Friday Favorites

Time has flown. Cakes just had his 2 year doctor visit. My little guy didn't even cry during his shots! He is such a joy. AND a sponge. Just the other day he strutted over to me and said, "Auntie J.J., come and play in my play room!" once there I was promptly told, 'let's have a dance party Auntie J.J.". And so, we danced. Man, did we dance.

// Web Favorites //

These before and after photos ALMOST make me want to stop washing my hair and try this instead.

Finally, a reason to move to Mongolia. :p

these people make me want to do it all over again.

Coming soon, very very soon. (wide eyed emoji).

Mums the Word: Sleeping

We start the bedtime routine around 5:30 - 6:00. bath time, books, nurse, bottle. She is usually lights out by the time we put her down around 6:30 and she usually sleeps till around 6:30 in the morning.

My sister and brother in law think we are ridiculous. Because, yes, if it is 5:00 and we are at their house on a Sunday afternoon it's time for us to leave because we've got to start getting her ready for bed soon. I can only imagine what Josh's friends (none of which have kids) think of us. On more than one occasion we haven't been able to hang out with everyone because call time is 4:30. Bummer.

But of course, we don't think we are ridiculous (said every crazy parent to themselves). Emerson's bedtime used to be 7:00, but then her pediatrician recommended we move it up half an hour in an effort to get her to sleep longer. And you know what? It worked. Instead of waking up at 5:30 in the morning she's now waking up at 6:30.

We've read a lot about the importance of sleep and helping a child to develop healthy sleep patterns. Literature everywhere states again and again how integral sleep is to a child's development - intellectually and behaviorally. So Josh and I are willing to take the occasional 'behind the back eye roll' if it's good for her.We loosely subscribe to the Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child thought. And by loosely I mean we try and put her down when she shows signs of being tired. If she wakes up prematurely I'll let her fuss a little and more often than not she'll put herself back to sleep.

Have we found the best way? I don't know. There are so many philosophy's on sleep now it's hard to know which one to go with. And maybe there isn't a best. But I do know that sleep is a big issue in family homes. I get the parent who can't let their child cry it out. I sympathize, it hurts. I get it. I also understand the other parent who let's their child cry it out for an hour so they learn to soothe themselves. Sleeping through the night at 6 weeks? Wow. So I get that too. So we do what we do, not because it's the best thing, but it's the thing that works best for us. And whatever works for other parents out there is the best thing for them.

Just curious, what do you do?

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A previous Mums the Word on Babies Watching TV

Also, Cup of Jo is doing a series on parenting around the world. People do things so differently than us! Check out what parenting in Turkey looks like and what they do for sleep training in Australia. Fascinating!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

The Pose

This is how my daughter sleeps. 

She'll start on her side, or with her hands at her side, or with one in her mouth, but always when she finally settles this is what she lands on.

Some speculate this has come about because we cocooned her in the wombie the first three months of her life and now she's like, "freeeeedoooom!". I like to think that she's totally relaxed and content. As if she's telling me, "Life couldn't get any better mom."

Of course as parents we think it's the cutest thing in the world. Our little secret, we thought. 

And then the other day I was giving her the bottle midday and she pulled a half pose.

And then yesterday, in the middle of taking photos with her cousin. BAM. Full pose. With a smile to boot.

This girl. The surprises never stop. Happy Monday ya'll. 

P.S. A Mums the Word on sleep coming soon!

I stumbled upon this gem of a store where you can buy the cutest wallpaper made by artists from around the world. If the babe wasn't sleeping right next to me I may be tempted to indulge. Ah, who am I kidding? I'm tempted anyway. :)

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

37 Years Strong

Quite fitting anniversary picture for these two - rarely a moment when they aren't carrying a
baby, chasing after Cole, or holding diaper bags. 

My parents are celebrating 37 years of marriage today. 

They met at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. My mom was getting her masters in education and my dad was working through his seminary degree. At first my mom thought my dad was a foreigner who didn't speak any English. ha! 

My mom is from a well to do family in a small town in Mississippi. When she brought an asian home the whole town didn't quite know what to make of it. Miss. Milk Pitcher marrying a tall Japanese man!

Beyond the obvious, their differences continue. My mom is outgoing and friendly. My dad is an introvert and quiet. They don't like the same television programs. They don't really like the same restaurants. They don't eat the same. Or drink the same. They don't exercise the same. They prefer different extracurricular activities. They think differently. Act differently. Respond differently. BUT they love the Lord and have a genuine heart for people. They are united in the way they love the church, love people, and give to others. And they value family. 

My mom always says they wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for the Lord. 

An Exercise in Restraint...Or Not.

On Sunday someone made a light hearted comment that all I post about on Instagram now is the baby. And that is true, I acquiesce. The proof is in the feed. But it made me wonder if this person thought it was too much. Then I momentarily wondered if other people thought the same thing.

