Pretty in Pink

No one dared question Charlie's gender yesterday. She was positively Pepto pink, from head to toe. Makes me recall that scene from "Steel Magnolias" as Julie Roberts describes her upcoming nuptials..."My signature colors are blush and bashful."

Wagons-Ho!

Being two is all about the Daily Obsession. Yesterday Harry was positively fixated on a little blue wagon he (temporarily) poached from our neighborhood park where old toys are left for mass use.

First he took it home (we were unable to pry it from his grip). Then he cried when he couldn't bring it inside the house. Then, after his nap, as we tried to wheel it back to the park, Harry insisted on continuing on, under the train trestle, over to Whole Foods....and back....still holding tightly to the wagon's handle (note that he refused to hold our hands to cross the street, so, crying...we had to lift him and the still-attached wagon across the intersections).

Inside the market, the wagon, as per Harry's instruction, had to be stored under the grocery cart for safe keeping. Then, he wheeled it, full with groceries, back to the park, where, by some miracle, he was willing to relinquish it.

The Greatest Show on Earth

When you're 23-month and change, there is nothing better (not even cupcakes) than having road construction outside your home. It's toddler crack.

After two years of gentle pleading the city agreed to finally give the residents of the 100 block of Commonwealth Avenue....a curb and gutter. We're the only block in the city without one. While I was pregnant with Harry I got a meeting with a few officials. They looked, they poked...they worried the trees might suffer, so they suggested I petition the neighbors. A week later I had baby #1 and well, the curb was hardly on my mind.

Fast forward two years and the city has been in the throes of replacing the sidewalks all over Rosemont and Del Ray...but no plans to give us a curb and gutter. So I made yet another run at the city. This time, they listened, and agreed...this morning the bulldozers and concrete rippers arrived. So thank you Alexandria, we are DELIGHTED that soon we won't be ankle-deep in mud and rainwater every time we cross the street or go out to the car. And an added bonus...tons of trucks to entertain Harry for a week.

Fool Me Once

What a banner week, so reminiscent of my old life. I got a call yesterday afternoon from the editors at Motley Fool, interested in handing me my first assignment. I've contracted with them to be their breaking-news reporter (not a full-time gig, I still have my 3-day-a-week job at the magazine). But I was eager to take on a few more clients and it sounded like a fun challenge. Stress the word "challenge." Financial news is not my first love.

They asked if I could pen a few hundred words on the day's events. Let's see...that would be...the G-20 Summit and the revamped Mark-to-Market guidelines. Together, they managed to push the Dow up over 8000. Ahem. Coughcoughcough...sure, I said....uh....OK. Let's face it, I'm a little rusty. And please don't ask me to explain mark-to-market again, unless I'm drinking. But I got the thing hammered out quickly. Motley is a really good fit for me....they want news with an attitude. Love it! So if you feel so inclined....check out my Foolish endeavor.

What on earth does this have to do with Harry and Charlotte? Nothing. Except maybe now I don't have to feel guilty buying them extra Easter goodies.

Sit-uation

It may have been April Fool's Day, but Charlotte's decision to sit upright, unassisted was no joke. Over the course of two days my little meatball has gone from being slouched over (chest grazing the floor) to a dainty little sitting position. Such poise!

The Write Stuff

It's been two years (!) since I penned a story. I can't even remember what it was, it was that long ago. So it is with great fanfare (for me) that I published a story today -- a profile of wreck hunter David Mearns. He made global headlines last year when he located the Sydney deep in the Indian Ocean. He's a fascinating man, a terrific interview. If you've ever wondered how they find great warships and other vessels lost to the sea (we're talking the likes of Titanic, not your dad's fishing boat), then take a read.

Hannah and Her Sister

Welcome Hannah Grace! The newest Alexandrian made her debut tonight -- much anticipated daughter of Erin and David Thornton, sister to Lucy, new bestest friend of Harry and Charlotte.

Dad says mother and daughter are great (we expected nothing less!). She weighed-in at 8 pounds, 19 inches long and with oodles of dark hair.

Three cheers for Hannah! We know Lucy will make an awesome big sister. She's been copying Harry's sibling notes for months.