Family

Ballet

If I close my eyes tightly, I can see the Tap 'n Toe building at the corner of Custer and Park. I can remember holding my breath hoping that my arabesques were perfect. I can remember trying on toe shoes for the first time. I can remember laying in bed, staring at the...

Mary Alice’s 3rd Birthday

From Riley's birthday in late February through Nate's birthday in early May, it is birthday season in this house. In a twelve week period, all seven of us celebrate one more rotation around the sun. Late last night, Julia and I snuck out to the backyard and painted a...

The gift of your childhood

Oh my dearest Julia. Sometime around November I realized that your childhood is now a gift, tied with a blue satin bow, and released from my heart to yours. I had been wrestling with all of the 'lasts'. The last first day of school. The last Christmas morning. The...

Dear Cindy, my mentor and friend,

Dearest Cindy, it will be no surprise to you that I write out my thoughts to try to process this grief that is making me dizzy. We met just four short years ago. I've looked up the timeline twice now because I was sure I've known you for so much longer than that. You...

Dear Brian

This conversation is sponsored by Tommy John, the maker of the softest men's undershirts I've ever felt. It is my honor to share news with you from a company that I enjoy and support! My dearest Brian, How could I have known that my very own Robin Hood would have made...

Sebastian’s First Birthday

Hey mom. I'm ready. Let's do this. Oh, isn't this cute? I'll just take a teeny bite. On second thought, hand it over! Sebastian, your first birthday was so fun. Tia came over and brought your first cake. It was a confetti bundtini. You were so precious as you...

Sebastian Nine, Ten, Eleven Months Old

Oh sweet little one. Your birthday is coming up so quickly. Five more days and you will have been here a year. It's as if you have always been here. You make everyone smile and laugh. Your giggle in the backseat as Riley and Mary Alice will forever be one of my...

Riley’s 7th Birthday – Just Add Sprinkles

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments and texts and emails yesterday. Today was much better. Just knowing that we are able to get over the speed bump more quickly than we have in the past is so hopeful. My dear friend (and adoptive mama) Nancy, reminded me of...

Your birthday wish…

You and I snuck out together to Toys R Us. You wandered the store twice, not knowing exactly what you wanted for your birthday. We almost settled on scented crayons, but you decided to keep looking. You found a really cool yo-yo and we decided to get it. We giggled as...