tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37822690587412410232024-03-13T09:02:36.782-04:00Wabisabi MamaMamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.comBlogger574125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-81439720446482657722014-12-17T21:13:00.000-05:002014-12-19T21:13:40.683-05:00supporting the arts<div dir="ltr" id="yiv5502657119yui_3_16_0_1_1418515069687_95999" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue Light', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
Happy holidays friends & family!</div>
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Most of you know that I am a company member with <a href="http://www.dogandponydc.com/">dog & pony dc,</a> a small non-profit theater company based here in Washington DC. I love working with this talented group of artists as we challenge the traditional theater experience of presenting a show to a passive audience. Instead, we devise our own plays and explore different ways to integrate and involve the audience in our production process. We've had an exciting year which included a run of <a href="http://www.dogandponydc.com/beertown">Beertown</a> off-broadway, the premier of a new show, <a href="http://www.dogandponydc.com/toast">TOAST</a>, and the beginning stages of development for our next show, Squares. But not only is this an incredible ensemble, it is also a mama-friendly company that allows me to be involved to the extent that I can as a stay-at-home mom. When we toured to Beertown in New York City there was total support of me bringing along my entire family for the ride; dog & pony dc is a model for a family friendly work place and that means a lot to me as an artist and as a mama.</div>
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I'm sure you've received a plethora of requests for end-of-the-year charitable giving and no doubt you have your favorite causes you support, but I'm writing to ask you to consider donating a small (or large!) amount to dog & pony dc. Asking others for money is always a bit awkward, but I believe strongly in community support of art. Good art can be transformative and sharing our stories is an important way we connect with each other. </div>
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Next year is another big year for dog & pony dc and we need your help in reaching our fundraising goals. Not only that, but a group of donors has pledged to match any donations up to $10,000! I've committed to raising $1000 for the company and I would be so grateful if you could help me reach that goal. Any amount would be appreciated; simply follow <a href="https://dogandponydc.democracyengine.com/conspirewithus/contribute?recip1=2140&amount1=5&sc=EOY14eyq" id="yiv5502657119yui_3_16_0_1_1418515069687_110954" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">this link</a> to a secure site to donate online. You can also pay through your work's charitable giving program, which is especially nice if they match your donation!</div>
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Whether you donate or not, please accept my wishes for a warm and happy holiday. Our Christmas will be especially sweet this year as we just welcomed our fourth child - baby boy Truman - last Thursday morning. It was a home birth (our first) and we have been enjoying our time together as a family of six while we adjust to life with a new baby. </div>
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Hope your holidays are just as sweet and thanks in advance for your support!</div>
MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-76172790554488739722013-10-01T11:05:00.001-04:002013-10-01T11:05:23.882-04:00life lately; oh my how time flies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been positively autumnal and we've been busy with school, play, work, surviving...<br />
Hope your fall activities have been sweet and happy, too.MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-11133366316197566072013-08-11T23:01:00.001-04:002013-08-13T20:43:13.478-04:00twin wisdomThe other day I met a woman during storytime at the museum. She observed my boys for a bit and then confessed that she is pregnant with twins (funny enough, she also has a daughter named Maya!). She asked me if I had any advice for her and at first I said no but on further thought I realized that I <i>do</i> have some ideas and lessons learned that I would've appreciated knowing before Benjamin and Corrigan made their appearance. I hesitate to share lest I come off as knowledgeable and experienced (<i>au contraire</i>!), but if this stuff can prove helpful to anyone else out there then that would make me happy.<br />
Here are some thoughts and things that worked for me:<br />
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<b>Pregnancy</b><br />
Eat a lot. Don't worry about gaining weight. Carrying multiples is so very different from a singleton. And rest. <i>Really</i>. Don't feel guilty and don't think you're wasting your time. If you can sleep or at least put your feet up, do it!<br />
Read as much as you can to prepare for this. Some books I found helpful were:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Having-Twins-More-Pregnancy-Childhood/dp/0618138730/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372299479&sr=1-8&keywords=elizabeth+noble"><i>Having Twins and More: A Parent's Guide to Multiple Pregnancy, Birth and Early Childhood</i> by Elizabeth Noble</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Youre-Expecting-Twins-Triplets-Quads/dp/0061803073/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y"><i>When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads; Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy</i> by Barbara Luke</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mothering-Multiples-Breastfeeding-Caring-International/dp/0976896931/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_z"><i>Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding and Caring for Twins or More</i> by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada</a><br />
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<b>Birth</b><br />
Everyone says that you need to flexible and open when it comes to your birthing experience because things rarely go the way you want them to. And while I believe that is true, I also think there are definitely things you can do to prepare yourself. Some people find birthing classes to be helpful, others hire a doula to support them through the process. I think sometimes it can be helpful to hear other women's birth stories to give you an idea of what it<i> could </i>be like.<br />
