- Daniel has discovered the power of a spoon and he must have one in hand at all times — for banging on chairs, walls, dump trucks, and siblings’ skulls. The dog is overjoyed.
- Gabby is looking forward to Valentine’s Day. “It’s a special day,” I overheard her teaching younger brother Raphael this afternoon, “for making love.”
- Just when you thought it was safe to give up the game snacks, you find out that the NFL season is not actually over. This afternoon the Pro Bowl had the gang mesmerized and demanding all manner of fatty snack material. Stayed tuned for lost and listless expressions next Sunday afternoon.
- Soothing Recipe for Itchy Baby Winter Skin: Fill an old, clean sock with dry oatmeal. Tie it tightly and toss in a warm bath with the baby. The scratchy little guy will come out sweet, soft, and temporarily relieved.
- A good way to ensure that you will run into your dentist at the grocery store is to hand each of your kids a lollipop on the way in. Like the whole flossing thing hasn’t inspired enough maternal dental guilt already.
- You might think that there must be a limit — that the clouds will surely run out of snow. But this is not so. There is actually plenty more snow up there and the sky will continue to open up and dump its contents on your house, your driveway, and your kids on a daily basis. The insanity inspired by the wide whiteness outside your kitchen window will be matched only by the insanity brought on by in-the-house basketball.