Self Censorship is not a Bad Thing

I don't care if you think that


I have "really blossomed,"


or

I am "definitely bigger than most pregnant women at 5 months."


Keep it to yourself.

An Unexpected First

Today my soon-to-be 6 year old asked me to help him write his first "love" note to his "friend" at school.

It read,

"Sami, Nate has another girlfriend that he wants to marry. Her name is Eva. Jack"

I. AM. DYING.

How can you help

but love these little faces? I really don't think that it is my mama-bias talking.





Pictures credit goes to my friend Rane, new photographer extraordinaire. More photos of my darling boys on her site.

Tradition!

Can't you just hear it Fiddler on the Roof style?

This post by Rachael inspired me to finally blog about something that has been on my mind... family traditions. I know my family had them, although they were more of the informal sort, the kind I don't necessarily think of as traditions but just think that is how things are done... you know? The downside of this approach is that I tend to forget a lot of things or don't take the time to do them in a way that makes them special for my family. I'm working hard on doing better, but it takes a conscious effort. My Jack's birthday is coming up, so here are a couple of "traditions" I want to continue or start for a birthday:

cake for breakfast! (thanks to my mom for that one)
decorated bedroom door
balloons all day, not just for the party

I would love to hear what kinds of things you do for your family to make their birthdays special. It can be something that you save for one special birthday, like Rachael, or something you do every birthday. Thanks for your ideas!

Wow.

Today I am almost giddy with excitement. I am not sure I have felt this way about politics, ever. I am so proud of our country. I think Nor summed up a lot of my thoughts beautifully, here. I love that Obama inspires hope.