Dear Unity Jane,

From the moment I suspected you were coming, I have been thankful for you. I enjoyed growing big and slow and nesty and feeling you move inside me. You surprised us by showing up before we'd had a chance to get diapers, but I know how you felt- I couldn't wait to meet you too. I am thankful that we were able to have a healthy out-of-hospital birth, with our midwife and Chris and Megan, and I am so glad that you waited for Grandma Cindy to show up before you made your grand arrival. As the news of your immpending arrival spread, I was consistantly gratified by all of the help and support that came to us from friends and family and friends of family and that only increased when you were born. Do you have any idea how many people love you? (It's a lot!)
It has been so amazing watching your personality emerge as you learn and explore the world. You've always been social, making friends on the bus and jumping right in to playgroups. You love music and dancing and books, pasta shells and raisins and "snack" (crackers.) You are very aware of what's going on around you, pointing out every doggie and bird, every loud siren and noisy car. Lately, you have been very tuned in to emotions, talking about "baby sad" and "baby laughing". You love being tickled under your chin, and sitting on your papa's chest and washing your hands. You love dance parties with your mama and picking out your own clothes and trying on other people's shoes.
You've kept us up and thrown up on us and asked us to read "Wow, City" six hundred times in a row, and much to your father's dismay, you love Abba, but we wouldn't have it any other way. You've got your own thoughts and joys and opinions and we love hearing about them. I can't wait to see what else you have to tell us. From the moment I knew of you, you've changed me baby. I can't imagine life without you.

Thank you.

Love,
your mama.

Guest Blog: Uncle Michael!!!

Hello all. Uncle Michael here. It's been an eventful chilly weekend in Washington. We've been very busy running circles about the house and delving into the fine art of shredding. Take a look at Unity's rock faces while drumming and playing guitar! We met a lovely (read:patient) cat and he allowed Unity to (gently) poke his nose. The days have been pleasantly choppy as Unity wistfully jumps from one activity to basically any idea that pops into her mind. Now we are "driving" now it's time for the Honey Honey song, now a snack, now Unity needs to climb on your head. So much fun! It has been wonderful to get to spend so much time with Unity, Polly and Chris. Thanks guys!

Happy Birthday Anne Marie Garvey

There's a new cousin in town, Anne Marie Garvey! Amy was born on Wednesday the 19th at 8:02 AM.

Toddlers who lunch

Unity met up with Hiram and Zoren at the library. After some play time and books, we hopped over to the local offices of our congresspeope to give them a card urging climate action. (It's organized by 1Sky). Then, we rested.

banana face

Singing a song

I Found Key!

So, in the absence of a working camera to give you all pictures, I have this amusing story:

Yesterday, I left the car key and electronic car door opener on our living room table before heading off to work, in case Polly needed to get the car seat or stroller from the car.

This morning, Polly gave me the electronic car door opener, but not the key. The key was not on the table, nor was it on the floor nearby. I spent about 15 minutes looking around for the key in the kitchen, in the living room, in the bathroom and in yesterday's clothes. All this time Unity is following me around watching and making random nonsensical comments. Finally, while I am looking in our bed for the keys, she says:

"Play?"

I respond, "No baby, I can't find the key"

"I find key," she replies

"No, I can't find the key"

"I find key," she asserts

"Baby, do you know where the key is?"

"I find key"

"Baby, can you get me the key?"

Off she runs out into the living room where Unity retrieves the key from the wheel of one of her toys which she proudly holds while laughing.

"Good job Unity! Thanks!"

a lost sister?

So Unity saw a picture that looked a lot like this one laying around our house. She pointed and said "Obama". Then she pointed to recently re-elected (!)Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire and said "Grandma Cindy". Hmmm...a long lost sister? I'm not sure I see the resemblance but Unity apparently does.

We opened the bottle of champagne we've had on our shelf since I bought the house four years ago and had a little celebration tonight.

Congratulations to President Obama and to Sound Transit Proposition 1.