Fast and furious

I have been reading as quickly as kiddos will allow in order to finish the most recent books that I checked out of the library before they were due back (never mind the fact that I swore to only read the thousands of books that we already have at home).
Here is my take on the latest...
First, I started the summer with Priceless by Robert K. Wittman (it had to be returned to the library before finishing and rechecked out so it was not actually the first completed of the titles below). It is a non-fiction biography of a FBI agent's assignments to recover stolen art as the founder of the National Art Crime Team; many pieces were worth millions and incredibly famous. It is a fascinating look into the art world as well as a glimpse through history. For someone who likes Antiques Roadshow, this is right up your alley. He even does a case associated with Antiques Roadshow!
A friend had recommended the next book, The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond. It is a biography of the blogging sensation, the Pioneer Woman. She describes her city life turned country girl as she falls hard for an Oklahoma cowboy. It is a glimpse into the requirements and joys of that new life...complete with quite a few steamy passages as she describes her whirlwind romance with her cowboy now-husband. I found it interesting as I have often daydreamed about becoming a country girl... While I think I would transition fine to that life, perhaps I am too much of a suburban girl married to a sweet suburban guy to strongly consider the option.
Time for a fictional prelude. I read The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. It is a mystery written in a very lyrical, interesting way. It is a modern novel set in the 1950s with a young, curious, and very precocious girl solving the murder that is laid at her father's feet. It is very well written. I have mixed feelings about the book (since it is a bit modern) but the author's language sets one's imagination alive. A very easy read.
Somewhere in there, I checked out a new cookbook from the library. I appreciated it so much that I have since purchased it. Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois. It is incredible! I am all about simple and using as few mixing bowls as possible, combining recipe steps etc... Their basic artisan bread recipe is not only easy (few ingred., about 5 min. to mix, and can all be done in one bowl) but makes 4 loaves at a time and can be doubled easily. The bread is incredibly tasty and would cost a pretty penny at a nearby grocery store. This original recipe can be changed up multiple ways for variations. There are also many other base recipes in this book. Love it!!!
The latest book I read was definitely the longest at 400 pages, but don't let that intimidate you. It reads so quickly!!! (I finished in less than a week with even both my kiddos around). Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand apparently has become something of a sensation, and now I understand why! This was by far my favorite book from the list above!!! While this is not just the true story of one man (so many hero's lives are on display in this book), it is primarily the story of Louis Zamperini, record-holder Olympic runner who was defiant teen turned WWII hero turned man of the Lord! As it is not written from a Christian perspective, I found it particularly interesting to read this book since the Lord's hand is all over his life from beginning to end in such a marked way. It was very intense reading about his survival on a life-raft after his plane crashed over the Pacific. And then, horrific to read about his internment under the Japanese. We see his response to the war after he gets home and then God's salvation from his past. Louie is still alive (we missed seeing this 96-year-old soldier for the Lord this weekend at a local church; tickets were already sold out). History comes alive vividly in this book. The lives of these men are so real that I felt like I knew each of them. I was floored by learning more about the aircraft used during WWII and its fatal idiosyncrasies. It gave me a far greater understanding of my grandparent's generation. Most importantly, it shares the gospel in a way that the non-believing world will hear it...a changed life. Wow! What a book!
Stay tuned for another promising non-fiction read or two (I am currently in the midst of two books--one had to be returned to the library and has yet to come back available).

My favorite twelve

A look back at the last year has shown so many changes, not so much in appearance but in maturity and monthly quirks. Here are my favorites--one each month starting last September.

Baby Elizabeth is growing up

Elizabeth, you are five months old now! While time seems to have ticked so slowly, it is really hard to believe that the newborn stage is behind us. Phew!!!

You have become quite more cheerful/content the latter half of this month. Up until 2 weeks ago, you used to scream non-stop ANYtime you were put in your carseat. Thank you, Lord, that you are now much happier in the carseat most of the time.

You have developed so much this month in other areas too. You sat up on your own for the first time the end of last month (about 4 1/2 months), but unlike your brother, you never wobbled. From moment one, you could sit in place for 20 minutes or more. I think you were so pleased to be upright... Perhaps this was also the impetus for the next HUGE milestone. About 1 week later, you found your way to sitting on your own from your tummy. And not just once, but over and over and over and over! I still put you down to bed on your tummy but you will roll onto you back, back to tummy and then just sit up. I laugh everytime I come in to find you sitting in your bed playing with your toys. What a comical sight for someone so tiny and young! Is this another reason you are so much happier suddenly?

Yes, the pediatrician did say that 3 months was the charm, but it was 4 months for D and pretty nearly 5 months for you. You now are quite content playing with your toys (which you reach for, grasp, and chew on all the time.)

I fear that you sleep far worse than D with far fewer/shorter naps and definitely a very light sleeper (despite all the noise we make around you). However, none of that matters as you will happily sit in your bed for hours without a peep, playing.

You are also far less fussy about eating at a certain time than you brother. You are really quite laid back about your mealtime, until you see the bottle. Then you reach for it and squeal until you get it.

Another huge thing? You hold your own bottle! Coming right after a brother who refused to hold his own bottle, even at 11 months old, this is all so new. You can and regularly do hold your own bottle and feed yourself when I am preoccupied with taking care of your brother.

You still show a strong preference for your Mommy. Much of the time you fuss when handed over to nursery workers, at least until I am out of view. You may be fussy when picked up too, but the instant that I take you, you calm down.

You seem to be pretty ticklish and laugh quite sweetly when kissed on the stomach, legs, or chin.

While you are petite, you have definitely outgrown your 3 month onesies in the length. You can fit the 6 month clothes pretty well, on the whole. Size 1 diapers are getting a bit snugger too.

Perhaps the solid food is contributing to this too. You started solids this month with sweet potato. You were not a huge fan at first, but were willing to eat a bit more. We have also tried oatmeal and applesauce, again not a big fan at first, but you seem to like a bit better now. And vanilla yogurt. Yum--no objections there! You are extremely messy and refuse to keep your fingers out of your mouth. If I hold one hand, you then insert the other hand into the mouth as soon as the spoon comes out. Oh, well...

Still taking about 4 bottles a day (maybe 7 oz. each). Lots of spitting up between.

You no longer take a pacifier at all--in fact, you get quite angry with it generally. You always suck the middle two fingers. (most often right hand)

Don't ask how you got the following nicknames: little one and/or onesie and twosie.

You have taken a fond interest in your brother now (who also calls you little one). You especially like to pull his hair (not his favorite, of course).

How much more fun it is to enjoy a mostly cheerful, laid back baby. Love the glimpses of your personality showing through. Can't wait to see the upcoming changes in the next several months. Love you dearly, Elizabeth!

PS: here are some random pictures with your cousins and Tia Ana.