Last weekend we threw Iris a proper (belated) first birthday party, complete with a theme (fish), decorations, kids and too much cake. The weather was perfect, and it was an absolute blast.
Pressed for time the day before, I picked up a cupcake for Iris to demolish, as is the custom. The Meijer bakery was without any fish-themed cupcakes, and so I settled on one with a big pink rose. I suppressed the little voice that said I should give her a whole grain muffin with coconut glaze, and focused instead on how cute she’d look with her personal confection.
I must say, I’m quite proud of the gusto with which she inhaled the cupcake. Sweets are a rarity for our wee one, and she never turns down fruit, let alone the gooeyer treats. Her concentration was complete, and the whole cupcake was gone in just minutes.
Yes, Facebook is a HUUUUUUGE timesuck. I waste seconds “liking,” minutes commenting and hours staring blankly far more than I should.

I have this running list of things to do that are at once entertaining and productive. Things like “read Smithsonian and Natural Health magazines” (to which I subscribe) and “write for fun.”


Somewhere along the branches of human history, we developed the ability to speak. It’s an amazing ability that I’m now watching blossom in my 12.5 month old.