I'm not a big fan of PDA, Public Displays of Affection, not the kind that I occasionally see on the subway where I start shifting from foot to foot, silently wondering whether the lovebirds could possibly relocate to more private quarters (i.e. Hidden from view of innocent bystanders. Mere mortals, we are!)

But, FDA, Family Displays of Affection, are a different story.

I so value a family that is openly loving, with plenty of hugs and kisses to go around. I think this is good for… Read More

There are lots of convenient things about Jolie being potty-trained. Diaper expenses way down (besides the pull-ups she wears to bed), a smaller butt silhouette for a nice slimming effect, psychological comfort that the worst potty-training pain is behind us...but I have to say, our forays outside the house are considerably more complicated.

We've got to time her bathroom breaks just so, convince her that going BEFORE we get into the car is a good thing, convince her DURING our outing… Read More

I can't help it, but every time the 4th of July rolls around, the sound of people setting off fireworks in the neighborhood during "rehearsals" makes me cringe.

I think about hands blowing off.

You know, what happens when you play with explosives.

I could never imagine setting off firecrackers without the presence of some kind of remote control device and a nearby bomb shelter to activate it from within. Call me a chicken. But at least I'll be a chicken with all… Read More

Yes, it's true.

*deep breath*

I'm pregnant! 13 weeks to be exact.

I've been keeping it in a secret for so long since that seems to be conventional wisdom, waiting until the start of the second trimester to announce your pregnancy to the world. Because miscarriage rates are high and by the start of the second trimester, most of the early risk has passed. By waiting until after this milestone, you'll hopefully avoid awkward explanations if, God forbid, something happened.

Because of this early risk, I think… Read More

Please help.

I am obsessed with making smoothies shakes smoothies. (I'm not exactly sure what the exact difference is between the two, I use the term interchangeably when referring to things I throw into the blender and later drink from a glass.)

Lately, whenever I get home after picking up Jolie from school, I am so hot and hungry the only thing I can think about is making a smoothie/shake before I get dinner started. The only thing.

I read ShortOrderMom's post… Read More

We just joined our local zoo as members. Our local zoo happens to be The National Zoo in Washington DC, part of the Smithsonian Institutions which means that admission is FREE.

As members, we get some nice perks, like free children's snacks whenever we go, discounts at the gift stores, free parking (that part is decidedly NOT FREE), and special admission to members-only zoo events.

Our first members-only event was Cockadoodle Zoo, an annual event where members are invited to come early… Read More