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Although our blog is usually just about kids, I have to say that I am deeply saddened by the explosions at the finish line of the Boston marathon. I ran the race in 2005. Jordan ran the last six miles with me. I cannot imagine a day that is supposed to be the cumulation of so much hard work turned into tragedy. We are praying for all those impacted. And we need to pray a lot more for peace and fewer tragedies overall.

Natalie, Elliott and I had our first successful outing… To Mr. Singer at the Farm Zoo. Natalie was outfitted in full rain gear, which we have had many opportunities to use.

Its raining, its pouring...

Mr. Singer greeted us upon our arrival, as Natalie has caught his attention in the past due on her energetic singing and dancing.

Mr. Singer, I’ll consider it…

Mr. Singer asked Natalie if she would come up on stage with him next time to sing “Wheels on the Bus” because she would be a good role model for the other kids who are bigger than her but don’t dance and sing as much as she does.  (During his concert, he took her request to do Wheels on the Bus, but she declined his offer to go up on stage).  On our walk back to the car, I asked her if she would go up with Mr. Singer next time, and she said no because she wants to stay with Mommy and Elliott.  Who can argue with that?  (That’s the same reason she gave when reading her an Easter book, I asked her if she wanted to go to Jerusalem with Jesus.)  🙂

Elliott was strapped in to me on our Ergo baby carrier for the entire trip (he thankfully likes it a lot more than Natalie did), so I wasn’t able to get a picture of him until we got home.  Here’s his reaction to all the excitement…

I love my RoRo and paci!

Tummy time is overrated!

Elliott had a good two-week appointment… he gained 2x more weight in the past 10 days than he “needed” to gain. Yeah! I feel like, when you’re staying at home with a newborn, a mom’s primary measures of “success” are: the baby’s weight gain, the baby’s sleeping and not having the house a complete disaster area. The first two counteract everything else going on (e.g. post-labor recovery, a messy house, lack of sleep, etc.)

When Natalie got home from preschool, she confirmed the good bill of health.

Strong heartbeat

good pulse too I think… How does this thing work anyhow?

To honor her teacher’s Australian roots, Natalie participated in an Easter bonnet parade at school.

Do you like the flare that my mom added?

Because I do!

Natalie didn’t win any prizes but did receive a participation award. That, lets be honest, is more for Mom since a 2 year old cannot really decorate a hat. So, it’s okay if I eat he chocolate that accompanied her award, right?

One of her best friends had Peeps on his hat, which he ate prior to the parade. Another friend kept asking her mom to add more decorations to her hat because “it was good but not amazing yet”. Gotta love these kids!

Jordan’s Aunt Ann, Kathy’s sister, passed away on Monday, after battling lung cancer for four years. We will miss her dearly. She will especially be remembered for being joyful, strong, optimistic, generous and loving. Here is a special picture of Aunt Ann and Natalie in Chicago last fall…

Jordan will be going to Florida next weekend to celebrate her life and Natalie, Elliott and I will be sending our love from Chicago.

What significant things have happened on March 19?

1917 The Supreme Court upheld the eight-hour work day for railroads.

1918 – The U.S. Congress establishes time zones and approves daylight saving time.

1931 Nevada legalized gambling.

1953 The Academy Awards ceremony was televised for the first time.

1962 – Highly influential artist, Bob Dylan releases his first album, Bob Dylan, on Columbia Records label.

1995 After giving up an attempt to become a major league baseball player, Michael Jodan returned to pro basketball with the Chicago Bulls.

It is also Saint Joseph’s, which is Father’s Day in Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Honduras, and Bolivia.

Elliott also shares a birthday with actor Bruce Willis (1955) and Earl Warren (1891), the 14th Chief Justice.

It is also 3 months after my other favorite day – his big sister Natalie’s birthday. I suppose I have a new favorite number: 19!

Natalie went to a trial dance class. Despite no leotard and the only pink being in her socks, she rocked the party! This girl has moves. She loves dance parties with her Dad, be it in front of the mirror in the living room, while brushing her teeth or when mom is making (eg microwaving) dinner. I am not sure ballet will be her dance of choice, but this is a fun start!