Quick reads...

I can't believe that it's the weekend already and I haven't even shared the photos we took at the county fair. I'm sorry. Soon, I promise.

My head has been a bit fuzz and I think I've been in shock since my work permit arrived, but it's taking a little longer than I thought it might to get started at work. And that's a good thing because it means that my long days with Jimmy are not going to end on Monday. They'll end after my social security number arrives...

In the meantime, have a great weekend!



While it's hiking weather in Queensland, here are some child friendly hikes around Brisbane.

Some cute mittens for cold days.

After dinner treats in under 5 minutes? Yes please!

What no one tells you about moving overseas. Ok, Michael and I probably will.

A great print to brighten up any room.

Jimmy keeps playing with sticks, and apparently it's good for him.

More annoying, but important things toddlers do.

An interesting place to escape mainstream life, so long as you can live in Spain.

What your socks say about your personality.

This is what it looks like when fathers share parental leave.

I recently found out that a friend blogs, and it's a really good read.

Beautiful moths - because it was National Moth week here a while ago.



(Mittens via Down to Earth.)

Quick reads...

Weeee! It's Friday! (OK, so it's very, very early Saturday morning, but still.) It's the weekend! We've been having enjoying some lovely, not at all summer-like weather and this morning took the cake: rain! We had an appointment we couldn't miss, so Jimmy and I had to head out in the rain. And once it was over, we enjoyed being outside, in the rain, jumping in puddles, exploring the undergrowth - it was wonderful being outside when it wasn't hot or cold or storming.

Happy weekend! Here's a few things I've read recently and thought I'd share, some are lighter than others, but the not so light piece is well worth the time. Enjoy!

Interesting research on breastfeeding.

While we're on the topic of breastfeeding here are some stunning pictures of breastfeeding mothers.

In light of Volvo's new concept, are car seats in the front seat safe?

A fantastic idea - a bee highway!

If someone is feeling really, really generous, can you please buy me these, although wait until they're on sale.

Bad Target. Poor form.

This Manhattan, KS, family sold up everything to travel.

This summer is proving to be mild enough to consider some hiking in KS.

Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and get comfy, and a few tissues... This incredibly moving piece is long but well worth the time.


(The crazy sandals are via A Cup Of Jo)

Quick reads...

We've been feeling the heat the last few days. The weather calls for light, cotton clothes, and two hats in some cases! And while there has been a cooler day or two in the mix, it's still hot. Jimmy and I have been stuck inside for what feels like days, no thanks to my knee - which is getting better - but we'll make the most of the cooler day and head to the nearby park.

Happy weekend!

The 9 best ice cream shops in Kansas.

A very pretty and creative work studio.

My heart goes out to those suffering from the heatwave in Pakistan.

9 ways sleep deprivation can damage your life.

Quite the amazing placenta.

Did Watson and Crick really steal Franklin's work?

For all the mums heading to the beach or pool.

One of the best pieces on breastfeeding and following baby's lead I've read in a long time.

And last breastfeeding item: these photos are stunning!

Taylor Swift for the win.

A fun eye test.

Arrow have their own website!

Quick reads...

It's been feeling like summer, Brisbane summer, and I keep thinking that Christmas is coming, even though we're seeing fireflies and Jimmy's second birthday is coming up. Clearly I'm mixing things up in my head...

This weekend is a big one: the Summer Solstice and Father's Day are both on Sunday. It's also going to be hot. Proper hot. The coming heat wave will not make things any better, but here's to a weekend at home, drinking lots of iced water, staying out of the sun, and enjoying the pool. Happy weekend!

Here are a few things I've enjoyed reading this week:

139 new species identified!! It's very exciting.
I gave it all up...
Luxury-communism anyone?
An interesting look at saying thank you.
The women whom science forgot.
How to recognise the artists of paintings.

Plus some I have been meaning to share for a while:

The Birth Centre at the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital turned 20 a few months ago.
Green is the new denim.
A gentle, reflective piece on miscarriage.
A crafty life
Why too much Facebook is not good for you.


(How to recognise the artists of paintings via A Cup of Jo, world events and green is the new denim via Reading My Tea Leaves, crafty life via Down to Earth)

Quick reads...

Happy weekend! We're going to a 'baseball grill' tomorrow, hosted by a PhD student in the same lab group as Michael. We will be attending the grill (aka barbeque), so long as the weather holds (it's spring and that means storms), and we may attend our first baseball game - more likely we'll go home. We'll see. We might also see how the K-State Gardens are shaping up, as everything is in bloom - it is spring after all.

Hope you are having a lovely weekend, wherever you are!

Easter is gone, but I still wanted to share some thoughts on why the US doesn't embrace Easter chocolate.

One brave couple seriously going against a national trend.

Earlier is not better, when it comes to educating young children.

Apparently Mothers Day is coming... we don't really pay it much heed, but this is a nice gift list (albeit outside our budget).

French children don't get fussy.

One CEO is putting his staff ahead of his paycheque.

If you care about the people who make your clothes, you should read this.

