Our Lenten resolutions having been flushed (almost literally) down the toilet by the flu, Miriam and I spent the morning watching PBS Kids. Let's just say, Sesame Street ain't what it used to be. Hitherto, Miriam's exposure to Sesame Street has been limited to the 1969 First Season DVD. She loves it...

Never, even in my college days, did I ever sleep in the clothes I wore all day. I don’t even do that while camping. This week, however, is what I like to call a “behind the eight ball week.� Not only have I grossly crossed the line of neglect in regard to personal hygiene, but I’m also getti...

It has been ten years since my last trip to labor and delivery. Twelve the time before that. So... I decided to ask around and get a few tips on what to take to the hospital with me that I might have forgotten. I figure in ten years there might even be something new and exciting that I need to add t...

One of my dear friends asked me to pray for one of her dear friends, and I, in turn, am asking you to join me. From Jane, a foster mom who is struggling to finalize the adoption of Brian and who was hoping and praying to also keep Alex. I don't know that I understand the full story, but I do recogni...

When I was little I went to a nice school in a leafy suburb in Adelaide. It was the 1970s so we wore roman sandals and my uniform was pink with a zip down the front. What a crazy uniform. I think they have changed it to something far more conservative now. Roman sandals? The toe-jam was insane in...

"Whoooo doesn't love a baby?" That was my baby shower theme. These are the photos from yesterday's festivities - and YES, I got my cupcake... but was not impressed with the fact that it didn't start my labor like I had hoped. See that little finger indentation on the icing? That's my friend Ammie's ...

Perhaps the most difficult thing I've experienced in attempting to settle in to being a mother has been dealing with classic introversion. I've been this way my entire life. (Myers Briggs/Keirsey type INFJ) I have an almost visceral need for space and time to process daily life and I need to...

There are several reasons why I would be a terrible dog owner right now. There is something so demeaning about picking up their feces in public. I have seen enough gag-worthy smears on the sidewalks in our San Francisco  neighborhood to live in mortal fear of ever having to inflict one of them...

1. I never really cooked at home before I got married, but now, I do, and Bong and Kara love whatever I cook, and that’s what’s most important to me 2. I love kissing and cuddling, so whatever chance I get to kiss and cuddle my children, I grab it. And yes, I LOVE doing this too with Bong. 3. I ...

Every now and then your children will reach milestones.  As a parent, you smile in wonder and are proud of your child’s accomplishments.  We are at another milestone with our kids. Alligator girl is still a smartie.  We went through a rough time at the beginning of the school year because...