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Self-Care: Another Form of Sabbath we’ve been Neglecting
There is nothing quite like the stillness of morning. When my babies were little, I did the wise thing and slept as long as they did, often trying to delay the arrival of morning by snuggling them close in bed and nursing them back to sleep as many times as they’d allow. But these days, I set an alarm for at least an hour before those little eyes will open. I’ve crept downstairs in the darkness, lit candles around my living room, stretched out on a yoga mat, and eased into the day. I’ve poured myself a hot cup of coffee, sweetening it with honey, and relished its sweet, earthy…
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Making Memories
The grasses were all around, towering above me like trees. They waved gently in the breeze, greeting me as their friend. The autumnal sun had rendered them golden, had made every part of the scene glow with warmth. While I cannot picture him, I know my dad was there. We were fishing together in some small, peaceful body of water, and I felt small in the best way. Then, the quietness was interrupted with a crescendo of noise, and I looked up to see a flock of geese bursting into my vision, flapping their wings against the blushing sky. It was a moment of wonder, and I can still picture…
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The 1st Birthday Party – 10 Tips for Hosting a Memorable Event without Breaking the Bank (or Losing your Mind)
When I turned one, my birthday party consisted of family coming over to enjoy some snacks and a homemade chocolate cake my mom lovingly decorated with Big Bird. There were some gifts, maybe a few balloons. It was not a big deal, just a time to celebrate with loved ones. But in this day and age, especially under the influence of social media, there’s an expectation of hosting an elaborate, themed birthday party for your little one. Spend five minutes on Pinterest, and you will become either inspired or discouraged by the intensity with which people plan for baby’s first birthday. A beautiful party is all well and good, but…
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Flowers for our Wild Flower – Lucy’s First Birthday Party
There’s something magical and crazy about your baby turning one. So much changes in one rotation around the sun, and that little infant that you nuzzled and worried about has become a tiny human with personality and skills and opinions. For me, it evoked a lot of sentimentality. I chose to spend Lucy’s birthday reading through the journal we began the day we learned of her existence and reflecting on her birth and life. Then, after a fun day at the zoo, a few small gifts, photos, and Lucy’s first ice-cream cone, the birth day itself was over, but the party was still to come. The First Birthday Party Before…
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Baby Wearing – Why this Simple Tool Makes a World of Difference
It is the one essential baby item I couldn't do without. My husband calls it part of my "mom uniform." I call it a lifesaver. I honestly don't know I would have parented our babies without it. It's the baby carrier.
