Reflection on 9/11

I just watched a video about 9/11 that a friend posted on Facebook. Wow. I will certainly never forget that day.

I had recently returned to work after the birth of our 2nd, our son, Stevie. Of course, immediately after the disaster, news started traveling fast around the office. Our AV department set up the TV in the cafeteria; many people left for the day - worried about family members in NY and probably a bit worried for their own welfare too. I don't remember the details of whether Steve & I left early that day or if our company let everyone leave early, but what I do remember so vividly are the feelings of sadness, fear, worry and gratitude I had that night.

That night we went to bed pretty early - tired and overwhelmed by sadness after watching so many hours of those awful images on TV. In Miami that night there was a terrible thunderstorm. The thunder sounded like bombs to me. I remember crying in bed, nursing my little baby boy lying next to me (4 months old), and thinking that for sure the world was coming to an end.

I remember thinking that the thunderstorm and rain were the anger and tears of God for what had happened that day. As I thought about the end of world, I remember being grateful that I had been blessed to experience marriage, the birth of a daughter and the birth of a son. And then my thoughts turned to those that had lost a spouse, a child, a parent in the events of that terrible day. I prayed that they would find peace and comfort - but I imagine that even today, 9 years later, the loss is as difficult as ever.

So today, I pray for them once again. I also pray for peace and for God's wisdom to guide our leaders, so that we never have to experience another 9/11.

Easy Ways to Go Green for Earth day (Kid Post)

happy earth day everyone! In honor of earth day go green! here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Change a light bulb or two to CFL! (compact fluorescent bulb)
• Unplug something! If you're not using your cell phone charger, TV, etc. unplug it! You aren't just going green for the planet, but you're also saving your own green by doing this. $$$
• When you're going to a store, don't spend an hour trying to find a parking space next to the door. Just take the first one you see. You are just adding pollution in the air by circling the parking lot. And when you walk you are getting some exercise.
• DO FULL LOADS! don't just put two things in the washer or drier. It's much easier to put a full load of clothes. SAVE WATER!

These are just a few ways to go green. There are a lot of great websites that have good ideas too. all it takes is the click of a mouse. Aren't computers amazing? (I wouldn't follow the third one if you have a baby)

Sofia Marie

The picture says it all... if you've never met Sofia here are some words that would describe her: foot-loose, loving, cuddly, affectionate, LOUD, energetic, intelligent, manipulative, beautiful, exciting, hilarious. It was very much a surprise when we found out we were expecting Sofia. Things that went through my mind - - Stevie and Gabi would be turning 5 and 7 years old by the time this baby would be born; I had given away ALL my baby gear (crib, highchairs, bouncy seat, etc) about 1 month before I found out I was expecting. I wondered how we would handle 3 kids - emotionally, financially and from a time perspective. I was worried about "starting over" just when Gabi and Stevie had reached a wonderful level of independence.

Then I met Sofia - on March 20th, 2006. Born the same day (amazingly) as her big sister Gabi but 7 years later. I clearly remember the first moment I held her in my arms and really looked at her (it was a moment shortly after the birth when all the hospital staff had left the room and Steve had also stepped out of the room to talk to family members.) I looked at her beautiful blue alert eyes and the first thing that crossed my mind (seriously) was - omg, you are a genius. She just seemed so smart to me for a newborn! And I thought it was no small coincidence that Sofia means "wisdom." And every day since then she continues to prove to us just how smart (and smart-alecky) she is!