blue Boy by Robert Neubecker

The Peace Book by Todd Parr

Now that Eleanor is in her big girl bed, she loves The Magic Bed by John Burningham. I love all his books and of course a book about a bed that flies and travels at night is pretty cool. His Hushabye is my favorite though. Wish it was still in print.

A book that is coming back into print this Fall that I think is my all-time favorite picture book for babies and toddlers is The Baby Goes Beep by Rebecca O'Connell. We're reading alot about babies over here and this is fabulous. I don't know if I've ever enjoyed reading a book to a Baby Laptime crowd more, with Baby Cakes by Karma Wilson as a second.

And lastly, a great book to recommend for a first child expecting a sibling is How to Be a Baby...by Me the Big Sister by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Sue Heap.

For me, I have felt starved for a great book for awhile now and our book group is reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak which I am a little over halfway through and cannot recommend enough. From the first page it's brillant and you are told the that in the prologue the narrator will introduce himself--the colors--and the book thief. That was enough to hook me. I am wondering now what Zusak's other books are like.

What are you reading??

Earth Baby

2010-02-27T12:26:00.004-05:00

We just received this earth ball in the mail. I was so excited since it's been out of supply for months and months, if not a year or so. I think will be fun for Eleanor and baby in different ways. Totally envisioning our little guy's room with bright white and pops of brillant blue with lots of camels, cool ugly dolls, vintage globes and maps in the mix.

Also have my eyes on this....

bamboo tree mobile. I can totally see hanging this somewhere else in our house after it's no longer used above the crib. But I do have an interesting colorful palm tree and camel mobile from Dubai that I picked up before we came home I'm excited to use.

Beautiful Boy

2010-02-12T08:01:00.004-05:00

I had a special moment in the shower this morning. Beautiful Boy by John Lennon came right into my head. How has this song not found it's way into my thoughts during the last month since learning we are having a baby boy?! I'm a Beatles fanatic so it's almost incomprehensible! I love love love this song and humming the beautiful lines made me cry....

Close your eyes,
Have no fear,
The monsters gone,
He's on the run and your daddy's here,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Before you go to sleep,
Say a little prayer,
Every day in every way,
It's getting better and better,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,

Out on the ocean sailing away,
I can hardly wait,
To see you to come of age,
But I guess we'll both,
Just have to be patient,
Yes it's a long way to go,
But in the meantime,

Before you cross the street,
Take my hand,
Life is just what happens to you,
While your busy making other plans,

Beautiful,
Beautiful, beautiful,
Beautiful Boy,
Darling,
Darling,
Darling Sean.

Something I had meant to do when we were getting ready for Eleanor's arrival was make a birth/laboring CD and if I remember correctly it was one of those things that didn't quite happen - although we did bring music - and I don't think we played anything! Anyway, this is an important aspect to me this time around and I am trying here and there to jot down music that we love, music that makes us happy, feel positive, music to make us think about how close we are to seeing our little guy.

I haven't gotten very far but I know this song will go on there for sure. Also She Loves Me Like a Rock by Paul Simon and Forever Young by Bob Dylan.

My Funny Valentine

2010-02-10T18:36:00.003-05:00

I love this song and this version sung by Matt Damon in The Talented Mr. Ripley is my favorite. I love how sweet and timid he sings it. I wasn't a fan of his until this movie and now he is one of my favorites. Good soundtrack overall.

What are you doing for Valentine's Day? My mom is coming for a visit and I am dragging Michael to a maternity ward tour at the hospital! ha! How romantic. It's safe to say I'll make sure he and girlie feel well loved though the rest of the weekend.

2010-01-28T19:55:00.004-05:00

If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all that before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.

I was really sad today when I heard that JD Salinger passed away, although he was 91 years old and I hope lived a good life. Anyone who knows me well knows I cherish the The Catcher in the Rye. Even though I went on and on (I think) at book group this Fall about how much the book and Holden and it all meant to me, I still don't know if I can put it all into words. It's just one of those books that changes you. And I love that Holden Caulfield and his sister Phoebe.

Ironically, I don't think I even read Catcher until I was in college...although I have since read it several times. I admit I am also obsessed with this beautiful red cover. I have about 7 copies and have to buy it whenever I see it - although it's been awhile since I've seen one which kinda makes me sad too.

