Why was last night different from all other nights?

Basia, Gabby, and our Seder

G smiling for the Camera. She doesn't know about the maror yet!

Daddy, tell me about when we came forth from Egypt...

M is for Matzo Ball soup!

Doing my best to teach her about the symbolic meaning of the festivities.

Today, I read an interesting post on Penelope Trunk's blog and it got me to thinking about our seder.

Last night, my beautiful and resourceful wife prepared a festive seder for our family. With a toddler and an infant, she braved the aisles in search of the necessary ingredients, and cooked not only our seder food, but food for the next morning and evening meals too. Basia is my hero queen.

Anyway, last night was not only different because we had the seder, but it was also the first night in recent history that I did not check email or turn on the computer after I got home. My mind was clear and focused on the family and the fun. It was nice. Real nice.

How could I say no?

As some of you out in the blogosphere are aware, G wakes up from naps in a very fragile emotional state, maybe 85% of the time. We try and cull this bying leaving the house as soon as we can after she awakens. Well this past sunday was no different.

G woke up around 3:20 and I informed her that we are all ready to head over to HEB - one of her favorite destinations. First on her agenda was to change her clothes. She scrapped her morning outfit for a more festive orange number. How could I say no?

We got her changed and headed for the door, with list and coupons in hand (we play the grocery game now). Gabby looked at me, and with big brown eyes said, "Dad, I don't want to go to HEB. I want to play markers upstairs." How could I say no?

Basia and Ellie did the shopping on Monday.

Sisters forever

Gabby has really been a great big sister. She often repeats our phrases when Ellie needs a little love. Can you imagine how precious it is to witness Gabby walking over to a fussing Ellie and rubbing her head, while saying, "It's okay, Elsabells. Don't worry, honey bunny. Gabby's here."

Seriously...it's awesome.

A Beautiful Texas Saturday

Last Saturday, we spent a glorious day in south Austin with the girls' Aunt Sally, and Uncle Shaun. I think it was the first time that Ellie had visited them, and definitely the first time that Gabby napped on the futon (and not in the pack n' play).

Y'know, thinking back to when I was a kid, it was always a fun adventure to visit my aunts and uncles. I never knew what to expect. Would I find some new hiding place in their basement? Would the neighbor come over and bring the dog? Would we get Chinese and fill my tummy. Whatever it was, a trip to the aunt and Uncle's house was great. I'm starting to think that G and I have this in common.