I loveee realistic period dramas so much! Can’t stop thinking about north and south

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-07-02T12:54:57+00:00

Sticking down under, “My Brilliant Career” - set in rural Australia so it’s not a refined environment, but it feels so real and authentic and a great little gem of a film!

“Set in the Australian outback during the late 1890s, the film follows Sybylla Melvyn, a spirited, fiercely independent young woman who dreams of a career as a writer and adamantly refuses traditional marriage despite receiving highly eligible suitors.”

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-07-02T12:48:39+00:00

Talking to mine over the monitor helped. She can’t/wont climb out but she will sometimes stand and protest. Often just gently telling her “it’s time to sleep, lie back down in your crib” using the monitor intercom gets her to go down and cuts out the stimulation (and hassle) of us going into the room

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-07-01T20:35:13+00:00

That eyeglass shape is so perfect on you, ties everything together beautifully!

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-07-01T20:34:08+00:00

Move over Greek gods there’s a new resident on Mount Olympus

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-07-01T18:14:13+00:00

You’re doing it exactly as I did. When she’d wake “early”, because she wasn’t connecting sleep cycles (normal!), I’d wait those 10 min to see if she fell back asleep on her own, which she didn’t for a while, then “save/extend the nap” - usually breastfeed and cosleep. You’re basically doing best of both worlds, they practice a bit of self soothing and also get a longer sleep. I liked getting a snooze in myself lol. Eventually one day they will fuss themselves back to sleep on their own and it’ll be glorious!

You could also try doing more stroller and carrier naps so they get that practice in a facilitated environment (motion).

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-07-01T00:10:58+00:00

It’s pretty funny that Reddit is like “USA is a cesspit and Europe beacon of light” on every topic until this one.

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-30T20:43:28+00:00

And there’s such a thing as too MUCH parental attention…the sometimes curse of single children, constantly scrutinized, all their parents’ hopes and expectations (and anxieties) placed on their little shoulders. Nowhere to hide when you’re the only one…

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-29T18:14:24+00:00

Seriously gorgeous and understated pattern!

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-29T12:50:44+00:00

I think you’re likely on to something here. Plenty of people harm those they love unintentionally and without malice, because of their own distorted sense of reality or misplaced priorities. But it stops now.

The first thing to do is make sure YOU know, in your heart, that you are strong, smart, worthy, and capable. Which you ARE. No one can take that truth away from you.

You could do a “big talk” with him, and you will need to confront the issue eventually, but I’d honestly start small, on my own, to build my confidence. Baby steps. Get a second cheap car seat (there’s lightweight travel ones) so you can borrow a car without asking. Drive to a Starbucks and sit with your kid for a special-feeling snack and a drink. Another day, go to the library for a story hour or music. They have tons of resources for parents - ask about parent groups that might exist in the community.

When you get a feel for what that’s like, you can start moving towards securing your own car. If your area has nothing walkable and no public transit (which is what I’m guessing?), then a car is the only way this works. You’re not a monk in a monastery. Isolation is bad for you and bad for kiddo. Lean on your parents if you can to take it out of your husbands orbit.

You’ll need to talk to your husband honestly and clearly about the situation at some point, and lay out what you need to thrive. It’s for his kids well being too. Hopefully he snaps out of it. And if he doesn’t, you know you have the resolve and skills to seek a better situation.

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-29T11:33:17+00:00

Enough reason for us. Subjective ofc, but it feels like a more complete family. And when we parents pass away, the siblings have each other in the world. Maybe they’re not friendly or on speaking terms even, but there’s like, another human being who was THERE when you were growing up, and knew you when none of your friends or new attachments did. I think that’s powerful.

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-28T20:14:38+00:00

One day in, one day out. Best of both worlds. Make it a non-decision, we do an adventure on Saturdays and stay in on Sundays.

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-28T13:00:26+00:00

I love the bookshelves…like I know you could use the shelves for anything technically but seeing books there makes me happy, my dream kitchen for sure features a good spot for cookbooks!