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My story: I was determined to take my babies full term and have them naturally and vaginally, but it seemed that wouldn't be possible; I had some bleeding in my second trimester and was diagnosed with placenta previa. I had birthed my fist child, my daughter, with a midwife in a birth center and was already disappointed that with the twins I was being pushed into a hospital birth with an OB, so the news that I would also need to have a C-section was a bit crushing. Because we all have this ideal that we're striving for and though we try to be flexible it can still be a tremendous let-down if things don't go the way we want, right?<br />
But you know what? In the end I didn't need that C-section.<br />
On my doula's recommendation I had a few acupuncture visits in an attempt to move my placenta and it may have actually worked. Though I went into labor at 35 weeks (I had been hoping I could make it to 40!) I was able to birth my boys naturally and vaginally, just like I wanted. After my water broke and I arrived at the hospital, an ultrasound technician was called in to analyze the location of my placenta and determine whether or not it had moved enough and whether a c-section was truly necessary. The doctors and technicians all stepped outside the room to discuss my fate and while they were out there my body just slipped into high gear. I got slammed with super-hard contractions and the urge to push. By the time the pros slipped back into the room to announce they were sending me down to the OR I was already crowning. The midwife and doula had me covered, though. Out came Benjamin, followed 6 minutes later by double footling breech Corrigan. All natural, right out the wazoo. Zero problems with my placenta. It was one of the most amazing and miraculous things I have ever done in my life.<br />
If I had ended up having a C-section it certainly wouldn't have been the end of the world. I was prepared to do it, really, I was. But I'm happy that I was able to avoid it. I know not everyone's birth experience can be the way they want it to be and I don't share my story to say that there is no place for C-sections or that I had my ideal birth. But I have a lot of respect for the human mind and body. I think my meditation practice and the acupuncture were key in helping me to have the kind of birth I wanted. But who knows? Those things may have had nothing to do with it and it may have been dumb luck. I'm glad things happened the way they did, but I'm even more grateful that those boys arrived safely and in good health.<br />
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<b>Gear</b><br />
<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/buy/feeding/nursing-pillows-stools/my-brest-friend-twins-plus-deluxe-green-nursing-pillow-600-4217869">My Brest Friend Twins Deluxe Nursing pillow</a><br />
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This nursing pillow came in really handy for the first three months. I don't know how else you could support both babies and tandem nurse. I highly recommend this - it is large and cumbersome and I didn't use it after three months, but nursing just one at a time with a regular pillow or Boppy would mean you are nursing <i>constantly, </i>so this is super helpful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.twingocarrier.com/">TwinGo baby carrier</a><br />
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I'm a huge advocate of babywearing and I was thrilled when I discovered that a local mom had created this brilliantly-designed twin carrier. It is very similar to an Ergo but with a front panel in addition to the back. I carry the boys in this <i>all the time</i>. It is how I get them from the house to the car (I live in the city and need to park on the street and sometimes it is a bit of a trek to get there), how I get them to calm down, how I get anything done around the house while they're fussy... it has been a godsend to me.<br />
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Double baby stroller<br />
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I wanted a sturdy, good quality side-by-side stroller, but nice, new ones are so pricey, so I resorted to getting a used Valco off of Craig's List. It is sturdy, comparable in value to a Bob's stroller and we have gotten quite a bit of use out of it - it has proven effective over bumpy city sidewalks as well as off-roading. Truthfully, if I had to do it all over I probably would've opted for a Bob's because there are a few design elements of the Valco that irk me (the under carriage basket is extremely hard to access and the buckle closures get caught when folding up the stroller and break). I have never tried the front and back stroller (like a Phil&Ted's or City Mini) with the twins. While it may be easier to navigate through doorways, I like the idea of the boys being side-by-side.<br />
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<b>Surviving</b><br />
I get a lot of <i>Oh, you have your hands full</i><br />
or <i>That's double trouble right there</i><br />
or <i>Two for the price of one</i>!<br />
When you have twins you get used to a certain amount of celebrity-ism. It's mostly cute and benign.<br />
And everyone who is a twin or has twins or knows a twin let's me know about it.<br />
There are a lot of twins out there these days!<br />
But I am partial to these ones:<br />
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Having twins is really fun. Except for when it's not. Like when they're both screaming and crying and you can only comfort one at a time, or when one sets the other one off, or when they take off in opposite directions or when they both have blowouts at the same time (you might be surprised by how often this actually happens) or when you are in a public restroom and you don't know where to put them or when you're flying on an airplane or managing them both when you're in a restaurant... oh my, there are lots of tough times.<br />
But there are good times. Mine usually sleep at the same time, which is a truly sweet sight:<br />
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Sometimes people shake their heads a say <i>I don't know how you do it</i> but the thing is, you just <i>do</i>. It isn't ever easy. Ever. But it is so <i>cool</i>. Having two at once is a joyful, wondrous thing. </div>
