The Kirtsy Book is here. Come seek help for your Kirtsy problem, too.

Check out this incredible book trailer, created by the amazing Katherine Center:

{Tuesday}

Nightclub Cardio @ Pravada

Literally one of THE best workouts I’ve ever had. A night club atmosphere, pumpin’ tunes, and workout clothes and tennies. Pretty much my dream workout. The lights are down, and people let loose. I’ve been dying to write about this for weeks. I tried this class out earlier this summer and was hooked! Now if I can just find time to make it back!  Due to popular demand, they’ve just added a second day at Pravada (Thursday) and a second location (Bar RIO, 6400 Richmond Ave) that begins September 15th. Tell Jennifer I sent you! 

{Wednesday}

Dress for Success 6th Annual Sizzling Summer Soiree

7-9pm | Tootsies (in Highland Village) | facebook invite

Nancy Levicki and the Women of Wardrobe event chairs Sharron Melton, Lauren Freeman and Shern-Min Chow with Tootsies invite you to the Sixth Annual Sizzling Summer Soiree.

Enjoy hip sips and cool canapes, and meet designer Trina Turk. 10 percent of the proceeds benefits Dress for Success Houston, so you have a great reason to shop!

Event is free for WOW members and $45 for nonmembers. Purchase your tickets to Sizzling Summer Soiree in advance to avoid waiting in a very long line! Join W.O.W. for $75 which includes complimentary admission to all W.O.W. events through next June. Buy your ticket today by calling 713-957-3779. Special thanks to The Capital Grille and TY-KU.

{Thursday}

Thursdays are always nuts.  Get in where you fit in.

5-10PM | Spacetaker Cultured Cocktails benefiting Dance Houston | FREE
Boheme Cafe and Wine Bar (Taft @ Fairview)
This has been THE place to be this summer if you are a non-profit. Or if you like wine. Either will do.

6-8pm | HYPA Summer Cocktail Tour at the Grove (Discovery Green) | FREE
feat. Houston artists Katy Anderson + Patrick Medrano + The Fodice Foundation
HOUSTON Magazine is sponsoring a summer long tour of hip places and pretty faces. This week at the Grove with HYPA. There is an afterparty at Katy + Patrick’s studio. The afterparty + film screening is free for HYPA members, and $35 for non-members.

6-9pm | 310 Rosemont Summer Mixer (1965 W. Gray) | FREE
Fashion and Denim for Women AND Men! Come for a drink. Stay for the new fall fashions. Toast to the end of summer.
I’m not sure about toasting to the end of summer…i’m hanging on with my fingernails. But LOVE this boutique. Check it.

{Friday}

Bright New Media

3:30-5:30pm | Bright Sky Press | 5416 Chaucer, right behind Ruggles | $35

Laura Mayes and yours truly will be leading a Social Media Workshop this Friday at the lovely Bright Sky Press. Stop by to ask all those burning questions about Twitter, Flickr, and Blogging, oh my! From 3:30-5:30 p.m. we’ll have the very informal workshop (Easy, practical social media training) and at 5:30 p.m. we’ll break out the Social Media Social Hour (A very happy Happy Hour where social media shows it social side).

Bright Sky Press is hosting its inaugural Bright New Media social media workshop at the Bright Sky Bookspace . Stop in to find out more about Twitter, Flickr, Blogging, Facebook, and a partridge in a pear tree. More importantly, we’ll talk about why we should care about all this (for business, for pleasure, for smart ways to connect)…and we’ll show you how easy it is to do (it’s really easy!). It all starts at 3:30 p.m. and ends with a Social Media Social Hour. $35 a person gets you all the know-how you need to go go go. We can’t wait to see you then!

RSVP to kara@brightskypress.com

Four Openings at Lawndale Art Center

6-8:30pm | Lawndale Art Center | 4912 Main Street | lawndaleartcenter.org

Yummm. I love me some Lawndale. Check out this Friday’s quadruple opening. Opening Reception August 21, 2009, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Artist talks at 6 PM. Exhibitions on view August 21- September 26, 2009:

Lawndale Art Center 30th Anniversary Exhibition –
Curated by Clint Willour
Work by Seth Alverson, Dawolu Jabari Anderson, Chuy Benitez, Elaine Bradford, Emily Sloan and Mark Schatz

Me, Mine, and not Yours – Joe Ives and Jahjehan Bath Ives

Paper or Plastic?– Nathaniel Donnett

The Green™ cyber web – Adela Andea

{Saturday}

Planned Parenthood + Riazul Tequila present Party Like a Rockstar

8pm-midnight | Warehouse Live

Whether you wear high heels, Doc Martens or blue suede shoes, come to move those feet and pump those fists in the air – and let your voice be heard!

