Guess Who

Our Old House

Bob Villa, let me introduce you to the next generation of hammer weilding afficanados. Jerry can fix a leaky toilet, repair a dryer and insulate an attic without breaking a sweat. "Assembly Required" is music to his ears. But here is what is most perplexing to me; the man can't get his stinkin dirty laundry to the hamper. What the what? Love you anyway.
xo

Nothing Screams "Party" Like Technicolor Excrement

We got some really nice feedback about the rainbow cupcakes we served at Ella's birthday celebration. Most were impressed with the vibrant colors created by the fancy food dye we bought at the craft store. Others had this to say:

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Birthday Agenda

A night of swimming, movie watching and lounging on the hotel's king size bed. A dinner of shrimp tempura and sushi (sorry El, we figured the tempura was close enough to your chicken nugget request). A day of fun at the Children's Museum. Not a bad way to spend your third birthday.

You Had Me At Hello

1095 days ago we said hello for the very first time. It was just before 7 p.m. on the night of January 24, 2008 when your father and I found out it was you that had been occupying my belly and our dreams for nine long months. We shared a body and countless chocolate chip cookies. My heart spoke to yours every minute of every day. But when they laid you on my chest for the very first time, I thought to myself, "Who is this beautiful little stranger?". I was terrified, I was excited, I was sleep deprived, I was in love. I remember the early weeks, happily secluded indoors by the snow and cold, wishing things would never change. But they did. I never could have imagined loving you any more, but I do.
All at once I both love and hate the fact that time marches on. I am so excited to see what this next year brings for you...or rather what you bring this next year. But I will without doubt miss all of the things that made you uniquely you at age two. You proclaim that your favorite color is brown and that "oberwhen" (oatmeal) is the best way to start the day. You say things like, "that's cool", "dios mio", "try it, you'll like it" and "oh man". You don't just dance, you feel music and move accordingly. You are incredibly sensitive but also assertive. You jump without any hesitation. You enter a room with confidence but still need hugs when you think Mom or Dad are upset with you. You are kind and considerate. You worry if our tummies will hurt for eating too much edamame. You love with intensity. And you are always on the move.
Last night, as I tucked you into bed for the last time as a two year old, I looked into your eyes and attempted to tell you the story of how we met. I got weepy, you looked confused and asked that I read "Pinkalicious". Some day I hope you will understand how endless our love is for you. Until then, happy birthday Ella Marie.

I see a personality emerging. Watch out El!

A Celebration With Friends

Car Cart

El,
I thought you'd might look back at this picture and laugh some day. The good ol' car cart. I am eternally indebted to this cesspool of germs and stickiness. For without it we would have an empty refrigerator.

Public Service Announcment

Share the love, not the germs.
*Picture taken earlier this week.

They told us she had RSV and that they couldn't rule out pneumonia. It was Friday night and we were in the emergency room. Not exactly what I had planned to kick off our weekend. Her doctor suggested we pay a visit to our local ER after I ran down her symptoms. Within minutes of slapping down our insurance card at Loyola we were being ushered back for further evaluation. I heard things like Albuterol, chest x-ray and "likely admission". My heart sank. This certainly was qualifying as one of my worst moments as a parent. Vivian's stomach was flaring rapidly, trying to catch enough breath and there was nothing I could do. After three hours of observation her symptoms started to improve. I had chatted up the attending and found out we had friends in common...thank you University of Chicago. And some how, Jerry and I must have presented as competent parents because they were willing to let us take her home. I thoroughly questioned their judgment but the newly admitted gun shot wound across the hall and the psychotic guy next door shut me up quick. So we bundled up, script in hand and took her home. It's been a weekend of steamy showers and sleepless nights, rocking chairs and worry. But thankfully things are looking up.

Why I Take Pictures Now

These images of Josh and I in our nation's capitol clearly indicate that a child's love for a camera-toting parent has an expiration date. My poor mother. It had nothing to do with her...it was just that damn Minolta. I remember her cajoling us to smile on the steps of Lincoln Monument and this is what we gave her. The epitome of joy. It was even worse in Williamsburg. I post these pictures as encouragement to grab the happy faces now. By my watch, we have three more years of smiles before the glare of disgust reigns. Sorry Mom.
(Click on picture to get a closer look at our soulless faces).

Resolution Revised

I had been mentally preparing for the start of this work week for days. It's always tough, the return to reality, after weeks of "holiday hours". Loads and loads of laundry were complete, "school" bags packed and outfits neatly laid out to avoid early morning power struggles. We even had hand made thank you cards prepared for E's student teachers. Was I feeling the fiery inspiration of a new year? I'd say so; save one minor detail. I should have known something was wrong as I pulled into the daycare parking lot and it was completely empty. It wasn't until five bags, two girls and one frenzied mother were standing before a locked door in the cold that I realized we were two days too early. So back in the car we went. Breakfast was served at home and after Viv's morning nap we headed to an indoor playground for El to burn off some energy. Later that day I discovered cheese that I had misplaced...in our junk drawer. That drawer that holds everything from paper clips to checks is now apparently home to dairy products.
Resolution Progress Report = Grade F

Take Your Daughters to Work Day

Jerry is touching down in four countries this week (not including his own). Today, Ella told me that I was Daddy and that Mommy was up in the plane. I tried my best Jerry impression but it clearly wasn't cutting it. To say that he is missed is an understatement. As promised, Jerry will be keeping her updated via photos.

An Intro: Vivian Bananas, Bananas Vivian

1-1-11

Happy New Year! I'm wishing I had the mental capacity, energy and time to recap 2010 in a moving yet succinct fashion. I would love to have a well thought out new year's resolution, because on occasion I have been known to follow through. 2010 was the year of the "baby". And according to the Chinese calendar, 2011 will be the year of "getting my shi# together". I acknowledge that it's a sweeping and vague endeavor, but I'm looking forward to diving right in because there really is only room for improvement. At the close of 2010 my shi# was the opposite of together. It was so far apart it was in different time zones. But looking back, I didn't see the missed deadlines, the sink full of dirty dishes or the plans that required more energy than I could muster. I didn't really care that I needed a Sherpa to get to the top of my mountain of laundry or that my "to do" list is suing me for estrangement. I was too busy getting to know my new family and basking in the sunshine otherwise known as my daughters. I was busy overhearing their laughter. I swear they already have inside jokes. And that's not to say 2011 will not have room for such gaiety...the only difference may be that I am now showered, more rested, and not at risk for losing my professional standing. Bring it on 2011. I'm ready.