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Some people say that the first two years are the most challenging and then they start to entertain and play with each other and in some ways it becomes easier. I'm not necessarily counting on it, but I am hopeful!</div>
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That's it, I guess. It's not much, but those are some of my thoughts. Let me know if you have any other pieces of advice to add!MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-37362299941782740652013-04-13T20:50:00.002-04:002013-04-13T20:50:55.751-04:00in this moment<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">As I write this I'm holding my little night owl who is happy to be awake with me while his siblings are snoozing in their beds. It has just gotten dark, there is a tiny sliver of a moon and I am munching on my new addiction: Trader Joe's lightly sweetened coconut strips. The heat of this past week has dissipated and it is a lovely spring night, comfortable and quiet (well, as quiet as it can get here in the city). There is a picture of our family that Mayumi drew on a Post-It note on my laptop. I have a boatload of photos to edit and blogging to catch up on, but I just wanted to take a moment and record what is happening at this exact moment. Not because it is extraordinary or special in any way, but it is like so many moments in my days and they too often slip away and are forgotten. I know I can't capture every moment and hold it forever, no matter how I long to. Sometimes I am painfully aware of how fleeting and fragmented life is - how quickly my children grow and seasons pass. I know that is how it should be and I am mostly okay with that... but sometimes I do really want to hold a moment and remember it forever. And that is okay too.</span></div>
MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-51124227037851194672013-02-24T20:52:00.000-05:002013-02-24T20:52:01.307-05:00weekend highlights<br />
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:: brunched with neighbors and admired their babies (5 new babies on our block within a few months of each other!)<br />
:: made more pop tarts! devoured more pop tarts! love homemade pop tarts!<br />
:: cleaning, reorganizing, de-cluttering: an ongoing process!<br />
:: flexed my creative muscle at a <a href="http://www.dogandponydc.com/">dog & pony dc</a> rehearsal/meeting.<br />
:: satisfied my inner voyeur be attending a neighbor's open house and admiring her clever decorating style.<br />
:: received our order of Girl Scout cookies!<br />
:: cared for three sniffly, croupy children and hoping I can avoid getting what they have... fingers crossed.<br />
:: going to bed early... why do I love that so much?MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-40797389984497038952013-02-19T00:36:00.000-05:002013-02-19T00:43:42.078-05:00President's Day walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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President's Day holiday. Of course there were projects that needed to be done around the house, but we decided to put them off and take advantage of having PapaQ home for an extra day this weekend. Taking a walk through the woods together as a family seemed perfect on this sunny, easy-going day.. Finding such wilderness required driving a few minutes away to the National Arboretum where you'd never know you were in the middle of a major city. Despite seeing signs of spring in our neighborhood, here it seemed as though nature was still slumbering through winter. Surrounded by lovely shades of brown, amber and gold we leapt over muddy patches (as best and one can leap while carrying a baby strapped to you) and poked at thinly iced ponds with sticks. Such a brisk, refreshing outing; I hope that our children's memories of growing up include these lovely little patches of free play in the brilliant outdoors.<br />
And yes, Mayumi chose to wear a bonnet from her dress-up basket. I'm sure the few people we ran across thought we were some kind of Amish or something... charming but a little strange.MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-27384165706813046002013-02-15T07:00:00.000-05:002013-02-15T07:00:13.261-05:00{this moment}<em style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">A Friday ritual (inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="color: #249fa3; text-decoration: none;">Soulemama</a>). </em><br />
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. </em></div>
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A simple, special, extraordinary moment. </em></div>
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</em></div>
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MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-49367026065141018142013-02-14T22:00:00.000-05:002013-02-15T09:33:22.111-05:00lover-ly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All my sweet valentines got a little bit of mama love today. Nothing over the top, just those simple gestures that remind every one that it is a special day.<br />
::the red polyester tablecloth that on any other day would be tacky<br />
::pink embroidered napkins<br />
::jammy hearts on hot oatmeal<br />
::pink strawberry peach smoothie (with just a spoonful on Nutella!)<br />
::oohhhing and ahhhing all the handmade love notes (such creative friends!)<br />
::lots of paper hearts, cuddles, and "I love yous"<br />
::making heart-shaped toaster pastries and eating way more than I should have<br />
::roses for everyone!<br />
::staying up for a while after the littles are in bed (wink, wink)<br />