Live Performances by DJ Alex C – voted #1 DJ by the Houston Press and Houston Chronicle and SKYROCKET! – voted Austin’s #1 cover band.

TICKETS:
Single Ticket ($50) – includes catering by Joe’s Crab Shack!

Be a VIP!
Solo-Act ($150) – one person, Hook-Up ($250) – two people, Groupies ($1000) – eight people, Entourage ($3000) – 30 people
VIP level includes catering by Morton’s the Steakhouse & Max’s Wine Dive with a Champagne Station.
Grammy Gift Bags. Exclusive After- Party from midnight to 2 a.m.

Visit http://www.pphouston.org/rockstar2009 for more information. Purchase tickets here

Each week I’ll highlight a few events that I’m looking forward to in this grand ole city of H. c.u.t.here, peeps.

{Thursday}

Open Mic Night Coffee Groundz

6-10pm, CoffeeGroundz (2503 Bagby) | www.coffeegroundz.net

This will be the first of many open mic nights to come from everyone’s favorite local coffee shop. Come by and check out some great local talent.

Runaway Sun @ Continental Club

10:10pm, Continental Club (3700 Main Street) | Cover $5

This is a big show for Runaway Sun.  Their first at the CC. Fresh off an amazing show at the Houston Press Music Awards Showcase, Shea Serrano of the Houston Press recently said of the band, “And we say this without fear: by this time next year, Runaway Sun will be one of the city’s best bands.” I couldn’t agree more.

Andrew and the guys are putting the finishing touches on their first full length album, The Bridge. Stay tuned for CD Release Party deets. Also, the band is competing with other bands for a slot on this year’s ACL lineup for the Sound and the Jury. Vote daily for them here.

{Friday}

Tech Bytes Geek Gathering @ Coffee Groundz

7:30pm, Coffee Groundz (2503 Bagby) | www.coffeegroundz.net

Houston’s geekiest are at it again! Join the fun folks from KPFT’s Technology Bytes as they continue the fun Friday with their monthly Geek Gathering.  “ou don’t have to be a geek to attend. Heck, you don’t even have to be a current listener of the show. This event is a casual meet-up for anyone interested in technology or social media in all its forms and a great opportunity to just hang out with like minded individuals.”

Ben Wesley @ Block 7

8:30pm, Block 7 Wine Co (720 Shepherd) | www.block7wineco.com

After a soft opening 2 weeks ago, Block 7 has been packing in the wine, food and music fans galore. With Friday night performances from Andrew Karnavas and Tygararaja, this Friday returns with Houston’s eclectic son, Benjamin Wesley, the musical foil and soulmate to flashy Transmissions bandmate, Cornbreadd, Wesley’s Houston Press Awards performance showed us why this talent won’t be in Houston for long. Come check out this unique performance, sure to be one of the last few intimate shows you’ll see Ben play. Kid done blowing up!

{Saturday}

Summer Fest Day 1

I keep saying this, and I seriously won’t believe Summer Fest is real until Saturday when I arrive and see if for my own eyes. For months I was convinced this was an April Fool’s Joke by our friends over at the Free Press.  Headliners include Of Montreal, Explosions in the Sky and Broken Social Scene. Yeah. see? Would you have believed it either? IN Houston?! Rad.

A 2 day pass is only 16 bucks. And a Fancy Pants Pass is $45. Do. This. People.

{Sunday}

Summer Fest Day 2

Jump in and get wet.

For a look at the first half of the week, check out this week’s Houstonist H-town Rock.

Wednesday, July 22

:: Jason McElweenie Poster Show ::

Hella talented graphic artist, son of America’s Hat, and even better friend, Jason McElweenie, shows off his collection of stellar concert poster designs at Coffee Groundz this Wednesday. Deneyterrio will have posters on sale and exclusive framed prints.  I’ll prob cut you if you miss it. Don’t make me do that.

