Vegan Mamahood in the Neighborhood

I've found the response to my personal lifestyle changes quite interesting. People have for sure reacted to my choice to eat a vegan diet and it is something I didn't expect.

I've been told that I "can't really be sure things are organic," and "(the food industry) has always been that way."

The first I agree with to an extent and my reply is only that I can do my best. The second, I fully disagree with, because factory farms have not always existed.

I get condescending looks as well. It's just interesting to me that despite my effort to NOT try to influence others, I am getting this response.

It leads me to wonder why.

Is it guilt on their part?
I don't see why they need to feel guilty. I am new to this...I did it when I felt compelled to do so, despite having the information about the animals for many years and the information about GMOs for more than a decade.

I'm never going to tell others what to do.

It's a personal choice.

I'm going it for my health and for my family's health. I'm not guaranteeing I'll remain vegan, but I'm pretty sure I'll always at least be vegetarian. I just can't get the treatment of the animals out of my head.

It isn't simply that they are slaughtered. It's that they are slaughtered with a complete and utter lack of respect for their lives and the food which they provide. That's what gets to me.

If I can find a local farmer to buy eggs and cheese from, I'll likely add that to my diet after I'm finished nursing Kathryn.

About my choice to cloth diaper, I've received the common, "I don't have time to save the Earth" response, as well as genuine interest.

A friend and I went to Lollibeans Beans so she could buy diapers to try on the weekends. 

I haven't done any of this for a response. I have done all of this in an effort to live a balanced life. I've been thinking hard about a particular Bible verse that has stuck with me since childhood:

Something about letting your yes be yes and your no be no.

I think this has to do with more than our words. I think it has to do with making our words reflect our actions and vice versa.

Now, before you start assuming, no, on not a Christian. I like to consider myself an ecclectic follower of Isis who loves Mother Earth and her infinite energy that permeates all we encounter.

That said, I appreciate things that ring true and make me think. The Bible and other religious works contain such things.

Again, my goal is to live my life in line with my values.

In baby news, she is sitting up mostly unassisted and she was trying to get on hands and knees last night before bed!!!! I've noticed on nights after trying a new skill, she doesn't sleep well.

Anyone else notice this?

She's so sweet.

I made her some homemade baby food today.

Other excellent news...

My boys might be moving up here this summer! Of course it is up to them entirely. I'll LOVE it. I'm trying to be cool and not get my hopes up, but it is hard. Lol.

Gotta check my banana bread. It's vegan. I hope it is good. I figure if I can find a good recipe for this. I can totally do the vegan thing. :-)

Pics below...making homemade baby food
Our fridge is vegan friendly now
Kat is always excited to see the camera...she won't sit still, thus the blurry, but happy image. :-)