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Oh St. Valentine, could you have ever imagined what you have wrought?MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-67776517844119164232013-02-14T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-14T10:46:49.986-05:00with love...My friend, <a href="http://hilltopstar.blogspot.com/">Christine</a> shared this. I teared up a bit. You can think what you want about Valentine's Day, but Love is good!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aTLySbGoMX0" width="560"></iframe>MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-64290119459575621252013-02-13T07:30:00.000-05:002013-02-13T19:46:54.921-05:00yarn along: more hats<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular </span><a href="http://www.gsheller.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #4a833a; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Wednesday Yarn Along</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading?</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">~ </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Ginny Sheller from </em><em style="background-color: white; color: #4a833a; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.gsheller.com/" style="color: #4a833a; text-decoration: none;">Small Things</a></em></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: small;">Knitting</span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1358651311423_1731" style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"><a href="http://www.wabisabimama.com/2013/01/yarn-along-hats-for-hope.html">Two weeks ago I mentioned the hat project I'm working on</a> and I've been touched by the response I've gotten from some of you out there. Thank you for offering to contribute! For those of you who don't know, my congregation has committed to making 500 hats for the oncology ward of Children's Hospital here in DC and our deadline is mid-March. They especially need hats for 8-13 year-old boys and girls that are</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;"> brand new and preferably handmade (because these very sick kids enjoy seeing something made especially for them). Any type of yarn or pattern is okay (there are lots of free hat patterns on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" style="color: #685740; text-decoration: none;">Ravelry</a>). I finished the little slouchy hat (the purplish one above) and now I'm casting on for a cute cabled hat from Vogue Knitting <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vogue-Knitting-Chunky-Scarves-Hats/dp/1931543518/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360766642&sr=8-1&keywords=vogue+knitting+chunky+scarves">Chunky Hats and Scarves</a></i>.</span></span></span></h5>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1358651311423_1799" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you are interested in contributing a handmade hat to the project, please let me know!</span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;">I finished <a href="http://www.lisasee.com/snowflower/" style="color: #685740; text-decoration: none;"><i>Snow Flower and the Secret Fan </i>by Lisa See</a> and I enjoyed it; it was quite an interesting story about the power of female relationships. The narrator and her "old same" had such a dear, close friendship that was crushed by pride and misunderstanding - a warning as to how delicate relationships can be. The background of the story was absolutely fascinating to me, too, from the description of Chinese </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">foot binding to the hierarchal structure of Chinese families (and society). Excellent read, I highly recommend it. Now I'm delving into <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Idea-Factory-American-Innovation/dp/0143122797/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360078133&sr=8-1&keywords=the+idea+factory"><i>The Idea Factory: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation</i> by Jon Gertner</a> as some reading for our upcoming play creation with <a href="http://www.dogandponydc.com/">dog and pony dc</a>. I'm also reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Self-Reliant-Children-Self-Indulgent-World/dp/0761511288"><i>Raising Self-Reliant Children in a Self-Indulgent World</i> by H. Stephen Glenn and Jane Nelson</a> which has been encouraging and eye-opening. More on that later...</span></span></span></div>
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MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-12861576371473181682013-02-12T09:57:00.001-05:002013-02-12T09:57:40.523-05:00what's my favorite word?"Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt" me is not really true is it? Words, like thoughts, are powerful things. Though I'm not very good with them <span style="font-size: x-small;">(open mouth, insert foot)</span> I like words. I like reading, writing, singing, talking, praying...<br />
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PapaQ likes to use positive words and phrases for his internet passwords. He figures that since he has to type them on a regular basis, he wants them to be uplifting reminders to help him get through his day. You know, because words shape your thoughts and attitudes.<br />
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The words you keep in your mind can reflect on the kind of person you are, don't you think? My dad sent me an article in <a href="http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/survey-reveals-japans-top-10-words-all-remarkably-positive">Japan Today</a> about a survey asking people in Japan what their favorite word is. <span style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20px;">Here are the top 10 results, complete with their English counterparts:</span><br />
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1. ありがとう arigato - thank you </div>
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2. 努力 doryoku - exertion/great effort</div>
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3. 愛 ai - love </div>
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4. 思いやり omoiyari - consideration</div>
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5. 前向き maemuki - looking forward</div>
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6. 一期一会 ichigo ichie - once in a lifetime opportunity </div>
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7. 笑い・笑顔 warai/egao - laugh/smiling face</div>
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8. 健康 kenko - health</div>
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9. 平和 heiwa - peace </div>
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10. なんとかなる nantoka ni naru - ”We’ll get by some way or other.” </div>
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Isn't that amazing? I'm a big believer in our own power to shape our environment; being proactive as opposed to reactive. On gloomy, overcast days I remind myself that I can make my own sunshine. When the news is depressing (and it always is, isn't it?) I focus on trying to make my one little corner of the world a better place. And my favorite word in the English language? "Mama", preferably spoken by one of my sweet littles.</div>