Coffee Groundz, 7-10pm
2503 Bagby in Midtown
www.coffeegroundz.net
facebook invite

Friday, July 23

:: Andrew Karnavas @ Block 7, 8pm ::

The long awaited premier Houston’s newest concept in Wine Bars, Block 7, is finally here. They open to the public tonight, with free champagne. Stop by starting at 4pm.  I had a chance to preview the place, food, and of course, the wine, this weekend. Fantastic. Advice: Try the gulf shrimp. You’ll thank me. Shawn Pander performed, and Andrew will be performing an acoustic set this Friday. Wonder if I can get him to follow in Shawn’s footsteps and cover Ray Lamontagne.

:: Tontons Pre-release Listening Party @ Little Big’s, 7pm ::

Saturday

:: The Tontons Official CD Release Party @ Caroline Collective 6-10pm ::

Dare I say the music event of the summer?  Last year’s Houston Press Awards winner of Best New Artist continues to impress crowds, this time with their long-awaited full length Self-titled release. Scheduled performances by Giant Princess, Fat Tony, and Houston legend Little Joe Washington. You’ll def want to check out some of the things they’ve got up their sleeves for this show. Food from Little Big’s thanks to @wholefish + hometown brews from Saint Arnold + Tequila aplenty from Riazul + door prizes from Cactus Music. What more could you ask for? (I already checked, Justin Timberlake is booked.)

facebook invite

:: Andrew Karnavas + Daniel de Luna w/ Back Door Slam @ Warehouse Live 8pm ::

facebook invite

Sunday

:: Houston Press Music Awards Showcase ::

With Summerfest right around the corner, our peeps over at the HP are doing a good job of warming us up. Check out the full line up of shows for Sunday. My day will look something like this:

6pm Runway Sun @ Flying Saucer
7pm Mitch Jacobs Band @ Martell’s
8pm The Tontons @ Martell’s
9pm Buxton @ Isis

Plus, there’s still time to vote! Click here for a ballot

See you in the throws.

love + music.

tumblers, by slightclutter

It feels as if this post is way overdue. On the other hand, it also feels to be entirely immature.

I’m going to cram a lot into this post, so for you ADD readers, here’s the short version:

• Update on Baby Kailey: she’s doing great!
• I moved in with my parents to help with the baby!
• I still have my place, so there will still be a Christmas Tree Viewing Party 3.0!

• I quit my job!

• I’m freelancing! (yes, read above: i quit my job!)
• I’m really, really happy, excited, and scared as all hell!
• Wedding Bells

Whew. That wasn’t so hard?  Now what took me so long to write this post? (Besides painstakingly searching for the exact right image. Which I will always obsess over.)

First things first. I’m doing GREAT.  In the last 4 months I’ve made some of the biggest decisions of my life, and I couldn’t be more excited about everything. The recession be damned! I know it’s a very real thing, but I’ve decided to not participate in it.

Secondly, there is entirely no way I would have been able to make any of those decisions without the wonderful friends and family who have surrounded me with support and encouragement. I’d be about 2% of a person without you all.

Update on Baby Kailey + Home Again

Before I get into too much detail with my new career direction, I wanted to give an update on Baby Kailey. Many of you have asked about how she is doing, or who that cute baby is popping up on my Flickrstream.  If you didn’t read my original post on Kailey, it’s here. Short version is…since November my parents have had custody of my cousin’s baby girl. She was 2 months old when she came to stay with us, she is now a healthy 7.5 month old.  Mom has since started back at work, and I have moved in to help out with the day to day awesomeness of having a baby around. I swear, everyday I wonder how single mothers do this. There are 3, sometimes 4, adults in this house, and we are all exhausted!

In February, after the awesomely successful Mom 2.0 Summit, I made the decision to move in with mom and dad to help out as mom started back at work. I was a little worried about leaving my place, but I found a friend who needed a place to stay for 6 months, and it just worked out perfect.  I only had to move my clothes, and he lets me visit whenever I want. Thanks, Trae!

I made the decision so quickly, that I really didn’t have time to think about what a big transition this would be.  Barring a few post-college months, I hadn’t lived with my parents since high school, nearly 12 years ago. In one day I went from being an independent, single, urban, museum district-highrise dweller, to a diaper changing, baby-talking, suburban daughter living in my parents house in Jersey Village.  Head spin!

But every moment’s been worth it.  I’ve been here nearly 6 weeks and I haven’t missed my apartment once. Due to an open invitation from Trae.   I’ll never forget what the wise Laura Mayes said to me when I was contemplating this decision: she said to me, “You’ll never regret spending this time with your family.”  And that really stuck with me.  And has continued to. What is 6 months in my life? A time to be there for my family, to spend time with my mom and dad, and most importantly to experience the first year of a child’s life. There really was no decision to make.