Lastly, Catcher is the one book that I can't understand people not getting. Here is where my bookish snobbery comes out--which I can always put aside EXCEPT with this book. It's you and not the book. You just don't mess with this book. That's all.

If you haven't read this book or anything by Salinger, I hope you do.

photo credit

Happy Happy Happy

2010-01-27T07:54:00.007-05:00

I love getting tagged, so when I saw my friend Katie tagged me with 10 Things That Make Me Happy, I was excited. I adore Katie and a close connection we have is being pregnant together with our first babies - her J was born a week after Eleanor. And now we are pregnant together again! Yay! Her second is due at the start of March which is very exciting. I look forward to seeing her every month at book group.

So let me get right to it! (in no particular order)

:: These two

:: the little guy beating around inside me

:: family and friends

:: bakeries - I still regularly have dreams set in the one my parents owned while I was growing up

:: books - my favorite/most influential here

:: photographs that capture a moment you never want to forget

:: a relaxing bath

:: the beach!

:: handmade items (shirt found here)

:: emails and letters

I'll tag just a few bloggers I know in real life - Dianna, Jessi, and Cathy.

Valentine's Day Fortune Cookies for Kids :)

2010-01-18T12:45:00.002-05:00

Eleanor loves fortune cookies - and so do I. So, I thought for Valentine's Day this year I'd make up a fun batch of personalized ones for her, some cousins and kids that I watch! I even found some cute Valentine's Day chinese take-out boxes at the dollar section of Target yesterday to package them in. I have made them once or twice before (not with messages though) and enjoyed it, although I do remember having to work fast to fold them before they cooled.

So, I am trying to come up with some cute ideas for the fortunes for kids ages 2-5. So far I have come up with things like....

"there's a yummy snack in your future"
"you bring smiles to all around you"
"you will get lots of hugs and kisses"
"let's color!"

Eleanor would enjoy something like "you'll become an amazing trapeze artist!"

Do you have any ideas?? Also, do you think I should put the child's name at the start of every fortune too or just leave them generic? And should I type them out or hand write the fortunes? Thanks!

photo credit

It's a......

2010-01-14T19:26:00.001-05:00

BOY!!

As much as I was honestly hoping that Eleanor would have a little sister (since as much as I love my two brothers, I've always wanted one), I am very EXCITED about being a boy's Mama! I'm thinking hedgehogs and turtles and camels and cute overalls and corduroy, as well colors of charcoal and brillant blue.

And this might sound weirdo but about 7 years ago or so in the apartment we lived in before we bought our house, I have a distinct memory of laying in bed after or during napping one afternoon and remember a "vision" (or whatever you call it) of a little blonde haired boy walking past me and I immediately knew he was my son. Sounds creepy but it totally wasn't. I remember thinking I knew all about him and just hadn't met him yet.

Immediately the song "Roly Poly" covered by The Willies (with Norah Jones' beautiful voice) comes to mind when I think of a little guy :) If you take a listen, you are guaranteed to smile I promise.

Roly Poly
Eatin' corn and taters
Hungry every minute of the day
Roly Poly
Gnawin' on a biscuit
As long as he can chew it it's okay

He can eat an apple pie
And never even bat an eye
He likes anything from soup to hay
Roly Poly
Daddy's little fatty
I bet he's gonna be a man someday

Roly Poly
Scrambled eggs for breakfast
Bread and jelly twenty times a day
Roly Poly
He eats a hearty dinner
He needs lots of strength to sing and play

He's up at dawn to do the chores
And he runs both ways through all the stores
He works up an appetite that way
Roly Poly
Daddy's little fatty
Fatty's gonna be a man someday

adorable hedgehog onesie from here

Baby Love

2010-01-13T09:20:00.002-05:00

So excited that tomorrow is the day we find out whether this baby is a boy or a girl! While I love the idea of those parents who can wait to be surprised at the ultimate moment of birth, I'm a planner man. I just can't wait to see that baby in there - those little hands and feet, the heartbeat thumping away...and of course big prayers that baby is healthy.

Eleanor will be with us at our appointment. We keep telling her that it's MAMA going to the doctor - not her (this has been an important distinction!) and how she'll be able to see the baby up on a "tv." I'm hoping she cooperates so we can really enjoy the experience. Otherwise, I will be armed with a lollipop!

