Metal Meredith

Vivienne remains unphased. She tried, but thankfully failed last year, to avoid turning 4 years old. It was months of her insisting that she would not turn 4, would not blow out candles, would not allow us to sing for her. We did it all anyway.

This year, she grasped the reigns of her birthday and ran full force with it. We had one of those giant parties with a lot of kids. It was actually a lot of fun and painless in all areas but the wallet. However, I did not have to lift a finger to do more than go down a giant slide, press the button of a camera and make sure the grin on my child’s face never disappeared.

It is not hard to believe she is 5. After all, our lives have changed so much since she came into the world. I tried to tell her tonight about what was happening 5 years ago at her bedtime tonight. She just listened and then asked, when will I be 7? How about 9? When will I turn 15?

I just smiled. Took a much needed deep breath and told her to slow down and go to sleep. 

2003:

2004:

2005:

2006:

2007:

2008:

I am just heartsick right now. I loved this man. I was talking with Phil the other night and about how I have crushes on many newsmen. Tom Brokaw, Brian Jennings, Peter Jennings, Matt Lauer, etc. No explanation.

During this and the past election seasons, I know I said many times how I would love to just give Tim Russert a hug. I still would like to. I am so sad.