Please don't...

To the three tiny child inhabitants of my household: I have a few requests. As I observe you on a daily basis, here are my deepest wishes:

Claire, please never stop saying "breakfdist" when you are hungry every morning. Please don't stop loving getting all dirty and climbing hills and mountains. Please never stop being a daddy's girl, and demanding long on-the-mouth kisses at bedtime, followed by rib crushing hugs.

August, please don't learn how to say "balloon." I think "da boo-nah" will suffice forever.

Gently feeding August's baby a bottle. My brother loved all my barbies and babies... takes after Uncle, so tenderhearted.

My little man and me when he was just five months old.

Sam, please don't find out it's not macho to play with baby dolls. Keep feeding them with bottles and using August's pink vacuum as much as your little heart pleases.

Claire, don't you dare ever stop asking questions that I can't answer... like "what does it feel like to be inside of you? I only know what it feels like to be inside of me. What is it like to be another person? Can I ever know?"

My spunky baby girl, 17 months old.

Daddy with Miss August at five months. He is the most tender dad you have EVER seen in your life. He's literally perfect.

August, please don't ever stop being the life of the party, and flashing your toothy little underbite grin at us, just because you want to.


Sam, never stop wishing your little sister goodnight through the rails of your crib. Never stop saying "butt-bum" when visitors are leaving our house and you offer your goodbyes.

Claire, never stop caring for your little brother and sister with such respect and tenderness. Watching you dress and change two wiggly toddlers (voluntarily) is one of the sweetest things I see in my days at home. Especially since the twins hold completely still for you, they have this innate respect for you as their older, much worshiped sister.

Sam, never stop yelling for Claire whenever she is out of sight, when you wake up in the morning, when she is in another room, when she is sitting 10 feet away from you at her parent teacher conferences. Never stop adoring her.

Dressed as Mr. Tumnus, the faun, from "The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe."

Claire, never stop transforming yourself into a million different animals, and make believe creatures with nothing more than a roll of scotch tape and some paper and crayons.

Twinnies both finally home, healthy, safe and sound home: about 3 weeks old.

Babies, thank you for giving me the surprise of my life. Twins, thanks for coming at the same time, no matter the cost to me physically, it was worth it like I can never explain. Claire thank you for welcoming them with a quiet reverence and respect.

The day August came home from 12 extra days in the hospital, and our first family picture of five. Claire was delighted to hold both - she just giggled and giggled. This was a gorgeous moment to witness.

Our family is the happiest thing in my life. Never stop being that for me...

Pretty please with a cherry on top,
Mom