Podcasts:
Chatty Sisters Podcast: This continues to be my favorite podcast. It's the only one that I listen to as soon as a new episode is available. I know Caroline and Kelly, but even if you don't know them, you'd enjoy it. Their episode about pet peeves made me realize how many I have. Ha!
Books:
I wasn't sure how much I would read after having a baby but I managed to read 3 books in March, which I'm really happy with. The kindle ap for my phone is a Godsend. I get so much more reading thanks to that ap. I tend to read when pumping or rocking Paul. I personally choose reading over watching tv because reading is how I unwind. But there is no wrong choice about how to unwind!
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett - 4 stars - This was by far the best book I read in March and one of the best I've read so far this year. I've read several Patchett books and this one is my favorite. It's about a blended family that is merged when 2 people leave their spouses and marry. It's a character-driven novel so if you need a novel that is heavy on plot, this one isn't for you. It's one of those books where I was sad when it was over because it was so good.
From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon - 3 stars - This is a WWII novel set in Italy. I hadn't ever read a book from this genre that is set in Italy so it was interesting to read about the wartime developments in Italy. I knew that they were ruled by a Fascist and aligned with Germany but I wasn't aware that Jews were rounded up in Italy. It was a sad book given the genre but overall pretty good. I only gave it 3 stars, though, as it wasn't as good as other WWII books I've read recently.
The Last Days of Cafe Leila - 3 stars - This book is mostly set in Tehran. A middle-aged woman and her daughter who live in San Fransciso go back to her home city of Tehran so the woman can show her daughter where she grew up. They end up extending their stay as the woman's father is ill. I learned a lot about the conditions in Tehran, especially during the 70s and 80s, the woman's mother was killed at that time. The book moves back and forth in time and I was somewhat confused at times - possibly due to sleep deprivation!! - so I only get it 3 stars.
Looks:
I live in leggings, tank tops and cardigans these days since I'm pumping around the clock, so I have no looks to share! So instead, I'll share some of my favorite faces/looks Paul makes. He is such an expressive little guy!
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett - 4 stars - This was by far the best book I read in March and one of the best I've read so far this year. I've read several Patchett books and this one is my favorite. It's about a blended family that is merged when 2 people leave their spouses and marry. It's a character-driven novel so if you need a novel that is heavy on plot, this one isn't for you. It's one of those books where I was sad when it was over because it was so good.
From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon - 3 stars - This is a WWII novel set in Italy. I hadn't ever read a book from this genre that is set in Italy so it was interesting to read about the wartime developments in Italy. I knew that they were ruled by a Fascist and aligned with Germany but I wasn't aware that Jews were rounded up in Italy. It was a sad book given the genre but overall pretty good. I only gave it 3 stars, though, as it wasn't as good as other WWII books I've read recently.
The Last Days of Cafe Leila - 3 stars - This book is mostly set in Tehran. A middle-aged woman and her daughter who live in San Fransciso go back to her home city of Tehran so the woman can show her daughter where she grew up. They end up extending their stay as the woman's father is ill. I learned a lot about the conditions in Tehran, especially during the 70s and 80s, the woman's mother was killed at that time. The book moves back and forth in time and I was somewhat confused at times - possibly due to sleep deprivation!! - so I only get it 3 stars.
Looks:
I live in leggings, tank tops and cardigans these days since I'm pumping around the clock, so I have no looks to share! So instead, I'll share some of my favorite faces/looks Paul makes. He is such an expressive little guy!
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| Paul started to smile this week which is the best! |
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| The look on Paul's face matches how I felt about seeing snow in the forecast in April. We got 10" earlier this week and might get 3-7" more this weekend. Booooo! |
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| He is so much more alert and really locks eyes with us now! |
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| Phil said it looks like Paul is driving an imaginary motorcycle in this picture. He LOVES to move his arms around! |
This month was definitely long yet short! The weather has been so crazy! I love all of his expressions!!! The Kindle app on my phone allows me to read while waiting in line, waiting on friends, waiting for a race to start it's been awesome!!! Hopefully as April continues the weather begins to warm up for you!!!
ReplyDeleteOh man, he is just too cute! I'm glad you are still finding some time to read- I loved reading while on maternity leave with Max (well and Jack too, but that seems to be lasting forever lol)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out to Chatty Sisters- glad you are still listening and enjoying!
I highly recommend finding the "Shoemakers wife" for wwii historical fiction, bonus, part of it takes place on the iron range of Minnesota!
ReplyDeleteso your looks all include exposes boobs? That sounds right. The sleep deprevation makes that first month feel like a year, but then at the end you think it went by in a minute.
ReplyDeleteHe's so freaking cute. Btw, for some reason that motorcycle hands photo always makes me think of Hagrid in Harry Potter. Even though Paul is now quit as big as Hagrid, maybe it means he'll have Hagrid's incredibly kind and loyal heart.
ReplyDeleteOh, it's good to get your check in. I have a feeling you'd look cute even in your leggings and tanks! Paul certainly is!
ReplyDeleteHe is so cute!!!! I love those expressions :-)
ReplyDeleteOkay, we're going to need to hear some of those pet peeves ;-)
I want to read more fiction, but I don't even know where to start with newer fiction. Of course I could pick up a classic book that's on any top 100 list or whatever, but I think I want to read something newer. I'll need to spend a good long time scoping out the bookstore or library and reading reviews.
Haha, I love that last photo of Paul and I cannot stop thinking that he IS driving an imaginary motorcycle! ;)
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to get some reading done this month. That's awesome!
Hehe, look at your little guy and all his faces :) So cute!
ReplyDeleteI am impressed you were able to finish three books, that's impressive with all the new changes going on!
I missed this post so just viewed it now! I love Paul's smiles - so precious! I can't wait to see them for real, so hope the weather cooperates this weekend! Can you believe we are still having snow storm predictions at this time of year? Will our snow be gone by May?
ReplyDeletehehe the motorcycle photo is seriously my favourite! I am watching the snow fall outside the window as I type this comment, SO OVER IT! :'( I'm with you, Paul
ReplyDelete