Mommy and 22 month Eli are calling Eli’s 9 year old cousin, Josh, to wish him a Happy Birthday. Mommy dials, gets voicemail. As she hands the phone to Eli, she asks “Do you want to wish Josh a happy birthday? Eli responds “no”, and continues playing in the cabinets in the kitchen.

Take time to hold me on your lap, to joke with me and make me laugh. Take time mommy, this time will go so fast. Take time to give me extra hugs, to teach me a nursery rhyme or song. Take time mommy, I won’t be little long. Take time to tuck me into bed, [...]

This house is nothing special. Built in the 1960’s, it doesn’t have a lot of character. It’s a 4 bedroom rambler with gray stucco exterior and dark framed windows. The driveway is curved and a hassle to back-out of. On the back porch on Saturday summer evenings Mom roasted corn on the cob and T [...]