chatting & conversing

So, this post isn't really about the 4th of July - it's kind of just a conversation about some random things and updates that have been going on.
The other day, I went to the library in our area, and while I was putting Ben in his stroller, a woman walked up to me. "You have... something from your baby, on your legs. I just wanted to tell you so you knew." I laughed and said, "Of course I do! Thanks!" I turned around and saw some brown stains on my legs. LOVELY, GUYS. Just what a girl needed. Of course, this was not baby poo - it was CHOCOLATE. From my car snack. Good stuff.
Ben hasn't really been napping at home - I would LOVE any tips or tricks! He will only nap in the car, even if he's getting really exhausted and grumpy. We end up driving over an hour each day so he can get his nap in, but I would love it if he could nap at home, too. Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!
Introducing more solid foods has been tricky - I see my friends doing full-on baby led weaning, but I tried to give Ben pieces of mango (not puree) and they were eeny weeny little pieces, and he was choking and gagging! It scared me so much that I haven't really tried any solid chunks again since then. He has yogurt mixed with fruit puree in the morning, chews on teething biscuits sometimes, and a vegetable puree for dinner and some of what I'm having - I'll give him little pieces of bread, but he can't chew them yet. More tips please! Girl needs HALP!
I have been reading like a complete madwoman in the past couple of weeks. I re-discovered the magical powers of the library (see poo legs story above^) and they were STOCKED, you guys! Shoutout to the Chelsea District Library! In the past week or so I've read So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y'all Don't Even Know by Retta (aka Donna from Parks and rec!), The Very Worst Missionary by Jamie Wright - you guys, this book was so real. I could probably write an entire long post about this book alone. She writes about the carefully crafted façade of Christianity, and how she is working to shatter that mirage and be REAL. She's not afraid to tell it like it is, and challenge the norm. I love this because I feel the exact same way sometimes, and it has always made me feel like I couldn't be part of the Christian club because I don't act like they do or say the things they do, so it was a breath of fresh air. The Jesus I know doesn't want perfection or a certain appearance to others - work your hardest to truly love others and accept them right where they are, realize that you and your life are far from perfect and know that you need Him, and just keep your heart open. I am about the farthest from perfect that you can get, people. (In case you haven't noticed already!) My head has some issues sometimes, I'm not always the perfect mom or fiancé, and I don't always accept myself. But it's all good.
OKAY! That just entered into a new realm of depth that I don't think I've achieved yet on this blog! Back to the library conversation - The Little Book of Lykke - SO GOOD. All about learning to live more similarly to the Danish people - a stronger sense of community, appreciating the little joys in life, and creating a sense of openness in your home. (That's the most basic summary...just read it! It's good!)
I don't even know where this post went, but I have to go clean the kitchen now. Peace out. I hope you guys have a fantastic 4th of July full of fireworks and BBQ!

Megan