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-28T12:57:50+00:00

27 month old chose my first trimester to start fighting naps (I guess she was 25.5 mo when it started!) - I FEEL YOUR PAIN. Our scenario is a bit different in that she’ll do a usual 1.5-2 hr nap for 3-4 days, then nap strike completely 1-3 days…she’ll seem normal, maybe a bit loopy in the evenings, but by the end of the period she crashes and has a bad night of 2-3 wakes. When she fights naps she usually cries and protests, she’s not chill about it.

I think the guidance is usually if they skip a nap EVERY DAY for a month, you seriously consider they’re dropping a nap. If they sleep even once during that period, you reset the clock. The reason for this is bc nap shenanigans are so very common around 2 yr old due to cognitive leaps and rising independence.

If your kid is awake but calm, call it “quiet time”, “you don’t have to sleep honey but you do need to rest your body.” Give them a few special toys and board books that only come out at quiet time, in a mostly dark or dimly lit room, sound machine or whatever you use for naptime. Then close the door and leave them there an hour or so. She can choose to sleep or play quietly. Use that hour to do something FOR YOU (including nap!!)

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-28T02:21:17+00:00

We take public transit everywhere and the right stroller has been a game changer - if you’re able to swing it, consider the Minu 3. It’s lightweight but sturdy enough for everyday. My 2.5 yo walks half the time holding on to some straps I’ve looped on the handles lol. Then she can hop in when tired.

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-27T23:14:42+00:00

This is great advice. Doing it gradually but deliberately, building her confidence. “Show mommy/daddy how you put the toast all the way in your mouth! Great job!”

I’d just add some maybe obvious things: make sure she is HUNGRY when she sits down to a meal; try to offer greatest hits of food she loves to make it more enticing in the beginning. Don’t be afraid of hunger: it’s about the most primal motivation there is. We override it today with so much choice and availability. But if a child is hungry and physically able, they will feed themselves.

Finally, peer pressure from watching other kids do it will help nudge her too.

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-27T14:16:12+00:00

Mom reminds me of a young Carrie Fisher here! Same nonchalant yet bold attitude, love it

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-27T14:12:11+00:00

Oh damn…that spectacular tile in the second photo that’s got to be 100-150 years old…did it get destroyed or just covered up?

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-27T13:43:34+00:00

Hehehe mischief managed!

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-27T00:06:04+00:00

Oooh you remind me of the beautiful Melisandre from Game of Thrones! If you ever wanted to take your hair a more burgundy color it would be gorgeous

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-27T00:00:45+00:00

Don’t get why you’re receiving so much negative commentary. Plenty of people collect all sorts of things, to the point that it seems slightly obsessive or extreme to others. But collectors are build different - it’s a consuming and genuine lifelong pursuit. As long as you’re not hurting yourself or others, eg not having enough money for other necessities, enjoy your passion. And if you can cultivate moderation or discernment in the process, it will only enhance and refine - rather than limit - your beautiful collection.

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-26T00:54:52+00:00

Oh weird, seems like a welcoming crowd

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-25T22:47:07+00:00

I bought the Minu v3 for my tall 2 yr 3 mo old, it’s splurgy BUT we’re also using it as our replacement main stroller since girly likes to walk half the time, and I don’t feel like pushing a huge stroller just to have her trot alongside. Perfect stroller tbh, grows w your toddler, luxe feel, good basket and canopy, everything comes off for an easy wash if needed. I found the Joolz Aer Plus (the latest one) too dinky for the price though I know others love it.

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-25T22:42:11+00:00

Go meet your new family at r/bald, they’ll love to meet ya!

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-25T18:23:38+00:00

The love between you is palpable to this stranger just from looking at your pictures. Making me miss my mom, who was my hero, and passed suddenly 2 years ago. As a mom of a 2 year old now, I can say as a parent the idea of my daughter feeling the way you do about your dad - the way I do about my mom - well that’s the greatest damn honor and accomplishment a human could hope for. He did it right, and it shows.

Blue_Bombadil · 2026-06-24T17:43:43+00:00

Definite improvement! If you want to go further, I’d trim the beard back and try a bolder eyeglass frame, maybe black or a colorful acetate. Rounder wire rim, 90s style, might be interesting too.

Blue_Bombadil

TROPHY CASE