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I'm tempted to apologize for my saccharine-ness, but since when should people be sorry for being positive? Life's too short to complain and hide under a rock, right? </div>
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What's your favorite word?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWrC1JkqCQU/URpXGHF2r4I/AAAAAAAAJug/8HlH0X8giGo/s1600/IMG_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dWrC1JkqCQU/URpXGHF2r4I/AAAAAAAAJug/8HlH0X8giGo/s640/IMG_1974.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-88530945503335935022013-02-10T05:42:00.000-05:002013-02-12T00:41:08.581-05:00happy new year again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/Images/Snake/Snake128.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="floatleft" height="320" src="http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/Images/Snake/Snake128.gif" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="320" /></a></div>
Happy Chinese new year!<br />
The Japanese also use the same zodiac as the Chinese, and 2013 is the year of the (back water) snake, which is my sign.<br />
I'm not a big believer in astrology but I do find it amusing (especially when it predicts good things for me). As a young girl I was disappointed to be a snake because of the negative connotations, but in Chinese culture, the snake is considered a good omen, a bringer of good luck. The snake represents inquisitiveness and passion. Not bad for a scaly animal with no legs.<br />
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I think we'll do a little exploration of all things Chinese this month. Here are a few resources we'll be looking to:<br />
<a href="http://montessoritraining.blogspot.com/2009/01/activities-for-celebrating-chinese-new.html#.URnCdKWQzzJ">Montessori-inspired Chinese activities</a><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/173529391864187786/" style="line-height: 0px;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/550x/71/23/a5/7123a52fa7ed402ca34439b94dc2effe.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
<a href="http://discoverykidzone.blogspot.com/2012/01/montessori-monday-chinese-new-year.html">Discovery Kid Zone Chinese New Year activities</a><br />
<a href="http://www.origami-resource-center.com/chinese-lantern.html">make Chinese lanterns</a><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/173529391864187742/" style="line-height: 0px;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="429" src="http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/550x/ea/12/aa/ea12aa3fb0808481af656a9f024f7058.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://littletigergrowingup.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-chinese-zodiac-story.html">Chinese zodiac story game</a><br />
<a href="http://carrotsareorange.com/culture-movement-activity-kids/">Chinese Zodiac yoga</a><br />
cook dumplings<br />
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<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/chinese-new-year-lapbook">make a lap book</a><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/173529391864187658/" style="line-height: 0px;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/82/df/f0/82dff0d87f49542ba0e9c2f2ffa06045.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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make a paper chain snake<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/232076187020129437/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/b0/3a/18/b03a18286a2aa2ed96bef0820a9c1a91.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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make felt fortune cookies<br />
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MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-3351638868509491292013-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:002013-02-09T08:06:21.563-05:00{this moment}<em style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">A Friday ritual (inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="color: #249fa3; text-decoration: none;">Soulemama</a>). </em><br />
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. </em></div>
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A simple, special, extraordinary moment. </em></div>
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</em><br />
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MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-27097798785134206762013-02-03T01:28:00.002-05:002013-02-03T01:30:17.334-05:00four shotsLast Saturday Maya had her five year check-up with the doctor <span style="font-size: x-small;">(a few months late, I know, but that's how things roll around here)</span>. She needed four immunization/booster shots to be caught up for where she needs to be to start school in the fall. FOUR! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(If, indeed, we do enroll her in school because I'm still pretty gung-ho about homeschooling her or doing some sort of hybrid thingy, but how can I compete with a Mandarin immersion program and a really cool playground?)</span><br />
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Anyhow, at the doctor's she needed four shots. She was so scared, of course, but she handled it like a champ. Afterwards she and PapaQ got a treat to celebrate her bravery (hot chocolate!). She came home and proudly showed me her four bandaids on her poor little arm as if they were war wounds. Because they kind of are, right?<br />
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Oh my goodness... I simply cannot believe how much she has grown in the past year. It has been staggering. It seems that our chubby little toddler is all-of-a-sudden a big girl, all long-limbed and loose-toothed. And oh, the things she says! Why don't I write them down the second they're out of her mouth so I don't forget? A huge part of me mourns the little girl that she is not anymore. A part of me wants to freeze time so she'll stay like this forever and stop growing up (and eventually away?). But the other part of me adores watching her grow and learn and become even more amazing than the day before.<br />