Independence Day

After a few weeks of being home, it started to occur to me what a financial benefit this was becoming. I had not intended on moving home for the sake of saving money, but it was certainly an ancillary benefit. I quickly came to the realization that the time was here and now for me to make another decision I had been struggling with for years.

Most of you know me in one capacity or another, and at one time most of you have asked the question, “So what is it you DO?” A question I’ve struggled with answering, usually with a chuckle.  It usualy starts like this, “Well, my day job is _____, but I also do _______.”  About 4 years ago I made a decision that my traditional (well-paid) Oil & Gas marketing career would never fulfill my career passions.  I tried many companies, much to the dismay of my resume and friends’ skepticism. Over the last few years, I’ve reached out for ways to explore my creative passions in the form of PR, event planning, design, and most recently, social media. As a result, I’ve built up a network of amazing people, dream clients, and many, many new friends. It’s always been a means to an end, as I knew that one day I would make the jump from corporate employee to self-employed. And last Wednesday, that day came.

Yep, in the midst of an economic depression turned recession, on tax day nonetheless, I finished my last day at Halliburton. For 3 days now, I’ve officially been self-employed. And I can honestly say, I haven’t been this happy in a long time. And of course everyone says I will eventually say, why didn’t I do this a long time ago.  But I disagree.  This was the right time.  I had to be ready.  All the elements had to be ready. And this was the time.

I’ve have the amazing opportunity to work on some dream projects over the last few months. Starting with the Mom 2.0 Summit, where I met so many amazing folks.  One in particular, author and wife of Houston’s Mayor,  Andrea White. Since then, I’ve been working with Andrea, and with the Bill White for Texas Senate Campaign on social media strategies, and it’s been a wonderful experience.

COLABorate

So that brings me to my plans. The number one question I get these days is no longer “what do you do?” but rather, “so what ARE you gonna do?” And it seems like an easy one to answer. But it’s been difficult.

I’m not a graphic designer, a web developer, or a traditional public relations person.  Both my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in Psychology. Go figure. And most of what I do relies on the collaboration of those within my network.  I can take a decent picture, but I know a helluva lot of incredible photographers. I can open Photoshop and tell you what color looks good next to pink, but I am friends with some incredibly talented designers who can design circles around me. I can Google CSS lines of code, but call some of the best programmers around friends. Where I’ve found my strength lies is in the communication of an idea with a client.  The development of a strategy.  The execution of that strategy with a team of creatives. This is where I excel.  Bringing my network of talented people together. And it’s taken me 10 years to figure that out. So here I am.

I’ll have much more details in the coming months of my newly formed company, COLAB, and about the projects I’ll be working on. For the sake of cohesion I’ve dubbed it “interactive creative services,” which includes PR, event coordination, graphic design, web design, and social media strategy.  Website launched soon, and planning a networking event to officially announce the start of COLAB. I’ll post all the details here on my blog.

So here I am.  Back in my parents house.  In the suburbs. Eating my words. Remember “Midtown Monica”? I haven’t forgotten her. My new found independence, undoubtedly dependent on dependence of my family, who has never once wavered to help me get to where I want to be.

Wedding Bells

Hahahaha, GOTCHA! Knew THAT would get your attention. No, no, I’m not headed for the alter!  Leading a double life for the past 4 years or so can really take it out of ya. So I’m also looking forward to getting back to some of the things that I so love, but haven’t had the time for. Like writing.  I have a few projects I will be working on, that you will hearing more about soon, including more blogging and a few books I am working on.  One book that is super imminent, A Single Girl’s Guide to Weddings. Why so?  Well, as of today, I have 15 this year. Yep. FIFTEEN weddings. I’m in 4 of them. And 3 are out of the state.  Not only do I have 15 weddings. I have 15 bridal showers. and 15 bachelorette parties. Couple’s showers. trips to Crate & Barrel. In all honesty, I LOVE weddings.  No pun intended. I thought this would be a fun way to share my experiences and observations on love, dating, marriage, and (to borrow a phrase from MagsMac) the ultra important debate between taupe and off-white. I’ve attended 3 already this year, and have 3 chapters so far.  Very excited to see where this goes.

I’m still blogging over at Houstonist, and on my design blog, Design Junky, which recently got a facelift, and of course here on Cosmopolitician. Will be blogging for a new fun blog, deets on that soon!

There’s More?!!  Dang.