But this bundle is my constant focus every minute of every day. What else would I be posting about? In truth, I thought I had been exercising restraint. haha! I mean, if I posted every photo that made my heart skip a beat..

So, in honor of my restraint these past few months, a few of those other photos. ;)

Unfollow me if you must! I am an addict and I cannot, will not stop. :)

Megan and Mac

On Saturday, Megan and Mac were married at the Storrier Stearns Japanese Gardens. It was a beautiful location, a hidden gem in the heart of Pasadena. I have many highlights, the first being Megan. She was so poised and graceful, calm. Really beautiful. The second highlight was that the ceremony was short and sweet and the most touching was a letter that Megan had written to her mom, who passed away. I don't know Mac, but seeing him wipe up those tears while Megan walk towards him was really neat too. 

The reception was truly one of the better ones I've been to. It started off with a bang and kept me crying and laughing and eating all night! Her sisters mc'ed and they were great - funny, personal, gracious, and touching. Her maid of honor nailed her speech, and the food was good. 

This was our first time having someone else put the baby to bed. We knew Josh's mom would be fine, but still, our thoughts were also at home. She thoughtfully texted us updates throughout the night and that helped the both of us relax and enjoy the evening out.

Randy, Megan's dad, and I have developed quite a little history together. I got to know him and Marion through a financial class they ran together many years ago. He kindly offered me a job while I was in grad school and it was during that time that Marion began to battle ovarian cancer, eventually taking her home in heaven. So I know it was a God thing - me seeing him day in and day out during that time. He let me boss him around a bit and I made sure he was okay. Since then we have remained friends, getting together here and there for a meal, passing hugs at church, and always keeping tabs on one another. 

I love him dearly and I was honored to help him pick out his wedding outfit, listen to his concerns leading up the big day, and watch as he gave his daughter away to a really great guy.

Now that we have a daughter I wonder about this dad role. You work so hard each day of your entire life for your children, and then one day you have to let go and trust them into the hands of a different guy. I can't even imagine! 

Josh is barely in the beginning stage of fatherhood and already his heart is in her little hands. One day I hope he'll be able to give his daughter away with as much grace and love as Randy did this past weekend. 

Friday Favorites

A took this at camp a few weeks back. My Cakes lifting his hands during worship. 

// Web Favorites //

75 Years In The Making: Harvard Just Released Its Epic Study On What Men Need To Live A Happy Life. Fascinating conclusions and implications for my husband and your husband, and the other men in your life.

Date night with your newborn? What a great idea.

This collaboration is right up my alley.

Kitchen tips

"Masters and Disasters" Which are you?

Probably my favorite writer/blogger. Because she writes this and says this.

5 months // The Task of all Tasks

Tomorrow my little dumpling hits the 5 month mark. 

She is rounder, heavier, longer, and more alert. She is almost sleeping through the night - and that has been the most significant physiological change. 

But what defines this five month marker to me is her level of awareness. I can see her taking each part of the day in. She is learning right before my very eyes. It is a fascinating phenomenon and also one that makes you quite conscious of what you are doing and how you are doing it. I suppose the time of instilling ethics and helping to forge her character has begun. I find myself more aware of how I speak to people, of people, the tone I carry, and how I go about doing daily tasks. Am I being complete? Am I following through? Am I speaking in love? Am I demonstrating love? 

It would be an fair assessment to say that the beginning was hard but I think we are entering into a different kind of hard (and one scares the begeezes out of me!). Being the primary person who shapes the quality of another person? The task of all tasks!

Yesterday we went for a walk together. Oftentimes, I pray aloud as we go for whatever/whoever is on my heart. But yesterday a deep fervor welled up, urging me to pray the armor of God over her. So while we walked I pleaded with God to put his belt of truth around her waist, the breastplate of righteousness around her tiny body; that he would fit her feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, and give her a huge shield of faith, a firm helmet of salvation, and a generous sword of the Spirit.

~
Also, this post is everything I want to say.

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Travelogue: DTLA

We ventured into DTLA this weekend.

I am ashamed to say that I've never been to the Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles. Silly, I know. Actually the only time I've really hung out over there is when going to an event at Staples or eating at the oh-so-wonderful Bottega Louie.

So we all trekked down there on Saturday. It was fun. It was quite a juxtaposition of people, a mix of locals and young hipsters. It was as if the revitalization of downtown was happening right before our eyes.The food stalls resembled this funny balance with great tacos and menudo next to a pizza place and a pressed juice stand.

and these two moms :p

If I hadn't been there, I'd guess this was taken in Austin, Texas. Right?

my loves

We had great fun.

On another note, the baby has had some epic nights as of late. Saturday she went to bed at 5:30pm, didn't wake up till 4:30am, and then went back to sleep till 6:30am. Sunday she went to sleep at 7:00pm, didn't wake up till 5:00am, and then slept again till 8:00am!

