Splash Splash, Crazy Bath.

As usual, bathtime was a Splash tonight [I'm sorry, couldn't help it.] Ethan went nuts, splashing everywhere. Unfortunately, we only do bathtime once or twice a week. Doctor's orders, because of his eczema. Yes, Ethan does have this kind of energy for all sorts of things. Life should be pretty exciting once he's walking. Anyway, enjoy the picture.

Sweet Lullabies - a playlist

For me, the early days of motherhood consisted of 8 hours of feeding, followed by several hours of consoling a crying baby, or walking around the block. Any remaining hours would ideally be spent napping. For those waking hours, the following songs provided a peaceful backdrop for Ethan & I as we bonded. Even if you aren’t a new mom, these are some great relaxing tunes for your iPod.

ETHAN’S LULLABY PLAYLIST (no, they aren’t all technically lullabies):
Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) – Billy Joel
Daddy’s Baby – James Taylor
Golden Slumbers – Ben Folds
How to Make a Baby Elephant Float – Yo La Tengo
I Love NYE – Badly Drawn Boy
Lullaby Baby Blues – Keb’ Mo’
Naked as we Came – Iron & Wine
Angeles – Elliot Smith
Wrong Turn – Jack Johnson
Lullaby – Jack Johnson & Matt Costa
Slumber My Darling – Alison Krauss, Edgar Meyer, Mark O’Connor, Yo-Yo Ma
Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwi’ole
Alright for Now – Tom Petty
Didn’t Leave Nobody But the Baby – Emmylou Harris, etc.
Rowing Song – Patty Griffin

The Bye-Bye Beaver Game

We created a new game today. How is it that Ethan doesn't get bored by it? He could play forever, I think. We say & wave, "Hi Beaver!" and the plastic bin opens & Mr. Beaver comes out.

"Bye Bye, Beaver!" we throw him back in and close the lid. And it continues like this...

"Hi Beaver!"..."Bye Bye, Beaver!"..."Hi Beaver!"..."Bye Bye, Beaver!"..."Hi Beaver!"..."Bye Bye, Beaver!"...and so on, and soforth.

Vegan Birthday Cake

Ethan just turned one a few weeks ago. I’ve been looking forward to the days of grilled cheese or PBJ sandwiches for my growing tot. But it looks like those days won’t be coming anytime soon. We had him tested for allergies & sure enough, he is allergic to dairy and eggs. The doctor says to keep him away from other high allergy foods like peanuts (and other nuts) and shellfish as well, because he’s likely to develop allergies to those as well. I’m so sad for him. This will probably keep him healthier – because he’ll just have to steer clear of most cookies, cakes, candies, etc. But it will NOT be easy!

I’m thankful that Lance & I don’t have a ton of this in our diet anyway, it won’t be the most dramatic lifestyle change for us. There are tons of dairy & egg alternatives out there. But mostly it will be so very difficult when we go to other people’s homes, out to eat, to parties, etc.

If you are in the same boat, or have a restricted diet, I would love to hear from you. I’m interested to learn some new recipes & get some new ideas for things Ethan will like.

Keep an eye out for us at your local potluck. You’ll know who we are – we’ll be the ones with the soy pizza & vegan cookies in hand.

Climb Nashville in the Paper

Good Morning everyone. Check out this link to the Davidson A.M. & see the Brocks & Slosses at work. It is an article about married couples working together.

And while I'm at it, check out some photos that our old friend Roderick Trestrail took of Lance.

Have a good one.

Am I really going to do this?

So, I've started a blog. For the second time. I started this about 2 years ago, posted once, and then abandoned it. I may do that again. It's yet to be determined. Anyway, our life is full of stories, and if I decide to stick this out, then you may hear some of them.

Here's a picture of Ethan James, last week on his first birthday! Isn't he adorable? Enjoy my blogs and tales from Life with the Brocks!