Ellie is gorgeous and I am so jealous of little girls who have long hair. I can't seem to get Em's to grow out - it gets so ratty and doing hair in the morning is just torture. She seems destined for a flapper-like bob until she is the one to take care of her hair.

Nice pics, Stephanie. sj is right, that little girl of yours is a beauty.

I am so jealous of little girls who have long hair.

I don't know. I was that little girl myself, so I do love it and kinda hoped for the long hair girl too, but Franny asked for a bob so we gave her one. And I have to say she was right, it suits her. She's bouncy and joyful and the hair is too. (Of course in a year from now when she has decided to grow it out into long locks I'll be saying that suits her to a tee.)

Franny story: I volunteer in her classroom on Mondays and was looking at the work displayed up on the walls. One wall had pictures the kids drew of themselves all grown up. Each kid wrote what they wanted to be. So charming! There was a fire fighter, a jockey, a mother. One kid wanted to be the guy who gives out prizes at Chuck E Cheese. Frances wrote: "When I am older I want to mace close." Took me a moment to realize she meant to say "make clothes." Somehow I can actually see Frances as a clothing designer.

Why am I still awake? And why am I reading about Chandra Levy? Now, in addition to everything else I've been worried about, I'm also scared to walk or bike on any trail that's not visible from the street, and convinced that, if I did disappear, the DC police department wouldn't have any clue how to find me.

Hil, if you're interested I know a really good self defense program in DC.

I can't believe how Ellie has grown! Last time I saw her she was chewing on my turquoise necklace. What a cutiehead.

Great pictures, Stephanie! Ellie is lovely (and smart, too! - since I try not to just complement girl children on their looks).

My girl has allowed me to put her down for a bit and I'm not sure what to do first on the chore list - she's not asleep, so I can't sleep.

Also, I have an appt for a haircut, which, near as I can figure, is my first non-medical, non-work appointment since January. I'm not sure I wanted to know that - damn organized Google calendar.

eta: Stephanie, when will you be in DC? I'm on leave until mid-July.

We arrive July 8, according to my plan, and will be there until Aug 1. We are busy all weekends but would love to get together during the week. I'm seriously looking for stuff to do with the kids while Joe is in class so that would be great.

FUCK!

Sorry, but a rock from a truck just broke my windshield. Besides the money, the car is supposed to be shipped on Friday but I doubt they will take it like this. We've already had all the inspections and stamps needed. I don't even want to cry. I just want to hit something.

{{{Stephanie}}} How frustrating. Are you and the kids ok?

We are fine. I just feel like this move has been so hard. And now, I have no idea how to fix this. I mean, I don't think we can before Friday. Hopefully, Joe can convince them it's okay like this. Normally, I'm okay with moving but this one is stressing me out.