I am rested. And with that my wickedly funny humor is back. Lucky you guys. :p

Friday Favorites //

Look at my little Noe Girl. She is going to be a heartbreaker. I fear for the days when she tells me all about her recent crush, and even worse, when that crush likes her back. 

Slow down, time!

Mums the Word: Babies Watching TV

I have found that there are many topics related to babies that people just don't talk about because they are too controversial and are too hotly debated. I have vacillated over whether to bring it up here as I'm not in the business of producing ire or ill will. In the same breath, this place has always been about me being honest about what is really going on in my heart and in my life. Over the years, as people have begun following along on this journey with me, I have had to make a concerted effort to write true to myself. Do I worry what people will think? Yes. Am I afraid that someone will harbor bad feelings to me over something I said? Yes. But I cannot let that trump my desire to lead an open and honest life. In my mind we are all just learning and growing as we go, so a little grace goes a long way. With that, I've decided to talk about these nontalkable things in a new series called Mums the Word. 

I hope you join in the conversation - telling me what you think and why. And maybe by combining the power of knowledge (in love!) all of us can grow and learn together.

xoxo, J

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Josh and I do not watch television anymore. It began when we cut ties with cable during our last year in Nor Cal. It was silly expensive and the cost didn't justify the use. Instead we subscribed to Netflix and Hulu and that carried us for a while but now we don't really use those either (except for the occasional Anthony Bourdain, Parts Unknown, our new obsession!)

But this no television has served us well. When we got pregnant and began reading up on all things baby one of the AAP recommendations was to not expose a baby to television for the first two years of life. At first that seemed ridiculous to us since we turned out fine but the more we read the more convinced we were by the quite convincing literature.

So we try not to have the television on when the baby is in the room. Easier said than done though. What do we do in social situations? We certainly do not want to impost our philosophy on others. And then there are our parents, who generally think we are crazy but try to adhere to our wishes. Just the other week the baby was having a fit over taking the bottle and my mom "solved" the problem by turning on the television and distracting her enough to take it. -_-

So there's a constant underlying friction about the issue and she's only 4 1/2 months old. I can imagine it will not get easier as she gets older.Who knows, with our next one I may throw all ideology to the wind for the sake of a quiet, hot shower! But for now this is what we do. What do you do?

Too Deep, Too Wide

Some days (ok, everyday) my heart swells with pride and I just want to tell everyone I see throughout the day of this deep, deep love. If only I could even describe it. Even express it. I don't think I could. It runs too deep. And is too wide.

Mom Guilt

I was just sharing with Melissa last week about mom guilt. Mom guilt is an awful feeling that, since the baby has been here, has kinda consumed me. Like when I wasn't producing enough breast milk for her - guilt. When I'm too tired to read her a book - guilt. When I haven't done tummy time with her that day - guilt. When she's been in the car seat too long - guilt. When I haven't sung enough songs, changed her diaper earlier, let her cry too long, fed her too late.. you get me. 

I haven't been able to get a handle on it. I think a lot of it stems from my fear of being a bad mother or worrying that I'll look back one day and regret that I didn't do more. But I want to be motivated to care for her based on love, not based on guilt.

I didn't realize that other moms have felt the same thing until I saw this post from Oh Joy! She had this to say:

"I've recently spoken at a few conferences, and I always get asked about how to deal with feeling guilty about being away from your child as a working mom. Now, let me preface this by saying that "mom guilt" is an epidemic that every mother I know seems to feel often—whether they're stay-at-home-moms, working moms, or any kind of mom—we (unfortunately) feel bad for something. "

Any of you moms get mom guilt? And if so, what do you do about it?

The Decadence

Last week Emerson began taking longer morning naps. On Thursday, 2 1/2 hours. Friday, 2 hours. Saturday, 3 1/2. Sunday 2 1/2. Even as I write this she has been sleeping a little over an hour.

It is really amazing what can be accomplished in a few hours - all the normal chores but the decadence after that was done ... a book! A real 393 page book!

It seems all this sleeping is helping her grow. She's quite a bit heavier these days, can hold her head up, cackles, is ticklish, coos, grabs toys and blankets and puts them in her mouth, and just this morning did this.

Josh and I truly look forward to each new day in anticipation of what is next. Only tomorrow knows what tomorrow will bring. Oh the excitement!

Friday Favorites //

My little namesake is at camp. She is the youngest attendee and is handling the rough life like a pro - sleeping through the night and letting anyone hold her while generously sharing her smiles and giggles. 5 mos looks good on you Noe-girl. There are a hundred kisses waiting for you at home. *hugs from Auntie

// 2 New Fav Blogs //

She is a great writer. Captivating, thoughtful, funny, witty, personal. I love this post. AND she has a link to tour her home. That is my absolute favorite!

The title snagged me and the end makes me come back for more. Also she has not one, but TWO home tours. Girl knows the way to my heart.