Thanks for lasting to the end of this post.  I know it was a bit of a marathon, and I promise to be more brief in the future.

I can’t tell you how much all of your support, encouragement and confidence has meant to me. This community is my world and my backbone. I hope this doesn’t sound to Grammy acceptance speech, but there are a few people I REALLY must thank for helping me get to this point.

Maggie McDonald for your huge smile and constant determination, you inspire me;

Laura Mayes who’s infinite wisdom and grace pushed me to quit my job (so that she wouldn’t be alone in her self-employment!);

Ed Schipul for pretty much everything: every token of crazed wisdom, every vote of confidence, and every “what the eff are you waiting for” speech;

And last but the very UNleast, Mom and Dad, who never let me believe for a second that I could fail at anything.  Even when I have. I love you, I love you, I love you (now what day does the maid come?)

Check out the lead story on Houston’s “long-established, internationally recognized art scene.” Thanks for noticing, FP.

For more Flavorpill Culture eNewsletters, check this.

Every fall and spring when I see flyers for the Westheimer Block Party I’m reminded of being young and attending the Westheimer Arts Festival. It was my very first exposure to Montrose and I remember thinking that that strip of Westheimer must always be a circus. Later, realizing it was just one weekend out of the year. Yes, the Westheimer Arts festival used to be a weekend long.  A weekend I would look forward to every year, because it was the one time my parents would let us get hair beads, and temporary tatoos, and let us congregate with shirtless men with pythons slithering on their necks. I remember, even at that young age, feeling like I was experiencing something very special. Very unique. Very Houston.

Check out the now music-based Westheimer Block Party this Saturday. $20 gets you 20 bands at 4 venues. Wristsbands available at all venues: Avant Garden (Helio’s), Numbers, La Strada, and Mango’s.

Just a little info on the exhibit from Shawna:

“This is by far the biggest installation/ performance that we have ever done!!!  The installation will take over the entire space (theater, main gallery, and project space- 6000 sq. feet). There’s going to be 100,000 button waterfall, a book room consisting of 4,000 books, and several performances at the beginning of the run.  We’ve definitely never done anything like this. I’m so excited. I just saw the performance in Seattle and it was so good!!”

The installation for House of Mind will be on view during gallery hours. Admission is free and open to the public.

If you would like to purchase tickets to the House of Mind performances, look and click here.  Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for DiverseWorks members and $8.00 for students and seniors.  Seating is EXTREMELY LIMITED, so reserve your tickets ASAP.

Pat Graney
House of Mind
Installation on view: Jan. 30- Feb. 21, 2009
Performances:  Jan. 30 & 31, Feb. 5 – 7, 2009
7:30 pm
DiverseWorks Main Gallery, Project Space, and Theater

Looking back at all the goings on in October, it’s no wonder November was filled with more sickness, this time it knocked me out for weeks.

Image: Ed Schipul

November kicked off with the Orange Show’s Annual Gala, this year themed Dia de los Muertos. Had a blasty as usual dressing up and volunteering with MagsMac, Jason, Tiff, Shannon, Foofers, Hala, Erin, and Andrew. 

Soon after, I got very ill with an upper respiratory infection + strep throat that just won’t go away.  Smashed in between was my Lasik surgery, at which I was praying to Jesus, Mary AND Joseph that I didn’t cough when the laser hit my eye. I think the Valium helped. Yes, I’m most certainly it did. And of course, as I should have guessed, things weren’t to go as planned.

The right eye went fine. I won’t get into the details of Lasik for you squemish readers, but everything was cut, peeled and lasered just fine. However, when they got to the left eye, they apparently discovered what I had been claiming for years! My left eye is smaller than my right! After trying about five times to get the Lasik instrument in my eye, they took a break and decided on PRK for the left eye.  The eventual result would be the same, but it would take longer to heal. Figures!  The result has been great! For someone who has been in glasses or contacts since 2nd grade, it’s an amazing feeling to awake from sleep and see your alarm clock clearly. It’s a dream. But it’s real.

November was also the month we were blessed with little Kailey. As some of you have read (if not you can read the post here), in November my parents were given custody of my 3 month old baby cousin, Kailey. Since then, our lives have transformed as the whole family has pitched in to help give Kailey the best care and safe home as possible. She’s been such a joy to be around. Thanks for all  your well wishes and prayers for her!  She is doing fantastic! All healed and grow to be quite the chubber! Will update more in the New Year. | View my Baby Kailey set on Flickr.

