November 2016 - It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...
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| November 12, 2016 |
Our George celebrated his very first birthday on the 12th and it was a simply wonderful day! He enjoyed blueberry buttermilk pancakes for breakfast. We sang "Happy Birthday" and blew out a candle on a banana cupcake with blueberry whipped cream with his grandparents in Washington via Skype. Modern technology is truly fantastic, when it works!
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| Pancakes make you "SO BIG!" |
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| Banana cake is the best! |
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The afternoon was spent at the Kansas City Zoo. George waved to his admirers from his new little red wagon, took real interest in the penguins, and did a fair bit up walking - even helping Daddy to get the wagon up a hill.
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| Waving to the crowds |
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| Hello penguins! |
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| So excited to "help" |
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That evening, George opened a few presents, read some new books, and played with Mommy and Daddy. Our first year of parenting is in the books! We all survived and continue to have a healthy and happy little boy. Life is good.
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| Happy birthday, George! |
On the 8th Donald Trump was elected to be the 45th president of the United States. I still can't believe it. I don't want to believe it. But I guess it really will happen. I don't want to write about this, but a post about November 2016 would not be complete without some discussion. I have struggled with what I can do. I don't have a lot of extra money or time to donate to the numerous institutions that will be threatened by this incoming administration. So I've decided to simply be the change I want to see. Be kind to people, reach out to people, especially those that may be feeling threatened and alienated. For example, George and I stayed after story time at the library to play and chat with a Muslim mother and her son. We didn't talk about current events or anything, just about normal life with a little one and watched them play together. I wanted her to feel welcome and accepted. I hope we were able to do that. Our children are watching us. Be the change you want to see and hopefully they will lead us into a better world. At least a better world than we brought them into.
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Samira and George - this picture warms my heart, gives me joy and hope for the future
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