What I do without cable:

I buy more books than I probably should:

In this case, polar opposite type books. I used to have a goal of reading all the classics (i.e., Invisible Man) that I never read growing up. Although I was always a good student, I was never much of a reader as a kid, so I had lots of catching up to do. So, in college I read things like The Fountainhead (loved it) and Anna Karenina (never finished it) for "fun".

But in recent years, I've been more into fiction and books that require less thinking. I suppose this genre change has been partially in response to all of the stressors I deal with in my life as a social worker. When I'm reading fiction now, I often want to wind down, not get stirred up. So when I bought Invisible Man yesterday, I figured I should temper it with something that might make me laugh a bit. And so far, Mindy Kaling does not disappoint. I recommend it already!

What are you reading lately? I also bought James this book since it features a little boy named Sam who likes to dance.. just like his dancing Uncle Sam! ;)

Before He Turns Two (in a month!)

The many faces of James: 

Imitating (what I think looks like) a tourist with that cap:

Making funny faces at ourselves to the camera:

Being his sweet self at the bagel shop: 

I wanted to use this space to help me log James' growth and help me remember some of his milestones. At this point, he's talking up a storm (as my mom would say:). Today, he started saying "open/ close" when playing with his legs and opening and closing them (which I consider impressive, unprompted correlations-- but you know, I'm biased). He says "chocolate milk "A LOT. haha. This morning, when I opened the door at 6:15 in response to his "MA MA" calls, he greeted me with "Morning!" just like I usually greet him. It's pretty amazing, and I can actually feel my heart warm and my lips turn into a smile as I write this and reflect on all the loveliness that is watching a human being grow up. It's very easy (for me, and I'm sure many of us) to focus on the challenges of the every day.. and there are challenges every day don't get me wrong, but it makes taking the time to stop and reflect on all the glorious goodness that is also in that every day that much more important.

I hope you're all doing well. I know I haven't been in a blog writing mood lately. I think in response to coping with the many changes that have recently gone on in my little family's lives (moving to the bay area, finding an apartment, a job, child care, turning 30 (!), missing my friends and family, and adjusting to all of that..), lately all I want to do is either straighten up our house (challenging with a 1.75 year old), or veg out and watch Felicity after a long day (I'm on Season 4!). As the summer nears its final stage though, I see myself doing more yoga and hopefully writing a bit more.

So here's to lofty goals! :)