I'm starting to nest and right now I love.....
this crib
(we need a new one since ours was recalled! and that was ok because I've wanted this simple white one from Ikea ;)

this copy Eames rocker

this extra extra large ugly doll pillow to sit in the chair!

this sweet Charley Harper board book

this froggy hat, gush

this adorable bird bodysuit and bib

and this Aunty Cookie decal.

I have finally started to feel better. Within the last couple weeks the morning sickness has dropped away and I am gaining energy again. Hoping to really enjoy this next stretch before I get big and tired again! I'll pop in tomorrow night to share the big news :)

Books 09

2010-01-09T13:38:00.004-05:00

One of my New Years Resolutions for 2009 was to read more. And I feel pretty good that I gave it a good effort. One of the great things about being in the UAE last year was I had more time for reading with not working. At the same time I could have done better! Here's a list of books I read last year:

01. The BFG by Roald Dahl
02. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
03. The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCaughrean
04. George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl
05. Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary
06. The Giver by Lois Lowry
07. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
08. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
09. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
10. Princess: The True Story of Life Inside the Saudi Arabia's Royal Family by Jean Sasson
11. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
12. Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl
13. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
14. The Olive Readers by Christine Aziz
15. Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea
16. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
17. Stuart Little by EB White
18. Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos
19. The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
20. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
21. Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
22. The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
23. Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

--Love re-reading #22 and #06 (very favorites of mine)
--Book that surprisingly affected and touched me the most, especially because it's something I would not normally have read: #8 (thanks, Robin)
--Some books I really did NOT like: #19, #20, #15, #03, #13
--Most disturbing but enjoyed: #7 and #9
--Everything pre #20 was in the UAE and my choices were not as wide with no public libraries there and only having limited access to a school library - hence lots of great classic children's titles I enjoyed reading. They did have adult fiction though as well.

When we returned to the US, my friend Dianna and I invited some friends to start up a book group. I'm so happy we did this! It's great to see everyone at least once a month and motivates me to read since it's usually all the time I have for reading anymore. The last four books were book group reads. Now we are reading Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult which I am looking forward to.

I'll be updating my sidebar with books I am reading this year. Take a look.

So do you have a favorite book you read this year you'd like to share? I'd love to hear it.

photo credit
book plates found here

Kid Room Love

2010-01-08T13:10:00.000-05:00

I really love the idea of maps as wallpaper/covering (and on one wall), as well as hanging globes like this. My geographer of a husband likes this idea too. And how cool are these little suitcases. I would have been all over those when I was a kid. Heck, I still would.

From the Land of Nod seen on Ohdeedoh

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T12:06:00.007-05:00

The best thing about New Years this year is some extra days off! Mama needs a break and I am looking forward to ringing in the New Year with some relaxation. It's also a good time to be extra reflective and I do like to think about resolutions. Last year I just made two resolutions - while I didn't get into a regular yoga practice, I did start to read more and I'm glad about that! I even started up a book group on returning home that has been motivating.

This year my resolutions are....

01. To focus on simplicity - be it filing papers and general organization, acquiring material things, and slowing down.

02. Begin meditating. I am looking for ways to have a more positive birth experience this Spring and overall taking my high strung personality down a notch with a quieter mind.

2009 was a good year with many changes. 2010 is going to welcome many more changes with our family including a new baby, god willing, and possibly a change of city - we hope! I think these resolutions will help bring change along positively.

Happy New Year to you! Are you making any resolutions this year?

Love this simple calendar on etsy. I would do a different color offered though.

Days

2009-12-14T17:16:00.004-05:00

So my little Eleanor turned THREE this past Friday. We had quite the birthday weekend for her traveling down to Cincy to see family and she ate up all the attention and birthday looty loot she scored. It was nice. Hard to believe just a year ago we were celebrating her birthday at Jahli Park in the UAE with high 70 degree weather!

Have you ever seen The Secret Language of Birthdays? It's a great fun book to take a look at. Every day of the year is labeled with "The Day of the......." describing characteristics of people born on this date, things for them to watch out for, strengths and weakness, and famous people born on this day, etc.

