DJR @ 3 months

Here is my Love Muffin, my Chicken McNugget.

At three months old, Dominic is really a great communicator. You know when he's tired (he pouts), bored (he whines) or hungry (he yells). The kid would be attached to my left boob all day if I didn't set limits but we're down to two feedings at night (hallelujah!).

Dominic is also a ladies' man. Just make eye contact and you'll most likely receive a flirtatious grin. His first giggle came in response to the word "Mama." (Not bragging. Just sayin'.) And he's been known to make his sister laugh ... genuinely, even hysterically.

So please excuse my unabashed use of foolish food-inspired nicknames. I'm obviously head over heels in love with this little dude, who is actually not so little in Size 3 diapers and Size 6-12 month clothes.

Happy Birthday, Gabriella!

On Gabriella's actual birthday, we went to Pizzeria Regina, which she loves as much for its name as for its food.

After a dinner of salad, pizza and mac & cheese--the birthday girl thoroughly enjoyed an ice cream push pop.

Then the waitstaff came out to sing 'Happy Birthday' and, well, by then Gabriella was over the moon.

Gabriella's 2nd Birthday Party

Mumpy and Nonnie's backyard is currently Gabriella's favorite place on Earth, and Geoffers is currently her favorite person on Earth so we celebrated her 2nd birthday with a giraffe-themed party at their house.

For weeks, we counted down to the highlight of any child's party: the 'Happy Birthday' serenade.

And when the singing finally began, Gabriella realized, quite unmistakenly, that it was indeed for her and turned to me with all the innocence and awe of childhood and said, "Mama, wow!"

As if we were the only two people in the room. As if I had just hung the moon. Then she turned back to the crowd to enjoy her moment, and I cried.

Motherhood is harder than anyone ever told me, or perhaps just harder than I would ever let myself believe. To do it right, you lose yourself a bit, at least in these early years when your children can't do much for themselves. It is no doubt an occupation marked by sacrifice, frustration, loneliness and exhaustion. But it is also filled with even greater happiness, joy, love and pride.

Happy birthday, baby girl. Being your mom is my greatest privilege.