Twinkle Toes

Avery at dance class last night...

Little Artists

We started the evening by painting some pictures. And then this happened.

Good as new after a nice bath...

Christmas In July

Avery's twist on an old favorite: "Frosty the Snowman was a jolly boy or girl..."

Happy 4th ... and 2nd!

We had a great 4th of July, enjoying a day in Old Town with the family before heading to Santee for fireworks. Here's a shot of us at Seeley Stables, just before we found the root beer float store(!):

Then on Sunday, we celebrated Chloe's 2nd birthday! It's hard to believe our tiny little baby is grown up enough to sing "Happy Birthday" along with the rest of us. We're so proud of our sweet, fun, fearless little girl. She's tolerant enough to sit still while Avery "paints" her face with markers, but determined enough to know when she'd really rather keep her pajama shirt on through an entire day. Sometimes I wish I could just keep her little like this forever. And then I think about how much I'll enjoy watching her grow into the person she will become. Happy Birthday, little love bug.

My Third-Proudest Achievement

Here's me with my new little girl, the Emmy I received for my work as an executive producer on the television documentary Stories of The Sharp Experience: Episode 10. Pretty exciting!

Grand Opening

Michael and the girls came down to see me on Saturday when I was volunteering at the Grand Opening of the new Barnhart Cancer Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. I was excited about the technology, the incredible healing environment, the outdoor terrace for infusion. The girls were excited, too ... about the face painting.

Wake-Up Call

“Michael…” the tiny voice calls from the corner of my dream. I hesitate, confused, trying to figure out who the voice belongs to.

“Michael…” There it is again, only this time it seems closer and more real.

“Michael!” A third time. The voice is growing more urgent. Is it worried? Frustrated?

My eyes pop open and I turn toward Michael. He’s awake; he’s heard the voice, too. The clock beyond him reads 6:05 a.m.

“MICHAEL!” Chloe shouts from her crib. She’s ready to get up. Michael stares at me, waiting to see if I’m going to get her.

“Don’t look at me,” I say, rolling back over. “She’s calling you.”

Love

Happy Valentine's Day!