I remember pouring over this book as I approached my due date curious of what date Eleanor could possibly be born on. And what's her day? "The Day of Intensity" - yeah. And she lives up to it! My day is "The Day of the Blissful Wizard" which I really like the sound of, although I wish I lived up to a bit more - maybe I do, I don't know.

Something I haven't mentioned on here is we are expecting another baby which is pretty exciting. Baby is due May 27th ("The Day of Driven Dedication" oh boy) but I know the great likelihood is most babies are not born on their due dates. So we'll see!

When I worked at my last library branch we put this book on the break table and people would look up their day and write it down on this large wipe-on-wipe-off board we had. It was VERY interesting and fun. Take a look sometime.

Advent Book Calendar

2009-12-08T17:45:00.002-05:00

I get so inspired by the holidays and holiday decor! I saw this BOOK advent calendar on Ohdeedoh and immediately loved it. Now this number of books could be pricey BUT you could get creative and do paperback picture books, cheap coloring books or notebooks in the mix, OR even library books for reading--why not! After the holidays sales might also be a good time to pick up some books for next year. Love it! And you could wrap up the same ones next year not knowing how the stories will unfold.

Weekending

2009-11-13T12:45:00.000-05:00

Man I need a great weekend ahead as if it is the only thing that will sustain my life force at this moment! And fortunately there are some pretty exciting things in the plans....

--my parents are coming up from Cincinnati to visit and watch Eleanor so Michael and I can go on a needed date.

--I'll be seeing my friend Dianna on Sunday morning for brunch and/or a movie! We've been hoping to see Where the Wild Things Are.

--and then hopefully a whole lotta nothing nothing nothing, including at least one nap! That is an essential.

Hope you have a great weekend yourself! xx

photo taken by Jessi of Everyday Studios (see previous post). I forgot to mention why that book she is reading is so sweet. Leonardo the Terrible Monster mentions an Eleanor--specifically "He wasn't BIG like Eleanor." That cracks her up every time :)

A Storytime in the Woods

2009-11-07T15:19:00.004-05:00

So I totally suck at blogging lately. I think it was just much easier when we were abroad because I felt like there was more to share, more going on, and had a deeper sense of needing to stay in touch with being so far away. And I totally don't want this blog to be just about photos of the girl! But since most of my days revolve around her, that can be hard not to do! So here is yet another about the girl....and I promise I'll do better next time.

A couple weekends ago we had our photos taken again by the fabulous and talented Jessi Weithman of Everyday Studios. She is a good Mama friend of mine. She was one of my most faithful friends who emailed me without fail throughout our time abroad. And when I say throughout I mean several times a week - often daily!

I wanted to share a few photos during our session that are my favorite...a storytime with Eleanor in the woods. Many of you know I'm a librarian and am so happy that Eleanor already shares a great great love of books.

If you are looking for a wonderful photographer in the Central Ohio area, please do visit Jessi's site Everyday Studios for more information. She also has a fun blog to read.

Date Night

2009-10-01T12:40:00.002-04:00

So Michael and I had our glorious date night last weekend. It had been so long! As much as we love girlie, it was so nice to go out to dinner just us. We could take our time, relax and not worry about her. We went to Cap City which is sooo good. And then since all the good movies were coming out not for another week or more, I was major psyched that Michael was up for seeing the sneak preview of the new Ellen Page movie Whip It directed by Drew Barrymore.

I can't recommend this movie more. It was funny and feminist. I loved Ellen Page in Juno and amazingly think I loved her even more in this. I would totally love to see Eleanor doing roller derby when she gets older. I want to do it! I'm sure everyone and their sister is going to start checking out the local roller derby scene that may be happening around them and I think that's awesome.

Weekending

2009-09-20T12:53:00.001-04:00

So now that I am back in the US and back to work--the weekends are really something to cherish and look forward to again! Boy was I spoiled in the UAE with not working! (If you are curious as to what I'm doing--I'm staying home with Eleanor and watching a couple to few other kiddos, and yes, am exhausted when the day is done. It's been great to be able to continue to stay home with her though and there are seriously ZERO library jobs.)

This weekend was particularly great as it approached because it feels like it's the first weekend since we've been home at the start of August that hasn't been busy busy with family visiting or moving or some other planned hoo-haa.

