Dear Libbi

As you quickly grow into the form of a real-life toddler, I have started noticing that MANY of your qualities are ones that have been handed to you by yours truly. And I apologize.

#1 -- You are an ugly crier.
I am so sorry Libbi, but this is something that will never, EVER change. You can ask anyone. I don't know how this happened, but your brother definitely got the better genes here. He can cry and then show no evidence of tears. You, on the other hand, develop hives all over your face and appear to have an insty-rash. Sometimes when you cry, strangers try to convince me that you are having an allergic reaction.

#2 -- You are what most would say "lacking" in coordination.

In this picture you look like you were marked by one of the St. Paul Winter Carnival Vulcans, but actually you attempted a backflip off the bed and crashed literally into the corner of the table. (One point of separation between us is that you handle pain extremely well, even your Daddy is impressed by that.) However, your face has taken some serious diggers. Most recently, which you can see in video is your biff to the lip. Good thing you are so stinkin' cute. You may have some scars to manage in the future (in addition to braces, which I think we all know is inevitable -- another genetic downfall.)

#3 -- People can misinterpret your actions.

For example in this picture, it would appear that you are trying to take Elliot's clothes off, which we all know (we do!) is not the case. Like me, you just prefer to watch TV when you are sitting on something. It is unfortunate, Libbi, but I can guarantee that you may be misunderstood for a good portion of your life into adulthood. Good intentions only get you so far.

However, with all of that being said, one thing, ONE BEAUTIFUL THING that we share in common is singing and dancing. And that is definitely a legacy I am happy to share.

You are a little dancin' machine and I love you!

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new blog ... and I'm feeling good

I blame this switch entirely on Laura, who continues to inspire and motivate me with her Strand Family Adventures. With the other website, I wasn't able to accurately depict my stories the way I wanted to ... every story is better with photo-explanation. For example, telling a story about Elliot getting locked in the bathroom doesn't have quite the luster alone as it does when accompanied by the visual of Jake finding just the right key to get him loose.


Speaking of Jake, a quick congratulations to Erin and Jake on their second baby, Sylvie Louise, born yesterday, after quite the standoff. Can't wait to meet her!

Now, on to recent events of The Family Stone. Libbi has officially taken after her mother in the role of "Girls Gone Wild."


She and Nadia had a dance party last week, and she shook what her mama gave her.


I can guarantee that I have pictures just like this somewhere of my many dance parties, but I never had quite the adorable butt or thighs that seem to stand out to me in each of these pictures. I do remember a dance teacher named Donna, however, who asked me how many Twinkies I had over Christmas break.

Needless to say, I didn't continue dancing much longer. I didn't exactly have the "dancer" physique. Hopefully Libbi will be stronger and withstand the likes of teacher Donna as she approaches her dance career. I mean check out the moves ... and at such an early age ...


And the agility ...


And the grace ...


This girl has a future all mapped out.