FROM: STELLA
TO: LAURA
- It’s been a crazy weather week for us here in North Carolina — everyday it’s been either flash rainstorms or insanely hot outside. We’ve been trying to get creative with new indoor activities and reading lots of books. Colby’s current favorites are Get Dressed, Sasquatch!, Y Is For Yoga, and Goodnight Moon.
2. My husband and I started watching Black Monday on Showtime this week and we’re really enjoying it. It’s been a while since we watched a show together and it’s fun to have something to look forward to at the end of the day.
3. After a few long car rides this week we decided to try out some new audio distractions for Colby in the car. We’re all enjoying the Ear Snacks podcast with Andrew & Polly and the Laurie Berkner Band. It’s been cool to see how children’s music has changed over the years. I am enjoying it even as an adult and I’ve loved watching Colby light up and dance to the music.
4. I have been getting a lot of fun vegetables in my weekly farm box and have been all over Pinterest trying to find fun recipes to try with my fresh veggies. Currently super jazzed about these Roasted Baby Turnips with Sautéed Turnip Greens, this Balsamic Beet Salad, and these Spring Onion Quick Pickles. I’ve also pulled out the juicer to finish off anything we still have left at the end of the week.
FROM: LAURA
TO: STELLA
1. We’re slowly introducing screen time for Ernie. So far he’s only had a block or two of 15-minute time, but naps have started to be a little more difficult lately and I foresee a time where we abut quiet time with screen time to get a few extra minutes of alone/parent/chore time in while he is occupied. The only thing Ernie has watched so far is Stillwater on Apple TV (which I really love, and is based on the Zen Shorts book (related, this mindfulness-encouraging Slow Down nature book is also a real treat!)).
2. This piece on mothering from author and disability advocate Rebekah Taussig was a really great read and perspective shift. I’ve been following her on Instagram for a bit (and can’t wait to get to her book on my to-be-read list!) and have really enjoyed the experiences she’s shared of motherhood so far.
3. I saw this Vox piece on credit card rewards circling the internet this week and had to jump on the sharing bandwagon (they also did a quick TLDR/overview on their June 9th episode of their daily podcast, Recode Daily). It is eye opening to learn about the inequities these programs perpetuate. I’ve been trying to dedicate a larger piece of our budget towards mutual aid efforts in our area and am definitely interested in finding a way to use our “rewards” points in this way as well.
4. Loved reading about Jess’ experience with pelvic floor physical therapy during pregnancy. I utilized PF PT postpartum but didn’t know the benefits could start with earlier intervention. Definitely something that isn’t addressed a lot in the conversation around having children, but that is invaluable to know about if you’re thinking of starting/expanding a family. I also really enjoy following ShiShi Rose on Instagram for superb content around postpartum health.
5. Drooling over the Very Good and Proper outdoor furniture collection designed in partnership with AC/AL. We’ve definitely been focusing on making the best backyard experience we can at our house given how much time we’ve spent at home over the last year, and I find myself down the outdoor furniture rabbit hole fairly often.