White is still right?

A friend posted this video on their facebook. Listening to young black girls talk about how they're perceived was interesting. I'm surprised that while we've come far, we still have a long way to go. The part where they conduct the experiments with the black and white dolls was a big eye opener. Why aren't we telling our children they are beautiful with their nappy hair and dark skin? Why do they think that their hair has to be straight to be beautiful?

Part of the reason I cut my hair and stopped straightening it was because I wanted my daughter to know that natural hair, black hair is something that should be celebrated and appreciated. I also did it for myself, as a black woman. I'm not knocking perms, or weaves. But for too long black has been wrong, and we've gone out of our way to fit a certain ideal. I'm grateful that my parents never did that and I'm hoping that I will be able to teach my children that no matter their color, they are beautiful just the way they are.

Oh Riley...

So once a day I have to get Riley un-stuck from somewhere. Today I found her stuck in the cupboards. She was screaming and I couldn't help but laugh and snap a few pictures. It was too funny. I love this age. Riley spends all her time (well if she's not eating or sleeping) exploring. I do find little messes everywhere... Diapers in her room that she's pulled off their shelf, books in the living room, blankets in the hallway from the linen closet and tupperware on the kitchen floor. But I don't mind too much:) Its fun most of the time.

God is Love.

One of my best friends made me a birthday mix for my 22nd birthday. He included 22 songs and even made a cute case for the CD's. Well, one of the songs on the first disc really made me stop and listen... It was great. I tend to stay away from Christian music for many reasons and I'm a bit surprised my friend included this song but I'm glad he did! I think I love it mostly because it touches on how God is love. And I'm all about that:)

Here are the lyrics and the video is below:

God is not a man
God is not a white man
God is not a man sitting on a cloud

God cannot be bought
God will not be boxed in
God will not be owned by religion

But God is love, God is love, and He loves everyone
God is love, God is love, and He loves everyone

God is not a man
God is not an old man
God does not belong to Republicans
God is not a flag
Not even American
And God does not depend on a government

But God is good, God is good, and He loves everyone
God is good, God is good, and He loves everyone

Atheists and Charlatans and Communists and Lesbians
And even old Pat Robertson, oh God He loves us all
Catholic or Protestant, Terrorist or President
Everybody, everybody, love, love, love, love, love

This time around.

When I was pregnant with Riley I signed up for every baby site, had them all send me email updates on her growth, and I had a countdown to the big ultrasound. I read What To Expect When You're Expecting religiously and a Your Pregnancy-Week by Week. Leif and I bought clothes before we knew we were having a girl, and as soon as we found out it was a girl, went on a shopping spree. We bought her crib, stroller, dresser and pack and play months before she was going to arrive. We even set them up and had her room done in August... She wasn't suppose to arrive until November. I was constantly aware of being pregnant, its all I thought about and all I could think about was November 22nd. Riley's due date. I was careful about what I ate and I ran every morning. I wanted to stay healthy and I wanted Riley to be healthy. Instead of giving into cravings I would eat fruit. I didn't make a birth plan, I just wanted to go with the flow. Which made it easier when I was in labor for 36+ hours, resulting in a c-section.

This second pregnancy though, things are different. I have the hardest time remembering how far along I am. I have no idea when my big ultrasound is, and honestly, its not something I've really thought about. I still get email updates but I usually delete them. People keep asking me about this pregnancy and sometimes I've forgotten that I'm pregnant. Sure, I'm more tired than usual but its not something I think about often. I haven't picked up any of my pregnancy books and I'm okay giving into some of my cravings. I don't really have the time like I did my first pregnancy. I like it better this way:) Its going by faster than the first time, plus I actually have things to do. My days are now filled with playing with Riley, the park, play dates, photography sessions, making dinner, cleaning... So forth.

Also, while Leif and I really wanted a boy, we're hoping this baby is a girl instead. Mostly for Riley's sake. I've been thinking about it and I would love having two girls. God knows though. Leif and I, and Riley, will be happy either way!