Hi from maternity leave! It’s crazy- even in the haze of newborn sleeplessness & adapting to a life of 4- I still have more time & energy now than I did while pregnant & working 30+ hours a week. Growing a human is hard work, y’all. Raising one is, too, but my body is slowly getting back to its new normal & that’s encouraging.

New babies do sleep a lot- just usually not when you want them to. But while Trip is playing with friends, I do have a little down time to write! I have a few new recommendations that I’m excited to share!

• This playlist I created. Soothing & refreshing.

• This recipe for coffee creamer. So simple & yummy.

• This kids book – so fun to read to your kids & wonderful message. Amazing illustration also.

• Did you know you can get Costco groceries delivered on instacart? Game changer. Give these a whirl.

• Did you know Urban Outfitters sells furniture? Very cool pieces for reasonable prices.

As always, below are a few images that have inspired me lately. Hope they inspire you as well!

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

-Walt Disney

This healthier version of banana bread is actually just as good as the unhealthy stuff.

If you’re a Game of Thrones watcher, I recommend this podcast, Binge Mode. They do use some language so be aware, but it’s funny, witty, & very insightful. Definitely helping me keep up with all the different story lines.

If you’re married, check out the app called “Card Decks” by the Gottman Institute. Lots of fun questions & ideas to shake things up in a good way.

This weekend I had the burger from Parlour Bar in Minneapolis for the third time & I think I can confidently claim it’s the best in the cities. Go forth & try it. The actual bar is in the basement below Borough restaurant – and it’s more of a lounge without tables with a smaller menu. If you want a more low key experience, sit at the bar upstairs in Borough & you can order the burger there as well as anything from Borough’s menu.

This verse has been encouraging me when I am dealing with anxiety: Cast your burden on the Lord & He will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22

1. This podcast episode. If you’re a mom, it’s a must listen. I’m now planning to read her book: “What being a “good mother” really means with Tiffany Dufu”
2. This Ted talk. Doesn’t take long to listen to and is incredibly insightful.
3. This podcast. One of my favorite voices today, Jacque Hill-Perry, & her husband started a podcast called Thirty Minutes & it’s awesome to listen to for many reasons. They’re only 30 minutes long (seems obvious), and they are so vulnerable & eloquent in how they talk about their marriage. Don’t let the title of the first two episodes scare you off. They will leave you feeling incredibly encouraged no matter what you’re dealing with in your marriage.

Several great things to listen to 🙂 enjoy!

---

1. Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: I’ve been hearing about this book on a few different podcasts & so I’ve been intrigued. One podcaster mentioned listening to it on audiobook as it’s read by several celebrities. I am loving this audiobook. It’s about a fictional band in the 70’s. Seriously fantastic.
2. If you’re looking for a fun, well-written, & witty series – try out the Flavia de Luce books by Alan Bradley. Think Harriet the Spy or Nancy Drew in small-town 1950’s England. I laugh out loud while reading these and just adore the protagonist, Flavia.
3. Pre-natal yoga. To say my fitness has taken a back seat during this pregnancy would be a vast understatement. Between fatigue, nausea, mothering a toddler, & winter- well let’s just say my body is sorely needing some exercise. Twice this week I have done prenatal yoga at a local studio & I think it’s going to be a really good fit for me during the next four months of carrying baby.
4. We finally decided to take the plunge on fencing in our back yard (our yard is tiny but the fence was not cheap…that’s all I’ll say) & I’m excited to get Trip out there “helping” me garden. What are your favorite things to grow?
5. I know the enneagram is everywhere right now- and maybe you’re sick of hearing about it. But this two part podcast episode on parenting and the enneagram is so great. Here are part 1 & part 2.
6. Trip turned TWO & we found out we are having a girl! Bursting with pride & gratitude over these two lives God has gifted us to parent…Sometimes it’s still weird to realize Will & I are actually parents.

What are you looking forward to as spring *slowly* arrives?