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Oh, my sweet daughter, the days go by so quickly and sometimes at night I watch you sleeping and I wonder if I did enough to today to make you feel loved and treasured. Did I remind you what a miracle your arrival was? Did I hug you enough and breathe in your shampoo/outdoor/sweaty hair smell? Did I memorize the different contours of your face? Did I read to you enough? Did I laugh loud enough at your jokes? Did we play enough games and color enough pictures together? Did I pay enough attention to you even though it seems so much of my focus is on your brothers these days? Did I tell you that I love you? Because I do. So fiercely, my sweet love, my five year-old daughter, my Mayumi bear. So, so much!<br />
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<br />MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-13732292391577649532013-02-02T23:30:00.000-05:002013-02-03T01:31:42.103-05:00busy-ness and the space betweenIt's been a few days since I've been able to be in this blogging space and I've missed it. I can hardly believe it is February already (Happy Groundhog Day!). Sometimes during the day or as I drift off to sleep at night I find myself composing posts in my head. Most of them never see the light of day. I don't know why sometimes it can seem so difficult to make the time to write things down. You know how an entire day can pass and the only thing I've done is breastfeed, change diapers, and make dinner? Busy isn't quite the right word, but speaking of busy...<br />
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I recently read a post on <a href="http://wyckhamavery.tumblr.com/">my friend's blog</a> about banishing the word "busy" from one's vocabulary. She cites a couple of different eye-opening articles (<a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2003/10/23/dont-tell-me-youre-busy/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6727/Challenge-Stop-Saying-Youre-Busy.html">here</a>), which I read and have been thinking about ever since <span style="font-size: x-small;">(after all this is <a href="http://www.wabisabimama.com/2012/12/new-years-resolutions.html">my year to be more thoughtful)</a></span>. I was struck by how obnoxious it is to comment to everyone about how busy I am, followed by a listing all the different activities and commitments I have <span style="font-size: x-small;">(which aren't even that many, let's be honest. I'm just a poor time manager)</span>. Blech. <i>Everyone</i> is busy, just like every one breathes and eats. Everyone always has something that needs to be checked off the list, something that needs tending to, fires that need to be extinguished. So why continuously point it out and compete with each other about it?<br />
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Enough of that already.<br />
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A few years ago during a <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koto_(instrument)">koto</a> </i>lesson, my <i>sensei</i> was trying to articulate to me the difference between Japanese and Chinese styles of playing. She pointed out that the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsCAw-ilf_c">Chinese style</a> was very complex and full. By comparison, the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtyAejkcHXs">Japanese style</a> seemed simpler and... more sparse. She explained that the music wasn't just about the notes, but about the space between. The Japanese call this <i>kongoseki</i> and it is not unlike the artistic principle of negative space. It's that space that brings the note (or the image) into sharper focus, giving it more meaning and value. Like the pause between the inhale and the exhale, it's not rushed or crowded. It is deliberate and confident, strong and supportive. It is the opposite of busy.<br />
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Isn't that a refreshing idea? Rather than competing with everyone for the more busy (therefore important?) lifestyle, why not focus on a few things and really take the time to enjoy them? To allow ourselves moments of peace and pleasure in between the responsibilities and tasks, without feeling guilty about it. Yes please... but is it possible? That was one of the reasons for starting this little blog in the first place - to chronicle our attempts at trying to live a Wabi Sabi life - being mindful and present in the space between. Sometimes that means <i>not</i> being able to blog for a few days or weeks or months even... and I suppose that's okay (so forgive us if our posts are somewhat inconsistent).<br />
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Just some thoughts. What do you think?MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-82511715728006817552013-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:002013-01-27T07:00:05.338-05:00brothers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's something so sweet about twins, isn't there? Didn't everyone, at some point in their childhood, want to be a twin? There seems to be a bond there, a built-in forever friend. I hope these guys are like that... that they will always love and respect each other and have each other's backs. True brothers.</div>
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Oh, these brothers are so sweet, I just want to gobble them up!MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-72586448911323029182013-01-26T07:00:00.000-05:002013-01-26T07:00:01.475-05:00awesomest letter ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-24915793459615516272013-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:002013-01-25T07:00:08.082-05:00[this moment]<em style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">A Friday ritual (inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="color: #249fa3; text-decoration: none;">Soulemama</a>). </em><br />
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. </em></div>
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A simple, special, extraordinary moment. </em></div>
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</em></div>
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<br />MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-3457966697871760982013-01-24T07:30:00.000-05:002013-01-24T07:30:01.216-05:00somewhere green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Usually around this time of year I start getting antsy for some greenery. Though it was neglected through the harsh DC summer and my difficult pregnancy, I miss my garden. I hope we can get reacquainted this spring. Until then, I'm taking pleasure in the little green corners of my home. It's not much, but I'll take what I can get.</div>
