Finding a Place to Belong

So, we've been in our new hometown for almost a year now. I don't think it is any secret that we've had a hard time finding our place here. Unlike the three previous cities we've lived in, this one is not easy to break into. The other hometowns were much more transitional, used to people coming and going and welcoming new folks with open arms. This hometown is not that way. I think at least 75% of the people we've met here have lived here their whole life. And that's not a bad thing. But it does make it harder when you're the new family on the block. Everyone seems to already have their circle of friends and there isn't much room for you, even though they aren't trying to be rude or exclusive--there is just so much social space in your life. I get it. But we aren't all lucky enough to have our best friend from kindergarten living in the same town.

We do have family here, which is awesome. And we have a couple of college friends and a few friends from the Gent's work. But no married couples with little ones. It would be nice to have some friends in the same stage of life we are in.

All of this has been compounded by not having a home church for eleven months.

We've finally made a decision on that. There were three churches we really liked and visited for a few months each, but we've finally committed to a community church of about 1500 people. Big enough for lots of opportunities but small enough that you can still get to know people. They have a great kids program for Annie and I am joining the worship team. Small groups will start meeting in the fall and we're looking forward to getting plugged in. I was really hoping to find a more diverse church, but after visiting all over the place I'm convinced that church just doesn't exist yet in our city. We'll get there. Our new home church is working on that--they really have a heart not only for the nations, but for our city. We're excited to be part of it.

A toast to finding our niche!

Miss Independent She's Not

First, some Independence Day photos for you. Then, a breastfeeding update.

We went with Honey and Poppa to our neighbor's weekend house up in the Appalachian foothills. We enjoyed a lovely lunch and Annie had a blast trying out her cheese smile.




She wasn't very interested in a family photo.




She just wanted to play!




Now on to the rest of the story. I mentioned in her 16 month update that we had dropped a nursing session and that Annie was having a hard time with it. After two weeks, she was still having a really difficult time without it, even though I replaced it with a snack (and she loves table food). Like 30+ minutes of fussing, whining, and climbing in my lap and rubbing her cheeks against my chest. Then she started biting during nursing. I followed the advice of the baby book. First I said "no," and put her down. This resulted in tears pouring down her little face. When that approach didn't help after a couple of nursing sessions, I tried giving her a startled "ouch! that hurts Mommy!" and removing her from my breast for several seconds. This led to a nursing strike that thankfully only lasted two feedings (and I waited till she was sound asleep, then nursed in her sleep so I didn't have to pump).

At that point I started wondering if she was ready to wean. I looked up "baby led weaning" on the LLL website and the experts said very rare for that to happen before the age of 18-24 months. So I looked up "nursing strike." Ah, ha. Of the possible causes of a nursing strike we hit at least half of them (teething, stuffy nose, out of routine, a strong reaction by Mom to a bite).

So the next day we went back to our old nursing routine and our problems were gone. There will be a time to drop that feeding but this day is not it.

(I'm thinking when she goes from two naps down to one will be a good time--changing up her routine should make it easier.)

Instagram

I finally set up my Instagram account. I should be ashamed to tell you how long ago I downloaded the app (5 months?) but I'm not. ;) Anyway, we're finally up and running if you want to follow us at AbbasGirlFamily!

Annie and the Singing Dog

Phriday Phone Photos

Ready for the flash


Annie loves her rocking chair


And the park


And Daddy
 

I was looking for orange decor three months ago when I re-did our master bedroom. It was not to be found. Now it is everywhere. AbbasGirl=Trendsetter. ;)


Finally enough hair for a bow!


I love fresh flowers. These are from Nana and Papaw's garden.


The last of my hydrangeas.


Two of Annie's favorite things: her rocking chair and books


Watching Daddy play softball


Sacked out after Aunt Tessie's wedding

My almost-sister gets married

Aunt Tessie got married last weekend! We are all so excited for her but we miss having her around every day. I actually dreamed last night that she got bored on her honeymoon and came home early. But I think the likelihood of that really happening is zero. ;) The wedding and reception and pre-wedding parties were lovely and we really enjoyed spending so much time with our families and friends. All our best wishes to Aunt Tessie and her new hubby!

(I was the matron--eww isn't that an awful word?--of honor so I only have a few snapshots to share and none of them are very good. Looking forward to seeing the real photographer's beautiful shots!)

mother and daughter


primping
 

relaxing while the boys have their photos made


we made just a little bit of a mess


his little girl is getting married today



almost time to walk down the aisle


at the reception


Annie's new cheese-grin: this is the look you get when you ask her to smile. Cracks us up.

Counting Blessings

Some of you may remember this post from the beginning of 2012, on cultivating a heart of thankfulness and counting joys. This month I'm trying to be even more intentional. But I'm keeping it simple. For the month of July, a tweet a day of something I am grateful for. Feel free to join in at #countingblessings if you want to start your own list of daily joys!