My reading list

Books I have been "currently reading" for about the past three months (a chapter here or there whenever I get around to it, like when I can't sleep at night), or that I have recently acquired (most through library loan) and would like to read soon. I am only commenting briefly in this post...maybe one day I'll have a chance to review more thoroughly. Skip the first seven titles if you're not interested in parenting books.

• Mother Styles: Using Personality Type to Discover Your Parenting Strengths by Janet P. Penley*****highly recommend!...applies Myers/Briggs theory to parenting...I'll have to post more on it later
• Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten by David Perlmutter, M.D., F.A.C.N.***has helpful information, some commonly known (sing and read a lot, limit TV), and some uncommonly known and rather debatable (don't give your toddler any high-fat foods?); but only read this one if you're not already feeling overwhelmed by parenting
• The Myth of the Perfect Mother by Carla Barnhill***challenges a few common assumptions about what Christian mothers should do and be, particularly in the work-outside-the-home debate, as well as making schooling choices for children--I haven't read enough to be able to tell you what I agree with and what I don't
• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Children's Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.****big controversial issue...I feel like I don't know enough
• Just Two More Bites: Helping Picky Eaters Say Yes to Food by Linda Piette, M.S., R.D.*****Rebecca eats reasonably well, but this also has helpful info on portion sizes, number of recommended daily servings for different ages, recipes, how to gradually let your child feed herself more while you feed her less, etc.
• Heartfelt Discipline: The Gentle Art of Training and Guiding Your Child by Clay Clarkson***Christian perspective on spanking alternatives--very interesting, but I'll have to read more before I comment
• See How They Run: An Energizing Guide to Keeping up With Your Turbo Toddler by Lorilee Craker***I just bought this yesterday at our local Christian bookstore...the title was very appealing
• The Organic Lawn Care Manual: A Natural, Low-Maintenance System for a Beautiful, Safe Lawn by Paul Tukey***the title almost sounds too good to be true...I wonder how much front-end set-up time is required
• Too Much Stuff: De-Cluttering Your Heart and Home by Kathryn Porter****a Christian author holds your hand through the throwing-away process (it's really okay to get rid of clothing you bought two years ago and haven't worn yet, or a gift from someone special if you never use it!!!); having more stuff means you spend more time on stuff and less time on people
• Secret Longings of the Heart: Overcoming Deep Disappointment and Unfulfilled Expectations by Carol Kent*****anyone who knows me well knows why I need to read this book from Navpress
• Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life by Gary L. Thomas****looks like it will be really good...well-known Christian author divides chapters into the "disciplines" of selflessness, waiting, suffering, persecution, social mercy, forgiveness, mourning, contentment, sacrifice, hope and fear
• When Life and Beliefs Collide: How Knowing God Makes a Difference by Carolyn Custis James***discusses trying to reconcile God's soveriegnty and His goodness when He allows suffering
• Aunt Jane's Hero by Elizabeth Prentiss****I already know I like the author...I'll have to reward myself with this piece of highly recommended Christian fiction whenever I finish (or need a break from) all the others!

First kiss on first birthday!

Today was Rebecca's first birthday, and she gave me one of the best presents ever: her first kiss! I was holding her and I kissed her on the cheek (which I often do); but this time she turned to me, opened her mouth, and put her lips on my cheek. It was so precious and endearing! And I know it was real and not just a fluke, because later in the day, Winnie the Pooh kissed her and she kissed him back, too!

In some ways it seems like it's been a lot longer than a year since Rebecca was born, and in other ways it's hard to believe she's already one! I haven't taken very many pictures this last month or two, mostly because I'm exhausted and I consider myself to be doing well if I can just keep up with meals and laundry. So, many precious moments with precious smiles and expressions are now just vague impressions in my quickly fading memory.

Rebecca is so sweet and such a joy to have as part of our family. She is easily contented reading books, playing with toys (especially ones that make noise), walking in circles around our living room and dining room (either pushing her walker or holding onto our fingers, particularly fun when she chases whichever of us is not holding onto her), splashing in the bathtub, and going outside to touch the flowers in our yard and pet our neighbors' dogs. I almost feel like I am not doing enough to stimulate her young mind, since I don't have the energy nor the creativity to enertain her constantly or take her very many places, nor the natural inclination to tell her everything that I know, think, feel, and do. But it has been fun to watch her take joy in simple things, and develop and communicate her own preferences (for food, books, toys, blankets, people, locations, etc.).

A few updates on developmental milestones:

*first step: Easter Sunday (only a couple more attempts since then, and none for more than one step before falling down

*third tooth emerged (finally!): day before her birthday

*five words spoken (but besides the first two, not on a regular basis): Mama, Dada, nigh-nigh (good night), nana (banana), and cup

*down to one nap a day (instead of two) on about five days a week

I will give an update on height and weight after we see the doctor next week. She's still pretty long and skinny, but she has a cute little round tummy when she's sitting, and I know she's grown because she's outgrown a lot of her clothes recently (and she's getting heavier to hold)!