On Baby-Talk

We're talking to literal babies, not your significant other.

I'm not sure how this evolved but I now put "-sies" at the end of many words when I talk to my daughter. Almost like Gollum from Lord of the Rings with his "Hobbitses" and "Bagginses".  Almost.  And without the creepy voice.

For example, my vocabulary now frequently includes:

Burpsies
Poopsies
Fartsies
Babesies
Hellosies
Foodsies
Toesies
and so on...

She smiles when I do it, and I'll do anything into eternity for the continuation of those gummy grins.  

What words/phrases do you find yourself reverting to with children?

Future Fun

I saw this wonderful contraption on a blog I follow today.

Isn't this awesome?!  It's like a souped-up version of a Radio Flyer.  Those Dutch.  They really know how to live.  Basically, I want to buy this so Ruth and I can have some wicked awesome summer fun in a couple years... but I wouldn't be against the idea of being chauffeured around in the buggy by Ryan nowadays.  What would you do with this if you could get your hands on it?  Sell homemade goodies?   Give free rides?  Flower planter?

The World Over

So, I had an idea for a blog today called "The World Over", as in, "I'd like to travel the world over."  I would create hypothetical vacations and experiences I have always dreamed of taking and post them in cyberspace hoping someone would discover the adventure and actually go on it.  There are so many things I'd like to see and do in the world that maybe this would satisfy those cravings in a small way.  Well, I went to create the blog to start writing and found out that blog spot was taken.  See...

Has this ever happened to you?  It got worse when I went to the blog to see what it was like and the person has had it for years and hasn't posted a single thing!  So sad.  Perhaps I will finagle it anyways somehow... like in a series.  Finagle... such a fun word.

I found this great quote that'd go perfectly with the heart of said blog.

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

True.

Introspection on Introversion

In the last couple of days I have begun a book called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.

Susan Cain writes that introverts have grown a bad rap in the last few decades because of the growing popularity of the extroverted world.  When describing both personality traits many will paint the extrovert in a favorable light but are much less inclined to do so with the introvert (even if the individual interviewed is an introvert!).  Recent books and articles on the truth about the introverted life and it's positive natures, however, have started to turn the tide.  

I'm an introvert.  I actually really love being an introvert.  Ever since realizing I was an introvert (somewhere in college) I have grown to really appreciate this about myself.  Where I was once concerned about my intense desire at times to be alone and read a book for hours, finding that it's simply an aspect of introversion has been incredibly calming and helps me be at peace with myself.  Also, I have secret powers whereas an extroverts are more, well, overt.

My friend showed me this article about introvert myths.  I especially like #10.  

Are you an introvert?  Not sure? Check out this helpful self identifier.

What are your views about introverts?  How do you see yourself if you are one?  

The sweetest Day

This is my daughter, Ruth.  Isn't she beautiful?!  I'm pretty much obsessed with taking her picture.  She always looks right at the camera.  So helpful. Ruth is such a gift to my life.  I am so thankful for her.  I only hope I am teaching her as much about life as she is teaching me.

For example:

Everyone spits up sometimes, might as well have no shame about it.

A smile offered is something to be very excited about.

Smile back!

Sleep is good.  Do it as often as you can.

To be held is one of the most comforting things in the world.  

Music makes everyone happy.

It's ok to cry.

Sacrificing truth to people-please is at the root dishonest.  Be transparent.  Babies never lie and that's beautiful.

Innocence is mesmerizing.  

Joy is mysterious.  Once lost, it can be found again.

Being needed in some capacity gives great purpose to life.

What have you learned from children (your own or others)?