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<br />MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-35269154386161211382013-01-23T07:00:00.000-05:002013-01-27T07:37:55.228-05:00yarn along: hats for hope<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular </span><a href="http://www.gsheller.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #4a833a; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Wednesday Yarn Along</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ <em>Ginny Sheller from </em><em style="color: #4a833a;"><a href="http://www.gsheller.com/" style="color: #4a833a; text-decoration: none;">Small Things</a></em></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38;">Knitting</span></h5>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1358651311423_1731" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38;">Though it pains me to put aside the sweater I've been working on forever, I want to get involved in a new project close to my heart. My congregation has committed to making 500 hats for the oncology ward of Children's Hospital here in DC and our deadline is mid-March. They especially need hats for 8-13 year-old boys and girls, so I chose a fun <a href="http://store.cocoknits.com/products/simple-slouchy-hat.html">slouchy hat pattern from Coco Knits</a>. I've just cast on, but I think I can finish it in the next few days. Making 500 hats is a daunting task... perhaps you knitters/crocheters out there would like to help out? I've found that yarn lovers are a warm-hearted, giving bunch and I was hoping I could enlist you to contribute a few hats to our collection. There aren't many guidelines except that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38;">hats must be brand new, never worn, and preferably handmade. The hospital prefers handmade because these very sick kids enjoy seeing something made especially for them! Any type of yarn or pattern is okay (there are lots of free hat patterns on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>). I can't really imagine what it must be like for these kids to have to face something as scary as cancer, but I hope that having a hat made with love just for them will help in some little way.</span></span></h5>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1358651311423_1799" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38;"><br />If you have the time and would like to contribute, please, please please do! Let me know if you're interested or have questions—I can pick up hats from locals and I can provide my mailing address for people far away. What a sweet way for our community to come together for a special cause!</span></h5>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38;"><b>Books</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.38;">Mayumi is really into chapter books now, so we've been reading the<i> American Girl</i>, <i>Little House</i> and <i>Betsy-Tacy</i> books - whatever we can get our hands on through the library or thrift store. It's been wonderful revisiting the <i>Little House</i> series. As for me, I've started reading <a href="http://www.lisasee.com/snowflower/"><i>Snow Flower and the Secret Fan </i>by Lisa See</a>. Her description of Chinese </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">foot binding starting at six years old was heartbreaking. I understand there was an inspired-by-the-book movie made a few years ago and I just requested it from the library... we'll see how that is. I know I'm painfully slow at finishing anything nowadays, so it may be a while before I make it through this book. Making hats is my creative priority right now!</span></span></span></div>
MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-37195558744055766322013-01-22T21:10:00.000-05:002013-01-23T17:32:30.469-05:00back on the matFor Christmas PapaQ got me a ten pass to a local yoga studio. I've neglected my yoga practice for months now - I simple couldn't do it during the last half of my pregnancy and for the past three months I just haven't had the chance to get back into it. The truth is, I'd been avoiding it. I think I've been scared to step back on to the mat... scared of what my body would or wouldn't do, how it would feel, how I might "fail" to focus, hold a certain <i>asana</i> or open myself up in meditation.<br />
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But I went yesterday. I registered for a spot in a gentle yoga class. And yes, I was scared. But it also felt familiar and reassuringly comfortable to be in that sacred space. I liked the teacher; she expertly led us through the sequences and made adjustments to my body when it needed it. I was pleasantly surprised by how my body recognized the postures and flowed through them. I acknowledge that it will be a while before I have my strength and flexibility back, before my mind is able to be still in meditation, but it feels so good to return to this and to feel welcomed back; it's like coming home.<br />
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No doubt it will be challenging to fit in a regular yoga practice (<span style="font-size: x-small;">or ANYTHING practice!</span>) during this time and I think that is okay. I love this baby stage and I know it will go by quickly... too quickly. I'm determined to enjoy it and take my time with these little people. A regular yoga practice may be a while yet, but I'll take what I can get!<br />
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<br />MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-11944834711116067952013-01-21T23:00:00.000-05:002013-01-23T11:28:26.769-05:00inaugural thoughtsFour years ago, despite the almost crippling cold, PapaQ and I bundled up our one year-old daughter and headed out to the national mall to watch Barack Obama be sworn in as president of the United States.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inauguration Day 2009</td></tr>
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This year we stayed in. We love the excitement of being there live, but we also love the ease and convenience of watching it on TV in a warm house.<br />
