advice.

“Finally, from so little sleeping and so much reading,

 his brain dried up and he went completely out of his mind.”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote

Having a pregnant belly is like wearing a huge red flag on your shirt asking for advice. The rounder I get, the more consistent the flow is of unsolicited advice from just about everyone. And I mostly don't mind it. In fact, I enjoy the insight and the fact that something so natural and human as bringing life into this world also binds us together - strangers who would normally just walk straight past... pause and smile. Something so common and yet so mesmerizing that no matter what language or background, almost everyone lingers - if only for a second - and with a knowing look or a great big embrace, acknowledges this shared miracle. Shared hope found in the continuation of the human race. 

Today a coworker of mine mentioned that Mr. D and I only have ten more weeks of being just us. The statement (and remorseful tone) caught me off-guard. Its something I've definitely thought about, but as baby's due date nears I feel an increasing amount of joy for the fact that we will be a family of three....not panic or sentimentality over the thought like I might have expected. As much as I LOVE being with Mr. D and treasure our time together and the family we have created, I am so, SO excited about this next adventure. I can't help but think over and over again that the best is yet to come.

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We are going to dinner with friends (I refuse to call it a farewell dinner) tonight and then baby shower number two is on Saturday. I've never been more thankful for friends and family as we begin our next little adventure (or two). 

Happy weekend everyone!!

photograph found here.

nine-eleven, two thousand eleven

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... 

there is something you must always remember. 

you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem,

and smarter than you think. 

But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... 

I'll always be with you."
— A.A. Milne

 I took this picture in 2000...

and the one below from near the top of the World Trade Tower.

It is still hard to believe they are no longer there.

 The fire department a couple of blocks from our house was the first on the scene at the Pentagon, 9/11/01.

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I went for a long walk yesterday evening. Past the Washington Monument, by the Jefferson,

across the Potomac River where there was - taped along the bridge -

an American flag for every single person lost at the Pentagon.

The sun was heavily setting and for the first time -
as I stood at Gravelly Point at the end of the runway at Reagan International Airport -
the sound of the huge passenger jets flying literally right above my head

sent chills down my spine - a sound that at one time only induced excitement and adventure, 

reminded me of the sound of a weapon.

This weekend, we went to the Smithsonian to see the special exhibit of artifacts from 9-11.

Pieces of the plane from Flight 93, a FDNY truck door that was smashed when the buildings collapsed,

personal belongings etc. And so many stories of heroism. 

It was a weekend of remembrance and thankfulness.

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Later last night, Mr. D surprised me with a late drive downtown.

He stopped on Pennsylvania Ave. and turned to me and asked if I would like to dance.

To my surprise, there in the plaza between the Capitol Building and the White House 

were people dancing in the glow of the moonlight -

people of all ages and every ethnicity. Some with dance shoes, others in tennis shoes.

Some talked as they danced while others held each other close - cheek pressed against cheek -

tenderly and passionately gliding around the plaza.

We sat in awe of humanity. Of our country.

And in awe of love.

strength.

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. 

Small people always do that, but the really great 
make you feel that you, too, can become great." 
— Mark Twain

 I have learned a lot about people lately.

Which only proves how much I must still have to learn. 

I married a man who every day believes in what I can do.

And I am learning that there is so much strength 

in people who continually lift those around them up.

Especially when those who are in power have the strength to empower others.

"the really great make you feel 

that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain

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And on a similar yet unrelated note, 

I found this post by Meg really interesting - I do so love her words.