This weekend, we....
--went to OSU campus to visit the new Main Library there. Wow! If you are a former student, it's worth a visit. It's beautiful and I'm jealous that Michael can go there anytime during his day that he wants. Make sure to visit the top 11th floor to see a nice reading room with a 360 view of campus, including the Oval. I love how excited I get in a great library and know I couldn't imagine being anything but a librarian.
--we fed ducks at Mirror Lake on campus
--visited the public library to get our weekly new stock of picture books
--grilled some delicious steak kabobs with green bell pepper and onion
--listened to lots of Wilco, including their new self-titled album (great camel cover)
--got in a family nap

And we still have half of Sunday to go! Not sure what we are going to do yet. Things has been very chill and relaxed. Nothing we had to do but anything we wanted to do. This morning I put a whole chicken in the crock pot and our house is full of wonderful onion and garlic smells.....

And next weekend my mom is coming up to babysit and Michael and I have a date! We haven't been out together since before we went to the UAE last year. We are seriously looking forward to it! Just thinking what we want to do is pretty exciting in itself.

p.s. I am borrowing the term "weekending" from a favorite blog I read--Soule Mama. Check it out if you haven't. Very inspiring.

Sometimes it's nice

2009-09-19T20:10:00.004-04:00

to have a smoothie as big as your head :)

She didn't even seem to get a brain freeze like I did!

And then we were all like - hey, we've got some bread - let's go feed the ducks! And she was all looking like, but hey, then I'd have to like put down this smoothie that's as big as my head.

oh wait, this might have been some minor brain freeze, but it only stopped her from the strawberry banana love for a minute.

We are having a beautiful, relaxing weekend. Hope to share more photos soon. Hope you are having a good one too.

Etsy Love

2009-09-14T18:20:00.002-04:00

Thought I would share some "lighter fare" after my recent blue post with some of my recent etsy love. Browing Etsy and reading certain favorite blogs are inspiring me as I continue to think about starting my own creative space....I did finally buy this first print as a gift to myself on returning home. I had been eyeing it for quite awhile now. I smile every time I look at it.

1. So Very Happy 2. Vintage Tin Globe 3. coin purse 4. monster t-shirt perfect for season 5. pumpkin hat! 6. brim knit hat 7. Yellow Submarine 8. bird appliqued onesie with ribbon 9. All That We Will Ever Need print

p.s. I've had a great Monday and start to the week which is so nice. Hope you are too!

check out other etsy favorites on my sidebar :)

Other Stuff

2009-09-13T21:55:00.005-04:00

I have to admit that while I have been happy to be back home in the US, in our house, outdoors again, wearing skirts and relaxed again in public, and among our family and friends catching up, I have been really missing the UAE alot lately. ALOT. I knew that would happen....I just didn't expect it to happen so early honestly.

Today I was cleaning up around the house and out of nowhere heard the Call to Prayer. I stopped dead in my tracks and Eleanor and I looked at each other. We turned towards the tv as it was part of a travel channel show on Turkey and not from the nearby mosque on the corner. It was ridiculously nice to hear....but I can say I choked back some tears. It's just a testament to how much we loved our year abroad in Al Ain. I just have to remind myself it wasn't perfect and not glorify it too much (which I have of course!).

I am definitely realizing that what I read was right - the transition home is not a completely happy, easy one. It's a definite adjustment. After crying in my cereal bowl one morning and talking to my Mom, I realized people don't totally understand and that's ok. It is good to be home. It is. Just going to take some time to get back into the swing of things.

Two pictures to share this post showing my mind swimming in two places. The first a favorite picture from our time in the UAE. This was at the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi in July. The second is from my brother's wedding this weekend - that's me and my Mom. We were so happy to see my brother married. Of course I would have missed all of this had I been half way around the world and I'm glad I didn't.

Catching Up

2009-09-13T18:11:00.006-04:00

Hey! Things have been so busy the last month and a half since we've been home especially since we've been down in Cincinnati the last couple weekends visiting family. I can't believe that it's already Sunday night either! Where did the weekend go?

Thought I would share a couple pictures from this weekend. My youngest brother, Joe, got married! His new wife, Liane, is amazing. I adore her. You know how they say you can't chose your family but you can chose your friends. I would chose her. I wish them all the happiness in the world. Love you guys.

