Rhett's Rings

What did we do last weekend?

Too bad blueberries don't make good "rings."

Good Job Rhett

When Rhett is asked who taught him how to write his name, he replies, "Teacher Sam." He must have forgotten all those times I tried to teach him how to write his name. Thanks Teacher Sam for teaching Rhett how to write his name!

Mezmur's New Doll

Once again, let me preface this post by saying...I hope what I'm about to say doesn't offend anyone. This is just something that is on my mind today. This was the second post in 2 weeks that I almost didn't post...I guess I just don't want to offend anyone. I don't judge others either...just so you know. This is about Mezmur. Ok, enough of that.

So, this has been something that has come up a lot with me. It has been on my mind from the beginning. It has to do with dolls and decorations for Mezmur depicting a white girl with yellow hair and blue eyes. My gut feeling is, "No, Mezmur will have only dolls that depict her color and heritage." Is this a healthy way to think? Well, yesterday in the mail from an elderly friend of my grandparents Mezmur received the most Anglo doll I've ever seen. My first reaction was to shove it back in the box and not to let Mezmur see it. Then I thought I would see how she looked on the shelf with the other dolls. Wow, she stuck out like a sore thumb. By not giving Mezmur white dolls am I telling her difference is not good? Growing up we all had a Cabbage Patch or doll from a different culture. I had a Cabbage Patch from China. There is nothing wrong with that, so what is the difference? Well, I think the difference comes from the fact that Mezmur is Ethiopian being raised in a predominantly white population. What it all comes down to is...we just want to do right by Mezmur. Not just "right", but 100% right. We want her to have a high self esteem and grow up a strong woman who loves her heritage and the home she grew up in. I feel like this is my first challenge. It may be a little silly to some of you that it is over dolls, but it is sort of a big deal to me.

I would like to know if any of you have any thoughts on this subject. Please leave a comment with thoughts on either side of the doll issue. I must say...the more I ponder this issue and the more I delay pushing the publish button the more I think that the key is...balance.

A Drive in Addis

I can almost smell the fumes.

This video is courtesy of Matt and Stephanie.

Like they said on their blog...this looks like it was a mellow traffic day for Addis Ababa.

Did I mention we were hit by a steamroller?

The Fun That Was Had This Fourth of July Weekend

A visiting uncle and a hike in the Gorge.

Beer tasting...Root beer for Rhett.

Fun at the fountain with friends.
Mezmur's new crawl with one leg up and one knee down.
This is the look of Mezzy...watch out.

Another look from Mezzy.

Fun with Elliot.

Walking Mez.

Rhett sort of likes playing in water...

and fireworks.

Street graffiti.

Rhett's front row seat for our very tame fireworks. Rhett could be heard saying, "That was awesome." "Fireworks are so awesome." "That was the most awesome one."

Rhett was shocked and saddened this morning to learn the Fourth of July was over.

Tiny e.

Quite possibly our cutest friend. You be the judge.

Neighbor Fun and Mezmur is Eleven Months

We had a fun summer afternoon with our neighbors yesterday. A little pool play, popsicles, croquet, and iced coffee...Mez really wanted to swim with the big kids.

Thanks, Kathy for the pictures.

Mezmur is eleven months old! I can't believe she is going to be one so soon. I had to post this picture even though it is blurry...it just reminds me of Mezmur's friend.
She is crawling, pulling herself up, and she thinks she can walk.
She is a happy, easygoing baby who definitely will let you know if she wants something. She will give you a look that says, "You better not take this stick away from me or tell me no...I might scream." We think sleep is getting better...(knock, knock)
She has slept through the night twice in one week. We are hoping she can keep that up...obviously.

Cloth diapers are awesome! I've had great success so far. I think I can start considering washing...I'm not so scared anymore.

Dolls and Banners

Back in business.

We Made the Switch

We made the switch to cloth diapers. Mothers have been doing it for centuries, so I thought I could handle it. Why do cloth diapers scare me so much?

We tried to use cloth with Rhett when he was first born, but we stopped, because he was such a difficult baby...I know, bad excuse. I started to feel compelled to use cloth diapers and I really had no reason not too, so here we are. For now I requested a service...Tidee Didee, until I get brave enough to wash our own diapers.

You-are-welcome Mezzy's tush and planet Earth.

My Garter Love Sweater

Oh, this is THE sweater. The sweater that I saw here a year ago that I think helped inspired me to want to knit for myself. A little over a year ago I started to knit and I'm constantly inspired to learn something new in knitting. A wise woman told me (who was told by another wise woman) when I started to knit, "Don't get caught up knitting scarves and hats. Knit what you want." I really wanted to knit sweaters and toys. I really wanted to knit sweaters for myself. So, you might remember my first sweater. Now, I have finished the sweater that helped to inspire me to knit and I love it. It could stand to be a little bigger, but I think it turned out nice. You can also see the sweater here...

Thank you Rhett for being my photographer...

I've started another sweater for myself. I'm making this sweater...I can't wait to finish it! The gull lace pattern is a challenge and so much fun.