What's for dinner? Insects, anyone? I've eaten (and enjoyed) #37.

Parents, don't forget to play.

The week in wildlife - in pictures.

Quick reads...

Happy Easter weekend! Once upon a time we would have been on a plane right about now, heading home... I'm trying not to think about it, while wishing my family good weather for camping... We'll do our best to be there next year. 

This week marks the end of March and I'm glad it's over. It wasn't very fun. It ended how it started: with tears and puffy eyes. Michael and I forgot about our first wedding anniversary and our more significant anniversary of seven years - that's how bad, confused, and full-on, the month has been. 

We're coming to terms with signing a new lease for our current apartment, and working on some sort of plan, but, with everything as clear as mud, it's hard to put into words. It doesn't help that we keep changing our plans, although a constant theme is getting back to Australia as quickly as is practical or reasonable or polite. It's doing our heads in, so at this rate we really will be here until June 2016... unless we get a job offer in Australia and then we'll be heading home, quick-smart.

So, yay for a new month, yay for green grass that needs mowing, and yay for Facetime and Skype. And yay for homemade hot cross buns - there's a post to write, I know. Here are some things to read and contemplate with your hot cross buns, morning coffee or tea...


I'm thinking about buy this book, but I'll probably borrow it from the library.

The sad state of science in Australia.

Just found out about KidKnits and I'm a little in awe of the young girl who got it all going.

Five things about raising boys.

A little chuckle for babywearers.

Why you shouldn't post anything about your children online. And why you should.

More thoughts on waking early.

Photos of our home.

"This family is full of brain problems and love."

A wonderful surprise pregnancy.


And a big thank you to everyone who stopped by here over the week - it means a lot to me.


(KidKnits via A Mighty Girl, the chuckle via the Flint Hills Babywearers.)

(I took the photos back in 2007, during our Easter weekend camping trip.)

Quick reads...

I was putting this list together and realised that it looks like I'm trying to justify being a stay-at-home mum. I'm not. The only justification I need is Jimmy: he is such a confident, inquisitive, observant, and funny little boy. Michael makes the most of the time he was with Jimmy too, and our decision to have me at home this year has been worth it but the reward is not financial. Part of me thinks I needed this time to heal emotionally after Jimmy's birth and the best way to do that was to spend time with my bubba. Part of me always wanted to spend the first year at home with each of my babies (we only have the one), and I am now happy to return to the workforce, or have another baby. Plus we're a very, very long way from home and it felt important to keep Jimmy close...

Anyway! Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

20 reasons why every breastfeeding mother should cover up.

I love this piece on nursing in NYC.

Five things you should never say to a stay-at-home parent.*

And while we're on the topic of stay-at-home parents, we're not a 'luxury'.

Plus, what a stay-at-home parent is worth.

An amazing find for science.

A sweet little birth story from Brisbane.

Words of warning (and a good laugh) for mothers of boys

Feeling the heat? I planned to share these three a few weeks ago, but didn't manage it so: Hudson River in deep freeze; the cold freezes everything; Polar vortex brings the coldest weather in decades.

And for a dose of cute: Baby chameleons!

Happy Pi Day! Did you celebrate it?



*If anyone can think of 5 things to never say to duel income parents, please let me know! I'm going to start with: why do both of you work, if you don't have to?


(Baby chameleons via A Cup of Jo)

Quick reads...

Jimmy is still snotty, yet boisterous. My shoulder/side have been sore for most of the week and I'm still not convinced that it's the result of doing 1-2-3-weee a few too many times over the weekend - at least it's not mastitis. The weather has turned cold again, and we're starting to look into the realities of moving back to Australia. How's your week been?

It might be Valentines on Saturday, but you might want to reconsider those dinner plans.

Activities for young ones while it's too cold or too hot to play outside.

Some crazy things about Australia.

Some stunning photos of Australia.

What's in a name? Most people mispronounce my name, let alone start spelling it with the right letter.

As I think about packing and what to leave behind, I'm reminded of this closet cleanout.

These photos of the Kazakh eagle-hunting festival are just stunning.

Hope you have some nice plans and some nice weather to go with them. We'll be catching up with some friends, checking out the new exhibits at the Discovery Center, drinking lots of warm drinks, and eating lots of warming soups and breads - it's going to be a cold one! Happy weekend!

Quick reads...

Happy weekend! We're going to be enjoying the warm weather, heading to the library and then the park. I know, I know, going to the library while it's lovely outside is not necessarily logical, but I'm heading to a meeting for the local babywearing group with the intention of trying out a woven wrap before my first one ever is woven and delivered.

Here are some things that I enjoyed reading this week:

Australia's recent political history as other countries see it.

The truth about cabin porn.

Ever tried getting a toddler out the door? Here's a step-by-step guide. Note: most days Jimmy and I stay at home, because it's hard enough just getting him into a nappy, let alone enough layers to combat the cold.

Some inspiration for parents to get up early in the morning.

This made me laugh.

Have a lovely weekend!