Camel Love

2009-08-28T11:54:00.006-04:00

Something that has given me much happiness when I am round about the house these last few weeks is this hand-carved wood camel that we brought home from the UAE. We didn't bring home many items for ourselves (save Eleanor) and this one is really simple but I have come to realize how much I like him now that we are home and he lives in our house. He sits right on the windowsill in our dining/play room which is several feet high and I see him at eye level. He makes me very happy and I know Eleanor likes to see him too.

It was great opening up the windows this morning and letting cool fresh air into the house. When we got home to 70-80 degrees (with a few days of 90s), I was lamenting how cold it felt (we came from 110-120 degrees afterall). You'd think after many months of being in the 100s in the UAE I'd be more than ready for cooler, Fall weather. And Fall is my most favorite season! But I haven't been happy about it. I guess I really wanted to celebrate some "normal" summer at home and we've had such a great time grilling, being outside again, and enjoying so many parts of the summer season.

Today though when I opened up the window by this camel, I really enjoyed feeling the cooler air for the first time. Even though it is still August and it feels a bit early for all of this, it will be nice to sink into Fall and all that it brings us. I'm sure I'll totally still be a big baby about things when it gets colder though. They say it takes 3 months to acclimate to a "new" climate and I'm sure this Fall/Winter will feel extra cold to me. eeek!

Home Love

2009-08-25T17:43:00.004-04:00

It seems whenever I am in planning mode, I spend money. And I knew in coming home we'd be spending money and boy have we. Most has been well spent, some I'm not sure what we've spent it on, and plenty has went into our bellies - that's for sure.

I went into Anthropologie twice recently. And my heart was bursting both times. It's just so much of the vintage style that I love. I swoon over so much of the kitchen and home items. The clothes are pretty too, but it's really all the home items that get me.

And look at this lamp shade. Isn't it freakin beautiful? I wanted to snatch it up the moment I saw it, but the $78 price tag on it stopped me. Maybe if I hadn't spent so much lately I would have been more cool with buying it but it did seem a bit excessive. My friend Dianna said I could easily make one similar, so maybe I will add this to the growing list of things I want to learn to make :)

Getting Settled

2009-08-21T02:00:00.005-04:00

Hey! Long time no post. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of packing, flying halfway around the world (girlie did beyond great, thank goodness), visiting family in Cincinnati, unpacking and moving back into our house in Columbus (a great feat), visiting friends and getting settled. I AM SO HAPPY TO BE HOME!

And as you can see here, Eleanor has been having fun too. It's amazing how kiddos are so resilient and just roll with the punches pretty much. It took several days but finally she stopped asking to go back home...."to the desert" which was so sad at first! Now she seems pretty settled and is back on her same old schedule pretty much.

One of the great things I had to work on now that we are back in our house has been our playroom/dining room space for Eleanor and her new "play group." Her new Land of Nod kitchen is pretty fabulous. She loves her new Ikea loot (including the playtable set, some toys, and transportation mat), and all the "new" toys we have unpacked from storage. It's like freakin Christmas over here already! I still have some things to do with this space but love that it's something I can live with day in and day out. Heck I like playing with that kitchen.

We've made a couple trips to the library of course so far which was a sight for sore eyes to say the least. My library card is already maxed out pretty much with lots of great picture books, sewing and knitting books, magazines and fiction for me. I'll start to share some of our favorites soon.

So I read somewhere that coming home and acclimating is as hard, if not harder, than transitioning to somewhere new. I am not sure about all of that, especially when you've only been away a year, but there has been lots of challenges in returning. Moving back into our house was harder than I thought - everything takes longer of course with a little one around. It's been a big transition and being hit with jet lag, yuck colds from plane germs, time change hoo-haa, and I'm sure going from 115 degrees to 70-90 degrees had taken it's toll. Having said that, it has been great to be home again and after a few weeks we're getting back into the swing of things.

Not sure what my blogging is going to look like and it certainly won't be nearly as interesting as my first blog, but I'm hoping I'll have some fun things to share. Hope you guys had a good few weeks.

Under Development

2009-06-20T12:21:00.005-04:00

Hello! This blog is currently under development. Hopefully come August I will have up post #1 and be posting here regularly. In the meantime check out my other blog Al Ain Notebook.