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Despite living in Washington DC, where it can sometimes seem that politics are a way of living, I'm sometimes embarrassed that I don't know much about policy, economics or other politically savvy subjects. Many of the people I know work for the government or for a particular senator or congressperson. PapaQ himself is a civil servant <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and despite how easy it is to criticize the waste and redundancy in the government, the people I know who work for Uncle Sam are honest, hard-working, capable, if not brilliant, employees. PapaQ supervises a barebones staff and is still expected to move mountains... and by-and-large he does)</span>. Our friends (and family) span the political spectrum and I'm always learning new things from them. But despite differing beliefs I think we all just want what is best for our families and for our country and we're doing what we can to make that happen.<br />
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I think the president's inaugural speech touched on some of those things. Some of my favorite excerpts:<br />
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We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our names. What makes us exceptional – what makes us American – is our allegiance to an idea, articulated in a declaration made more than two centuries ago:“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”...<br />
We know that America thrives when every person can find independence and pride in their work; when the wages of honest labor liberate families from the brink of hardship. We are true to our creed when a little girl born into the bleakest poverty knows that she has the same chance to succeed as anybody else, because she is an American, she is free, and she is equal, not just in the eyes of God but also in our own...<br />
...we must be a source of hope to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the victims of prejudice – not out of mere charity, but because peace in our time requires the constant advance of those principles that our common creed describes: tolerance and opportunity; human dignity and justice. </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But let's be honest, my favorite part was my Obama Cake Redux. A sweet way to start the next four years!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obama Cake Redux 2013</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a cake fantasize about. Our absolute favorite chocolate cake (from Barefoot Contessa Home cookbook). I had quite forgotten about Obama cake though until later in the day and I kind of threw this together. I didn't have enough cream cheese to frost the entire cake, so the filling is cream cheese frosting and the outside is simple whipped cream. But, ohhhh, we really like it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Inauguration Day everyone.</span></div>
MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-27617605916182121612013-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:002013-01-18T10:25:12.844-05:00{this moment}<br />
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A Friday ritual (inspired by <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" style="color: #249fa3; text-decoration: none;">Soulemama</a>). </em></div>
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. </em></div>
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A simple, special, extraordinary moment. </em></div>
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<em style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.</em></div>
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MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-42262925404717141382013-01-16T12:19:00.000-05:002013-01-16T12:19:00.126-05:00adorationCan it be three months already? Three months since these wee ones came into this world?<br />
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Oh, the little fireworks that explode in my heart when they smile and gaze adoringly at their mama. Their coos and gurgles are endless entertainment. And how I love it when they're fingers curl around mine or they grasp onto my shirt while we nurse. Their subdued pleasure in the bath, the sound of their gulping when they drink... all these little moments that fill up my days.<br />
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Oh yes, there is also the fussing, the frequent feeding, the need to be held constantly, the difficulty in taking them both out to run errands. Two is definitely double trouble.<br />
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But I'll try to focus on the double pleasure for now. Oh little Benjamin and Corrigan, how I adore you.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Babies don't keep</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Song for a Fifth Child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hang out the washing, make up the bed,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sew on a button and butter the bread.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dishes are waiting and bills are past due</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The shopping's not done</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">and there's nothing for stew</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.</span><br />
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MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3782269058741241023.post-5123136407585063152013-01-14T09:18:00.000-05:002013-01-16T09:18:59.335-05:00circle of friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we arrived at Eastern Market last Saturday to meet some friends for breakfast, I was struck by how incredibly lucky we are to have a community of people here whom we love and respect. Who we can laugh and cry with, who we trust with our kids, who we can ask for advice, and who inspire and awe us. And who are forgiving when we admit the shocking truth that this is the first time we've had <a href="http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/cover-archive/october-2012-contents-best-breakfasts/">the famous pancakes </a>at Eastern Market (and yes, they were wonderful!). </div>
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After catching up, stuffing our faces, and watching our kids roll around on the ground, we went our separate ways for the day, stopping to pick up a few things among the market stalls. A beautiful day on Capitol Hill. My cup runneth over...</div>
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<br />MamaQhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08247948391641988512noreply@blogger.com2