Erica had a birthday on Wednesday. Wife, busy mother of 3, program director -- we just this evening find time to honor her new age in some small way. We'll share a meal and homemade chocolate pie and I'll remember the day of her birth, watching her and Kristy in the days of just pretend, baby dolls and carving pumpkins. I'll remember the first day of school and the enchantment of Christmas mornings, her enthusiasm for new brother and baby sister -- and all the days of her youth. I rejoice in the woman I see before me today. Bright, capable, loving and oh! so politically interested and articulate! From her journal:

posted March 01, 2005 01:02 PM
"Dodgeball is my new analogy to describe parenting. Somedays I feel like I'm standing in the middle of my house with me dodging balls left and right. Balls would be anything like a daughter who won't poop, a very moody son, a dirty diaper, a sick child, meal time, doctor's appointments, birthday parties, bed time, bathtime, ANYTHING that happens in a given day. Now sometimes I can catch the ball that is thrown at me and other times, I either drop the ball or get smacked upside the head with it. Most of the time, the balls are coming at me all at the same time. Somedays I just feel that it is a constant stuggle?? I don't think that's the word I want to use but it is constant. As a parent, you CANNOT let your guard down for one instant. These kids just keep at you, and everyday throw new, different balls just to keep you on your toes. Every day is a new challenge. Just when you think you have them figured out, a ball comes from nowhere and smacks you upside the head."
Well said! But I promise, in the years ahead you will look back wistfully and wish for these days again. How fast the years go by, Erica. You are now 32, the same age I was only yesterday!
Happy 32nd birthday, Love Mom