Bonus Benefit of Breast Feeding

Say that three times fast!

I have for years lamented the fact that I can never seem to find as much time to read as I would like. I have never been able to read and knit at the same time, like some of you very talented knitters out there, probably something to do with me being dyslectic.

I have made good use of Librivox to listen to some wonderful books, but as you know, it takes a lot longer to listen to a book than it does to read it, so my reading progress has still been limited.

Well, Little Sir didn't think that was acceptable and has learned to eat with the help of only one of my hands, so the other is free to hold a book. Such a thoughtful baby, isn't he. So, I have been getting a lot of reading done. It's great. Here are some of the books I have finished. The descriptions are taken from Amazon.

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

The Hiding Place proves that the light of God's love can penetrate even the darkest recesses of despair, places like the Nazi extermination camp at Ravensbruck. After protecting Dutch Jews in a secret room in their home, Corrie ten Boom, her sister and father were discovered, arrested, and imprisoned. Only Corrie survived, but her faith in God remained strong-so strong that, after the war, she could forgive a former camp guard in a face-to-face meeting. More than just a spellbinding adventure, The Hiding Place is a life-changing story.

That is true, it is a life-changing story. It was amazing and inspiring.

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Blink is about the first two seconds of looking--the decisive glance that knows in an instant. Gladwell, the best-selling author of The Tipping Point, campaigns for snap judgments and mind reading with a gift for translating research into splendid storytelling. Building his case with scenes from a marriage, heart attack triage, speed dating, choking on the golf course, selling cars, and military maneuvers, he persuades readers to think small and focus on the meaning of "thin slices" of behavior. The key is to rely on our "adaptive unconscious"--a 24/7 mental valet--that provides us with instant and sophisticated information to warn of danger, read a stranger, or react to a new idea.

Excellent, very interesting, just like The Tipping Point. He is an excellent writer and his writing really gives you something to think about.

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp

I would recommend this to any new parent. We also watched the video and the techniques he uses have worked wonders for Little Sir.

The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine

This comprehensive new look at the hormonal roller coaster that rules women's lives down to the cellular level, "a user's guide to new research about the female brain and the neurobehavioral systems that make us women," offers a trove of information, as well as some stunning insights. Though referenced like a work of research, Brizedine's writing style is fully accessible. Brizendine provides a fascinating look at the life cycle of the female brain from birth ("baby girls will connect emotionally in ways that baby boys don't") to birthing ("Motherhood changes you because it literally alters a woman's brain-structurally, functionally, and in many ways, irreversibly") to menopause (when "the female brain is nowhere near ready to retire") and beyond. At the same time, Brizedine is not above reviewing the basics: "We may think we're a lot more sophisticated than Fred or Wilma Flintstone, but our basic mental outlook and equipment are the same." While this book will be of interest to anyone who wonders why men and women are so different, it will be particularly useful for women and parents of girls.

I think all women should read this book. I feel like I understand myself better after reading it. It would also be so helpful to the husbands' and fathers' of all women. I'm trying to get the Duke to read it.

Andrew Carnegie by David Nasaw

I just started this biography and I am all ready fascinated. I do love good historical biographies. This one appears to be researched extremely well.

So, I don't really have anything I'm thinking of reading next. Any suggestions? The books above give you a bit of an idea of my preferences. . . (ie- not a big fan of fiction.)

And now, what you all really want to see. . . yup- getting cuter every day.