March is a big month in our family. Three of the six kids celebrate birthdays, so we are busy with all the fun festivities. Birthdays sure are a nice way to make it through a dreary month in Chicago! Birthdays in our big family are a big deal because normal days are spent vying for […]

Last week during a chilly walk home from school, Ben informed me that today would be the shared birthday for two of his little stuffed animals, Cubby and Beary. His adorable declaration reminded me of a similar celebration Vivian requested more than four years ago: a Hello Kitty Birthday. His request was earnest and enthusiastic so […]

My parents have 18 grandchildren. Considering how young they are, I’d say that is quite an accomplishment. The only issue with having such a large family is that we can’t easily gather to celebrate all the birthdays. So, my sister Colleen offered to host a big birthday/end-of-summer party at her home in honor of my […]

Evie, my oldest, recently turned 9. It might not sound as momentous as turning 10, but, for me, 9 is a really big deal. It’s halftime. Except, now is not the time for rest. Now is the time to keep moving! All the time we’ve had with our Evie is equivalent to all the time […]

March is a busy time for our family. Three of the six kids celebrate their birthday this month, which means lots of baking. In truth, all the festivities can be a bit stressful for me. I want so badly to make every kid feel special on his or her special day, but the reality is […]

My *adorable* nephew Jace recently turned 1. My sister had the whole family out to her home for a good old fashioned birthday party, complete with a delicious homemade cake the birthday boy wanted nothing to do with. As the mother of four kids, I know birthday gifts can be exciting and overwhelming. A sudden […]

Our Mack turned 5 today. For so many reasons, I am happy for this birthday. Now he is caught up in age to most of his peers in his class, and I think he recognizes that this new year is a big step. He’s not a little boy anymore.  Mack is deep into Lego, Hot […]

Tomorrow my baby turns 1. This is my fourth first birthday, so I should be a pro at this by now. But, I can’t help but feel so emotional. Up until the age of 1, they are all my babies. But, after that they enter the toddler zone and life is never the same.  So, […]

Sweet Vivian. The little lamb is obsessed – obsessed, I tell you! – with Hello Kitty.  She doesn’t really know what it is (what is it anyway?!), but with all that pink and the bow and the white kitty…what about it would a girly 2 year old not love??  I think her obsession is cute […]

Exactly six years ago to this very moment, I was entering hour 19 of labor with my first baby, my Evelyn, and I had no idea what was going on. I was so tired and overwhelmed, but I knew I had to stay calm and in control. Finally, at 5:31 am the doctor said “It’s […]