I experienced much of life at 10 Birch Drive as one half of a sister whole. Both of my parents are important influences, but in those days, they played hazy supporting roles. They were the lawmakers and peace brokers of our little kingdom, but Megan and I were its central … [Read more...]
Revisiting Childhood Haunts
Even before I had kids, I was excited to bring them home, to my parents' house, the site of my childhood. What will they think of the pond edged with purple irises and dotted with inky black tadpoles? Will they brush Kirsten and Molly's hair with proper reverence? Will they be … [Read more...]
Why Disney Classics Are Only For Grownups
Um, are there any Disney classics that are appropriate for sensitive almost four year olds? Sunday was rainy and dismal, and by 4pm, Brett's and my collective parental gas tank was at empty, and we had three hours of active duty left. Movie time. We’ve watched A Good Dinosaur, … [Read more...]
Playtime – Part I
“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson Wren and Charlie like to vroom cars up and down the arms of the couch. They like to make heinous hacking sounds (and scare the shit out of their mom) to make each other laugh. She is almost two, and he’s almost … [Read more...]
Charlie, Corduroy, and Heartbreak
During breakfast yesterday, Charlie suddenly looked up from perusing Corduroy (everyone’s favorite tale of a bear and his lost button), chin trembling, eyes welling up, and said, “Mum – why doesn’t Corduroy live with his mummy?” You know when kids are genuinely sad about … [Read more...]
I Love When
My toddler takes my half-baked life explanations at total face value. When driving past some sprawling roadwork along the highway that's been going on for months (huge mounds of dirt, weeds growing out of manmade mini mountains), Charlie pointed out the window, and said, "Look … [Read more...]