I am new at this having-a-daughter thing, even if I’m nine years in. In fact, each passing day I am new at it. Are we ever not new at it? You may have an older brother, but you’re definitely the oldest sister; your sisters look up to you – especially Nettles, who worships you at […]
Eight years ago, the universe gave me a gift. It’s not just that I had my second baby, or my first daughter, or a calm birth. Somehow I had been a partner in creating and developing and now maintaining an actual Angel. I think whatever angels are supposed to mean for different people, a common […]
To my Goon… for your jokes that make us laugh whether we get them or not (keep workshopping), your knowing what you want (and getting stronger about asking for it), your self awareness, your basic instinct to share, to smile, to make others feel good about themselves, your honesty, your allergy to napkins and silverware, […]
“Ima, feel how soft my hair is.” How many times have we said/heard our girl friends say this? “Ima my hair is so smooth today, I used extra conditioner.” She has thick hair and it gets knotty; I tell her to use double. “Ima, <boy friend> is going to love it…” Huh? “He tells me […]
This is the year, Bebe. The year I start to feel the weight of what it is to raise a daughter. There’s something about this year – kindergarten, the oldest of the gan years, first grade prep, heightened self awareness, heightened emotional intelligence, deeper self expression. Taking more responsibility. Finding love in different places. Volunteering […]
Bebe, We enjoyed such a great summer together. It was the highlight of the last half year. Your curiosity is my favorite thing I discovered about you. You’ve got to touch and smell and feel and wonder at everything. It’s your age, and it’s you. Wearing a flowery dress to feel pretty, while exploring a […]
Because it’s so obvious I’m going to just lay it out, plain and simple. Because it’s so cliche, I’m going to hide behind my hands while doing it, peeking out between two fingers: Once upon a time, there was a little girl who spent her early childhood in the 1980’s, into the 1990’s. It was […]
While I knew I couldn’t hold out forever, I didn’t think it would be this soon. Bebe proudly declared: “I want a princess party this year!” Always up for a challenge, I knew I could make this work – Â make my daughter insanely happy at her 5-year birthday party while pass down and keep some […]
For the sweetest person I know, I want for you strength. For you to recognize the right time and place. To continue loving the little things, for not even knowing what is ‘little’. I want for you to recognize your power. I want for your love to never be bound. For your creativity to go […]