We're readers...

With an infant, no matter how hard you try, you don't get out much. It's cool. Singer and I have discovered the wide world of reading. I've always enjoyed books, but while I was preggers, I took a break from reading fiction/fun books and read only pregnancy books. Now, I've passed the pregnancy books on to one of my girlfriends who just found out she's expecting.

Singer and I venture to the library at least once a week. And we are really turning into a couple of book worms. I know what you're thinking. "Your baby is two and a half months old. He doesn't read!" But I'm telling you, Singer really does enjoy book time.

His favorites:
Good Night Moon
Each Peach Pear Plum
Harold and the Purple Crayon
The Wheels on the Bus
The Big Hungry Bear

My favorites:
Time Traveler's Wife
Water for Elephants (about to finish)
and I'm starting my Cormac McCarthy craze. My friend Tobi told me to read them all, so we're off to the library to start.

Also, I'd like to mention that it's been 103 degrees in Philly this week. Reading it is, then!

Books, books, books,
Jess

Wearing Singer

I've discovered the joys of baby-wearing, and so has my baby. Singer is not much for being swaddled, but he doesn't mind the sling, BECO, or the Moby wrap. In fact, he loves them. The closeness is priceless, plus I'm hands-free!! I guess you can say Singer has participated in countless loads of laundry, dinner preparations, and his favorite--dancing to tunes in the living room :) Also, John wears Singer to the park in the mornings so I can get a shower. Ahhhhh!

Loving this baby-wearing action!
--Jess

Yoga

I'm all healed up from delivery and ready to get fit. What better way than through yoga!?!? I've always been a dancer, and I started yoga in 2001. Since then, I've incorporated yoga into my teaching and workout routines, and I look forward to the toning and conditioning that the discipline brings with it.

Yoga was an important meditation tool for me during pregnancy. Here I am at about twenty-three weeks.


Namaste,
Jess

Bit of fun

We have a lot of fun with the new guy. Never a dull moment at Casa de Noel.
Laughing,
Jess

The "yard"

Everyone in South Philly calls the outdoor space in the back alley a yard. This is funny if you're from Texas; the yards in the south are often measured in acres. Our Philadelphia "yard" is about four feet by six feet, and it backs up to the rest of the block's yards. Basically, we're all connected by an alley that is just wide enough for John to ride his bike down.

I wanted to show you what I'm talking about, and I wanted you to see some Texas elements that we include in our Philly yard to make it a little homier.


Here's our little diaper line:


Wind chime in the corner: annoying the neighbs, I'm sure.

Our Roma: I have to give credit to my hubby. He's been doing all the gardening this year.



We brought Paco from Texas. He watches over our "yard" :)



This year's Basil is just starting: mmmmmmm!
And, on an unrelated note, Singer wanted to show off his new curves:
What a chunk!

Happy SUMMER,
Jess

quick confession

I'm pretty sure I have a cheese problem. To document my addiction, my husband took a picture. We'll call it an intervention.

In my defense, I couldn't eat a lot of cheeses during pregnancy. So, now I'm making up for it.

Pass the cheese, please!
--Jess

Journal entry for Singer

I wrote this in my journal on Sept. 5, 2009. I was about two months pregnant.

To my child:
I haven't met you yet. I don't know you, and I don't know what kind of person you'll be, who you'll love, what you will do when you grow up, or what will peak your intrigue.

But, yesterday I saw your tiny heart beating on a monitor, and I knew then and there that I love you so much.

Your father and I love each other completely. We chose each other as perfect partners to love and raise you. We stood before God and our families, and we took a vow; a promise to love each other until we die.

With that vow, we also promised to love you until we die.

We are a family, and you have brought great joy into our life. Thank you, sweet child.

You are a blessing.
Forever yours,
Mommy

Being a mommy is hard. It's a challenge every day. But, this really is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I had always heard that there is no greater love than the love you have as a parent, but I never understood the meaning behind the words...until now. I get it.

With every grin (that apparently is just gas--but I know better! I know it's a smile just for me), with every soft coo just before he yawns, with every grip of his tiny fingers, I know I am a home for this little man.

"All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above.
So, thank the Lord
Oh, thank the Lord
For all his love."

--All Good Gifts, Godspell ( a Broadway fave!!)

Smiling,
Jess