Sophie and I got our nails done on Saturday. Hers never take as long as mine so after she’d finished, she parked herself at the front desk of the salon and flirted with the young man who books appointments; he helped her download Pokemon Go and they exchanged Snapchat handles. As we walked to Trader […]
The other night in the Target girls’ section, I noticed a campaign aimed at kindness. Tee shirts with sayings like “Come Sit With Us” and “Kind is Cool.” I smirked. If only it was that easy. In my world — rather, in my daughter Sophie’s world — too often it’s Homecoming Queen or nothing. This […]
Years ago, as elementary school came to a close, Ray warned that Sophie’s Salad Days were ending, too. I completely agreed. Gone, soon, would be carefree days of feeling accepted, of being fully included. That was more than two years ago, and I’m still waiting — against all odds, I’m pretty sure — for the […]
I’m a big fan of Ellen Seidman’s blog Love That Max, so I was really excited when she invited me to write a guest post. Here’s what I came up with, and I’m posting it here in case you don’t follow her blog (you should!) and in honor of Independence Day. What my daughter lacks […]
Each year in honor of National Poetry Month, Center Dance Ensemble — a modern dance company in Phoenix — celebrates with American Voices, short original pieces inspired by poetry, held in the small black box at the Herberger Theater downtown. The girls and I usually go. Center Dance is run by Frances Smith Cohen, my […]
Today began with a mad dash for an appropriate tee shirt. I was still on my first cup of coffee when Annabelle skidded into the kitchen, on the hunt. I had to explain to Ray what World Down Syndrome Day is. (“You know, like 4/20?”) This was followed by near-tears as Sophie realized that she […]
My dear friend Claire swears that every time she had a fever as a kid, she grew. Claire is quite tall. She might be on to something. I feel the same about Sophie and Disneyland — but not with height. Every time we go, I think Sophie emerges a little smarter, a little more mature. […]
My girls ditched homework and ballet class yesterday for a taste of the rock and roll lifestyle. Girls Rock is up and running in other cities, just getting started in Phoenix. This weekend the fledgling group sponsored a one-day mini camp, a precursor to a week-long camp to be held here this summer. The premise is […]
Yesterday I ran into the vice principal at Sophie’s middle school. I adore this woman, who ushered my tiny girl into cheerleading and is one of many who look out for her every day. After we had such an incredible experience in elementary school, I never thought I’d get comfortable with these people at this […]
In our Christmas-loving house, the days following Dec. 25 can be a sugar-coated letdown. But one member of the family is clearly relieved that the holiday is over. Sophie never really did embrace the Christmas spirit this year — which is weird, considering she’s always been my Santa-believing, carol-singing, present-obsessed kid. But this year she […]
