Chex-Mix, Lactation, and Pumpkins.
Hello.
How are you.
It's Friday. That's got to make you happy.
Right? Who doesn't love Fridays?
And because it's Friday, I have a list for you. Though one has nothing to do with the other, I still find it necessary to inform you of the following:
1. I miss the Friday nights I used to spend with up at my parents house (note: this photo wasn't taken at their house, it was taken at a brewery, over and out). What is it about someone cooking you a meal that is so special? I used to head up in the afternoons and spend hours chatting with my Mom and sipping kombucha before the rest of the family showed up for dinner. I miss that time spent in her kitchen - her kitchen was always filled with treasures that I not-so-secretly coveted, like artisan cheeses and yummy crackers and wine and pine nuts and pesto and fancy mustard. The best part was she used to open it up like a grocery store for my tasting pleasure, eagerly plating a tray of her goodness for my never-ceasing appetite. My Mom is like me in that way (or rather, I'm like her) - we so enjoy showering the people we love with food.
Her food and her fellowship were delicious. Every single Friday I desperately miss both.
In an effort to semi-revive the fun of Fridays, a new friend of mine and I decided to begin a small group of sorts to be held at our home on Fridays. Though we won't be eating dinner, we will be sharing munchies and drink on Friday nights (after the kiddos are down for the night) and will be beginning a casual bible study. I am hopeful this will grow our fellowship as young couples in the church and will keep us from falling asleep at 7:45.
What can I say? I get tired early. I'm like an old lady. It's a good thing we don't have a television or I'd be watching Wheel of Fortune.
Even still, I am eager to spend more structured time in the Lord's word and with new friends. So cheers for a fun-filled-Friday!
2. All I can think about at the present moment is Chex-Mix. My Mom, bless her soul, just sent me some in the mail. I'm going to lick every single crumb out of the bag. Then, I'm going to make her send me some more.
Whole-food, it is not.
Comfort-food, it is.
And I love it.
What's a favorite comfort food of yours?
3. Wouldn't you know, this baby has done a number on my back these last few days. Whether is comes from the extra weight I'm carrying around or the fact that I'm still lugging around my large toddler, it's painful. I've attempted to stretch it out with some yoga poses, but thus far, no relief. I simply want to remain in fetal position on the couch - it's the only position that relieves the pressure and pain.
Point being, if someone wants to come and cook and clean and do laundry for me for the next week, I'd be more than happy to have you. Because even sweeping is painful. And if girlfriend doesn't sweep, it's an ugly world in this sandy home. Plus, my tub really needs to be scrubbed.
Eek! Just the thought makes me ache.
And might I just dote on my wonderful husband for a moment? He has eagerly stepped up to rub my back and wash the dishes and help lift Georgia in and out of the tub. I love him. And am so thankful he is a man that is willing to serve his wife in this way.
Did I mention I love him? Because I do.
4. I'm going to use some of our very precious grocery budget money to purchase a pumpkin for our porch this weekend. This is totally frivolous and pointless, but I really want a pumpkin on our porch for the fall.
Maybe I can try and find one that we can eat afterwords. At least then it won't be a total waste.
5. My dear friend Kate blessed me with a box of her maternity clothes to see me through these last few 'larger' months. What a blessing!
Because let's be honest, I am larger than I once was.
All parts. Hips. Toosh. Belly. Thighs. It's all larger.
And speaking of being larger, I found THIS POST from Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking to be a wonderful reminder of the beauty that comes to our bodies through pregnancy and beyond.
And speaking of being larger (still), do any of you have a brand or style of nursing bra that you would recommend? I cannot bare to think about wearing the $4 WalMart nursing bra that I wore with Georgia - it was awful.
I'm sure some of you can relate. The comfort of a nursing bra is important when you practically have to wear it 24 hours a day.
And speaking of comfort (see how the thought train of my mind works?), I'm going to figure out how to sew some homemade nursing pads this go-round. While the disposable pads were convenient and effective, their price tag will not be appreciated by Dang Dave. I think it'd be best to find a more economical alternative, though it may be more effective (since I don't sew) to just find some on Etsy.
I'm looking at something like this:
Though I like the idea of having a plastic (or wool?) lining on one side. Because, let's be honest, sometimes things get outta control quickly in the lactation department.
Sorry. That's enough talk about breasts and bras and lactation.
Just thought I'd share.
I hope you have a wonderful Friday, my friends. What's going on in your world?