This is an entry on why I have decided to take a break from Facebook. I find it rather amusing that I need to even address/explain the reasons why this is occuring. Perhaps an explanation is not needed, but more importantly I would like for people to know they can still contact me through more genuine ways. And I hope this is a catalyst for exactly that. I know in myself, I can use this social tool we call Facebook, as a replacement for actually finding time to connect with the people I care and love, or even people I wish to deepen a relationship with. Who knows how many times I have thought of someone, and instead of picking up the phone and calling (which is what we used to do not so long ago) I end up on their Facebook page, and that can feel like enough of a connection at the time. But is it REALLY? That is what I have been asking myself. If I am feeling a lack of more meaningful connections with the people in my life, then get off the couch or computer and do something about it!!! And perhaps instead of when I get up in the morning, instead of checking in with facebook, I can check in with myself. The options may be endless people! As a momma, my time is oh so precious, and sometimes I feel like the days can slip by, without not a lot getting done. I feel like making this change will open up a window of time that I can use more in a creative way. I am also hoping this will allow me to blog/journal more so people can still find out what is going on in my world. And of course I will still put up pictures of Opal as she continues to brighten my world.

Nikki and Opal's email is gaias.gems@gmail.com.

Journeys of a beginner foodie

Opal is just shy of 6 months old, so as many millions of mothers before me have done, I am introducing Opal to solid food. It has been in my mind for a while, thinking about when to start, what to introduce first, baby led weaning or pureed....So many choices for a wanna-be well informed granola mom....Originally I was planning on doing the baby led weaning approach which involves giving your baby pretty much whatever you are eating your self, as well as staying away from feeding your baby by spoon. You give them soft but holdable pieces that they can discover on their own. Allowing your baby to feed them selves at a young age gives you and them more Independence, as well as hopefully not having an extended attachment to mushy foods. But then I remembered, I have a incredible phobia of chocking....See, when I was a little lass, about 2 years old, I chocked on  a penny and nearly died. I have known for many years, this event has stayed with me on a cellular level. I know as I mother, I am going to have to work towards healing and letting go of this fear. But to ease myself into the world of chocking hazards, I think I will start with purees!
Last night we gave Opal some brown rice cereal mixed with breast milk. She seemed interested but I am not sure how much she actually ate. She did have a fun time playing with the spoon, which is pretty distracting as it is a bright pick, with a cow head on the top.