One of the best things about living in a big city is encountering diversity on a daily basis.  People from all walks of life and all corners of the globe call Chicago home, and I consider their presence in my hometown to be a true asset and gift. Aren’t I lucky to have the world […]

Lately, Evie has been asking a lot of questions about where we live and our planet.  I’m often fielding inquiries from her such as “Is Chicago our city?” “Do we take an airplane to Mexico?” “Is this the way to Granmary’s house??”  She loves looking at maps, whether it be the one at the bus […]

  I can say with near certainty that March 24, 2004 was perhaps the best day of my life. Its the day when my husband came home from Iraq. After nearly a year fighting a war on the other side of the globe, Chris returned home healthy and in good spirits (and much thinner!).  Although […]

With the announcement yesterday that reality TV family the Duggars are now expecting their 20th child, it seems like the Internet is ready to erupt: how could they be so irresponsible?, so many kids is a drag on the planet!, the oldest children are raising the little ones!, how can Michelle’s body endure yet another […]

Now that I am well into my third pregnancy, in some ways I feel like an old pro when it comes to all this.  I don’t re-read every chapter of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” every week, and I can’t spend hours scouring the internet for clues about the baby’s sex.  I am so […]

As I write this, Evie and Mack are dressed in their pajamas, fresh out of the bath and quieting down for the evening.  At this point in the day, the three of us are usually snuggled in my big bed to read books and sing our ritual nighttime songs.  But, tonight is special because “Its […]

My sister Colleen got married on Friday.  I can’t believe how fast the day came and went. She was such a beautiful bride, and I know she and her husband will have a happy life together. As a fun fall favor for guests to take home after the reception, my mom, sisters and I made […]

My 18 month old son is officially no longer a baby. He had his first haircut the other day. Sniff, sniff. Prior to the cut, he had long, wispy, baby curls circling the base of his head. In the sun, his hair – so blond its practically white – glowed like a holy halo. The […]

Like much of the country, Chicago has enjoyed several days of unseasonably warm weather.  We flirted with the 80s all weekend and for much of this week, and I couldn’t be happier about it.  After a rainy and chilly September, this mid-fall respite reminds me that spring will indeed come again. My husband works six […]

One of Evie’s favorite things to do when her little brother naps is play with Play-Doh.  “Mom, can I play play dough?” she asks so sweetly, not knowing that I cringe a little bit on the inside whenever she asks because A) it makes a huge mess and B) I get a little anxious about […]