Happy Birthday Lauren Deane!

She's two years old. That's just... ugh. Everything I want to say sounds so trite. All parents and parent-like people go through this. Yet it really is amazing to watch her grow up. She's so aware, so bright, so sweet. She's also turning into something of a... diva? Primadonna? (Yeah. We're working to correct that. The problem is mostly that she really doesn't like being told "no." Apparently most kids LOVE that.)

In other news... nearly everything at the house has improved lately.

It's really great to have Mike back, he's taken 90% of the duties with Lauren and Richie, he's extremely helpful around the house (that's such an understatement!), he's strict but fair with both kids, and respectful and friendly with both Corinne and myself. In fact, Jed might have some competition for "best roommate ever" if he keeps this up.

Richie's troubles have mostly passed. He's still more fearful than we'd like, but it's not as bad as it used to be. He's eating quite well now, and in fact has some very cute, chubby-cheeks! Kid talks like no other child since... um... me at that age, I guess. So I'm told. (It's all lies!) He's even sleeping through the night without any nightmares!