Stop, Drop and Blog

March is over. Has been for some odd hours. Where does that leave me goal wise? Let’s see.

1. Project365. Still going well. Still haven’t missed a day. But the end of the month, which is shown first in my monthly mosaic as I did it backwards this time, got a little boring as we’re all infected with the GeneralIck again. My favorites from this month are this one of BigBrother and the sprouts in our backyard but not my speeding ticket. And so here is the monthly mosaic. (All pictures are viewable in the Project365 (+1) set on flickr.)

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2. Reading. Schmeading. This month was difficult. But I have an excuse. (Don’t we always?) LittleBrother had, in previous months, let me read while nursing. Well, consider that over and done with and never to happen again. He has become the easily distracted nurser and, as such, the turning of a page makes him unlatch, kick around, yell a bit, smile at me and then maybe re-latch, maybe not. So, at most, I can get two pages read in a twenty minute span. It didn’t do much for the quantity of my reading this month. Alas, such is life. I did read four books. I deserve a cookie.

1. Fresh Milk by Fiona Giles. I gave it three stars but, a warning, this is not for the lighthearted reader. It is an interesting and not-always-comfortable look at culture and breastfeeding both in the United States and elsewhere. It mentions the use of lactation in a not-so-”normal” fashion. I found it very interesting though some may be unnerved by some of the sexual content.
2. Forever Lily: An Unexpected Mother’s Journey to Adoption in China by Beth Nonte Russell. This book took me forever to read. It was very, very hard for me to separate from emotionally. It triggered a lot of my adoption grief and loss as the author spoke candidly about her story. I don’t want to ruin it for you because it is a very beautiful story. I cried quite a few times at descriptions of China, the adoption process, bonding and just in general. The writer’s words were powerful and well-chosen though, I must be honest, I didn’t dig the dream scenarios. Just a personal preference, I suppose. I gave it four (out of five) stars.
3. Naptime is the New Happy Hour: and Other Ways Toddlers Turn Your Life Upside Down by Stephanie Wilder-Taylor. I reviewed the book here but, to recap: Funny with some choice language. I gave it three stars because of the language issue.
4. Great with Child: Letters to a Young Mother by Beth Ann Fennelly. Oh. Oh this book. This book? Oh. I didn’t want to put it down. It hit so many notes with me that I can’t stop singing its praises. I wish, how I wish, that it had only been written in 2003 but it wasn’t published until 2006 though the letters were written in 2004. If only someone had written me letters like this.. if only someone had been honest but encouraging, funny but serious. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. That said? I’m giving this book to every expectant mother I come across in my future travels whether it is planned or not. And, when it comes down to it, this book inspires me to be not only a better mother but a better writer. Fennelly’s writing is outstanding, top-notch and simply amazing. I couldn’t get enough.

And so I’ve finished 14 books this year. In three months. With nine more to go. 50 minus 14 is 36. 36 divided by 9 is 4. If I can just continue to churn out four books per month, I’ll be just fine with my goal. Here’s hoping that April either keeps me on track or shoves me forward a book (or two). Feel free to check out my 2008 Goodreads List and add me!

3. Oh, weight loss. To be honest? I can’t give you a full update. I haven’t stepped on the scale in a week or so. I’ve been busy. I do know that the first two walks that we took when the weather warmed up helped me drop a pound or two but I put them back on in the Easter food craze I do believe. Who knows. I do know this: I am sitting here, writing this, in my pre-pregnancy jeans. I’ve only brought out two pair of them but I’m pleased as punch. To celebrate, I bought myself two cute shirts for spring. If it ever decides to fully arrive so I can get outside and stay outside and hopefully stay in these jeans. Hopefully!

March is over. April is here. And that’s the Month of the Birthday(s)! Plural because it includes mine, my brother’s, my mother’s and my maternal grandmother’s. And, as my best friend hasn’t called yet to say she had the baby yet, I think we’ll be celebrating another special day in April as well! Hurrah!