Even though I was down for the count for most of November, it was still jam packed with events. I had the pleasure of helping Tina Zulu with the DJ Melodic Benefit Raffle at Block 21, spend an awesome evening at HappyKatie’s for the Nintendo Wii Fit Party (where I scored my very own Wii Fit!!), saw my first show at Houston’s new House of Blues, and celebrated the birthday + engagement of my best, dear friend, Taneka. One of SEVEN wedding I’ll be celebrating next year!

No, I’m not a mom, but I have a pretty great one, as I’ve pointed out many times on this blog.  I think being a parent is the greatest, most important job in the world, and both of mine have managed to do it with flying colors.  I would be so lucky to be half the woman that my mom is. Which brings me to another reason why I truly believe my mother is a saint.

A few weeks ago, my parents were awarded custody of my cousin’s two month old baby girl, Kailey.  Baby Kailey had been in and out of the hospital since she was born on Sept 8th.  Without going into too many details, CPS stepped in and held an emergency hearing for Kailey’s welfare.  While a few of  Kailey’s caregivers are being investigated, the baby was to come live with my parents.

I’ll never forget the night at Texas Children’s Hospital with my mom and Aunt Barbara. I’ll never forget the look on my mother’s face, a look of concern, sadness and determination to get this baby to a safe place. The next morning an emergency hearing was held.  The baby was appointed an attorney, and the case was assigned a case worker from CPS.  My parents were identified as potential candidates for custody, pending a house visit from both the baby’s lawyer and the CPS worker.

That day, I got to work, contacting all of my amazing friends, who I called on to help us get my parents’ house ready for the site visit that weekend.  Before I knew it, the place was looking like a Babies R Us, with bouncers, and pack-n-plays, bathtubs, and cribs coming out of our ears!  My sister and I’s friends, in one short day, had supplied us everything we needed to welcome home this dear baby girl, and everything we should need for the next year of her life.  (Of course, irony set in, as I usually am the one hyperventilating as i walk though the baby department in Target.)

Throughout all of this, baby Kailey was still recovering in the hospital, 5 broken ribs, and a broken collar bone.  Her little bones were healing well, and she was ready to be discharged, unfortunately before the site visit occurred. Kailey was taken to a foster home for what seemed like the longest week and a half EVER, before we finally we back to court and got to go pick her up.   We couldn’t be more happy to be able to have her in a safe place with family.

So, for the past 3 weeks, mom and dad have transformed their lives to care for a now 3 month old.  Mom took a leave of absence from her teaching job, and has become little Kailey’s angel on earth.  Or as I now call her, the REAL Mom 2.0!!  If you know my mom, you know she was born to do just this.  She never for a second even flinched when asked to take on this role.

Jill and I help out as much as we can,  after work and on the weekends, and during the holidays. Jill’s boyfriend, Matt, and his 2 boys, Matthew (8) and Jacob (3), have been very helpful, too.  Matt put the entire nursery together, schooled us in formula, and is a pro at getting Kailey to sleep when she’s fussy.  The boys ADORE her, and love to hold her when she sleeps.  Jacob whispered, the first night he saw her, “I bet she thinks we’re her brothers!” And sweet Matthew said to me, “Monica, Kailey is my little angel.”

We don’t really know what will happen next.  As they continue the investigation, Kailey will continue to stay with us, until we return to court in January.  We are just glad to have her in a safe, happy place.  She is such a joy to be around, such a good, happy baby.  I’ve taken her to her first party at Shekara’s, to the Mall, and even to Taneka’s 30th birthday party this past weekend.  She was a doll the whole time, and everyone just falls in love with her when they meet her.

I’m constantly updating my Flickr page with pics of her here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/metropolitician/sets/72157609075569204/

Thanks SO MUCH to all of you who have let us borrow all of your baby stuff! Jen, Ashley, The Whittons, Adriane & Aunt Mary, Shekara, and Kerri. And for those of you who have offered to help.  She’s a little chunker and and is squeezing right out of those 3 month outfits!  I swear mom comes home with a new outfit for her everyday.

So, I just wanted to give you all an update.  If you haven’t seen me around lately, this is why.  I am simply amazed every day by my mom (and dad) who have taken this on without a second thought.  I’m trying my best to help mom out every chance I get.

Thanks for all your love and prayers for Baby Kailey (and for mom and dad!).  We feel we are the lucky ones getting to spend this time with her. I’ll update as soon as we know more.