Buy American?

Obama says we should. But will your next car be a Chrysler? I tell ya, this economy is really good for business...mine.

Hat Trick

I did not put this pink hat on Harry. He did. Very deliberately. He sat down to play with a new toy, saw the hat on the floor, picked it up and then screwed it on his head with complete determination (which was required since it's clearly way too small). The hat stayed on his rather large melon until he went outside to play. Thankfully it fell off.

Rain Drop on Roses...and Toddlers

Nothing says the beginning of sweltering heat like the old backyard sprinkler. Harry was tentative about the contraption, inching closer and closer until he was underneath the cool shower of drops. He loves it each time - until he realizes he's trapped in the quick-moving spray and can't noodle his way to dry land. Then it's tears and a mommy rescue mission.

Charlotte, on the other hand, is way too dignified for this madness, preferring to watch the soggy shenanigans in her sundress and matching hat -- it's this season's infant cruise wear, suitable for afternoons on the Lido deck.

A Fiesta, A Flat and a Duo of Fat Babies

Today we headed to Liam V's house for a birthday Fiesta. He joins our mothers' group's growing rank of two-year-olds. The weather was awesome and the kids had a superb time running amok around the Van Goethem's yard with gooey cupcakes clutched in their hands.

Charlotte, while hardly a cupcake eater yet, had her first picnic "date" with Sam, who is just two days her senior. They faced-off on a blanket and tried to poke each others cheeks.

Lastly, three cheers for Missy, whose tire pump saved me from having to call "roadside assistance" to get my hobbled, one-third deflated stroller back home.

RIP

The tragic death of Freddie Mac interim CFO David Kellermann was cause for me to write a story yesterday for Motley Fool.

Police will likely release information later today that Kellermann hung himself in his basement (details being reported by sources to the local media). How very sad for his family and for Freddie Mac, which as we all know is struggling under the weight of the mortgage collapse and the retention bonus scandal.

A Picnic at the Zoo for Harry -- He's 2!

Yes, yes, more celebrating. And how easy is a picnic at the zoo? We picked an incredible weather day to set up camp on Lion and Tiger Hill. With the help of Harry's grandfather, Jim, and his godmother, Cathy, we hauled what seemed like scores of peanut butter and jelly sand-wiches, juice boxes, animal crackers and YES cupcakes (a panda theme for this round!) to the zoo for an early afternoon toddler lunch.



They came, they saw, they chowed down, and then our guests joined their parents for a little zoo action. Then, I'm sure...naps. The prize for attendance was a home-made tie dye tee-shirt, that Paul and I had a lot of fun making over the last couple weeks. For a while I thought our hands would be permanently stained purple. The kids were super cute in their matching attire (no, there is positively no correlation between the zoo and tie dye, but who's counting).

When we got home we opened some of Harry's awesome presents. Thank you, everyone, for making it such a special day. So Harry, on to year three. I'm going to need at least that much time to recuperate.

Turning Two

As a baptism and Easter weren't enough to keep us busy, Friday kicked off our weekend-long celebration of Harry's second year on Planet Earth. And a big celebration for us it was. As is the tradition of my mothers' group, Harry's toddler (and newborn) friends came over for a play date. I whipped up some lunch for the ladies and my first of too many batches of cupcakes (a Thomas The Tank Engine theme) for the kids. (I swear I am not prepared to see another bowl of butter cream frosting until Charlotte turns one, let alone fondant.)

The kids were totally awesome, sharing Harry's sandbox and trucks and other four-wheeled toys under a super-sunny sky. I think they really know each other. It's great. And when it was time to blow out his first birthday confection, Harry was serenaded by his slightly younger friend Morgan, who not only knows all the words to "Happy Birthday to You" but sang it on pitch and with Harry's name subbed-in at just the right spot. I am not so sure Harry will be able to return the favor. Perhaps he could sing a few bars of "Old MacDonald"...E-I-E-I-O is very festive for a natal day, wouldn't you say?