Elliot is discovering his hands by putting them together. His movements are jerky but deliberate. He's also rolling to his side (but not all the way over except twice and I'm fairly sure these were exceptional moments) so I have begun to give him more time on the floor where I play with his legs.

Josh still won't use the potty at home- the putz. Other than that, he's been an angel this weekend.

I got to visit with Teel on Saturday- yay! She doesn't come to Dallas as often anymore so this was a treat. She still wonders why she ever dated Neil (as do we all) and wishes she could connect with the old crowd. Sadly, that crowd has moved on to other pastures. Here was the lineup back in the day: Lee, who connected us all, Tommy, who threw the parties, Matt Weyandt, who always has a story, Neil, who was Neil, and then Rusty & I, who were out and having fun. Since those days, Lee met Barb and vanished, Tommy is settling down (but only a bit), Matty met Sam, Neil is still Neil, and we had babies. Back in the day we would meet for disc golf in the morning then maybe have lunch together. Back then we'd plan a party and make it happen with 10 to 50 people attending. In those days, we were free, broke and looking for ways to be entertained. Well, Tommy wasn't broke and Matt wasn't always free, but you get the idea. It's not that we "grew up" because we were all adults, but rather we've moved on to a new place whether it's physical, relational or familial. Teel is still Teel living the life I sometimes envy. I'd love to see concerts, go drinking with girl friends, visit friends in other cities, and dine in places that require me to dress up a little. But apples to apples, I wouldn't give up my boys or home life for all that. Instead, I'll live vicariously through Teel's exciting life and wait my turn. Which I expect in about 18 years. :-)

Yesterday I saw a documentary about conventional births in America and what could be possible. Essentially, that hospitals and OB/GYNs are truly untrained in the natural birthing process and that women are systematically not offered the best options. The film showed several actual births, both home and C-sections. Women and doctors lamented on mortality rates, unnecessary procedures, interventions, and the mother's loss of power. I enjoy this topic and the documentary so much, I plan on buying it some day. I nearly cried at every birth scene, got angry at ignorant hospital staff and felt empowered by the end. For me, I walked away knowing that my choice to have my sons born with the help of a midwife in a home-like environment was the best decision I've made since- I don't know. I hope this film catches the attention of women who are pregnant for the first time, or planning to be, and moves them to question their doctors and their options when the time comes. If you get a chance, go see The Business of Being Born, directed by Abby Epstein and produced by Ricki Lake, who both have their babies during the filming of this documentary. If it doesn't show in your town, look for it on Netflix.com coming soon.

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