Cousin Time

My sister-in-law Megan came down to Portsmouth for a couple of days and Emily and Jason got to spend quality cousin time swimming and at the park. Emily got so comfortable with the life vest that she would walk right into the pool! We're going to have to keep a close eye on her this summer. Enjoy! (And yes, I know that the video is sideways.)

Where does YOUR food come from?

I just finished this fascinating book by Michael Pollan. He explores the food we eat in America, and where it actually comes from. He does this by taking four meals and tracing each meal back to it's origin. The first meal is from McDonald, which can be traced to a cornfield in Iowa. You'd be surprised how much of the meal is made of corn products-- the steer that was made into a hamburger was fed corn, the coating on the chicken nuggets is mostly corn, the chicken of the chicken nuggets was fed corn and the nugget meat is held together with corn by-products. Even the "milk"shake has corn by-products, namely high-fructose corn syrup. Michael Pollan questions how safe a meal like this is--highly processed, with meat from animals that were caged or packed in so tightly that disease was rampant, being fed something their bpdies weren't made to digest.

The second meal was organic and from a Whole Foods store, where Pollan buys a chicken named "Rosie" for the main course, only to discover as he traces "Rosie" back to her farm, that she is not an individual but one of several hundred "Rosies" who, although they are "free-range" and not caged, are crowded in a small building with a tiny door to the outside that they (the chickens) never use. The organic lettuce and asparagus were actually shipped across country. Pollan brings to light that the word organic can actually mean many different things-- from asparagus shipped from Argentina and lettuce grown with some "natural" herbicides and pesticides to food grown in your backyard. He discusses how the term organic is misleading and has a variety of definitions and whether or not it is actually better than industrial food.

The third meal is from an organic farm, with no herbicides or pesticides. This farm is owned by Joel Salatin and follows a natural order of things: first cows do rotational grazing in several pastures when the grass is perfect height. Then the chickens follow and take care of the parasites in the cow dung. Pigs root through several layers of cow dung and fermented corn (that was put down by the farmer for this express purpose) and as the pigs dig up one of their favorites treats, they spread the manure around. Slaughter time is only on an as needed basis and no produce or meat is shipped anywhere.

The fourth meal is hunted and gathered by Pollan himself. The shortest number of steps from earth to mouth, Pollan explores how hunting and gathering represents the most basic form of food preparation, and can be very satisfying as well. But, as he points out, it is not a sustainable solution for our country and society.

Wow, sorry this was long. But I want you to ask yourself these questions:

1. Where does your food come farm, really?
2. Based on what we (and cows and chickens) eat, how healthy is our society?
3. Is there a better alternative, one that can be both healthier and more sustainable that any of the options Pollan explores?
4. Are you willing to pay more for farm fresh eggs and grass-fed beef from your neighbor? and in conjunction with this, are you willing to eat according to season and possibly give up special treats from your nearby Kroger or Wal-Mart?

Aunt Kelsey

Aunt Kelsey loves being an aunt. It was a little hard for her when Nathalie only wanted me, but Emily had lots of fun with her. Kelsey went down the slide a million times with her, did puzzle after puzzle and played with her. Thanks Aunt Kelsey! (And Amy, when we see you next, I will write a post just for you!)

Baby Blessing

These are pictures from after Nathalie's baby blessing with our family luncheon. Matt was glad to have all his brothers (including b-i-ls) except one there. Thanks to everyone who pitched in for the good food and conversation!
The family. I think about 40 people were there. The vittles, consumed.

"Mommy, when are we going to have a party for me?"

Addy and Elliott.

Nathalie, awake for approximately 15 minutes. Granny relishing her time with the baby.

Fun at the pool with Granny, Grandpa and Kelsey

After a week of my mom being here, my dad and sister came in for Nathalie's baby blessing. We were able to go swimming at the hotel pool which was SO fun! I went swimming but thank goodness there aren't any pictures of me in a swimsuit!!!

Granny and Missy Missy

My mom came for a week and it was wonderful. She became Emily's best friend and gave me a much needed break, not to mention adult conversation. She helped me to clean, take care of Emily, figure out Nathalie, go grocery shopping and just get out of the house!

My mom called Emily "missy missy" and wanted Emily to call her "granny". But I think Emily got a little confused because now she calls my mom "missy missy". Today (the first day she's been gone), Emily periodically asks me "Where Missy Missy go?"

My mom also helped me figure out Nathalie, something I've been struggling with since she was born. We got a better handle on what Nathalie is trying to tell us and how to get her on more of a regular routine.

I was really sad to see my mom leave, but am counting down the days until we go visit her!

Nana

Matt's Nana lives in California and hasn't visited Ohio since Matt returned home from his mission--May 2005. 4 years! In 4 years, Matt's family has had 1 wedding, several moves and 10 grandchildren! We went up to Matt's parents for the weekend to spend good time with Nana. Walking on the lake beach with Cleo.

Nana and Emily in the water.

Nana and Emily playing tea party. Emily is eating her "cookie" in this picture.