"Baby Petra makes her Debut!"

Baby Princess Petra arrived to meet the world this morning weighing in at slightly over eight pounds. Her older baby sister of 21 months, Baby Iris, didn't quite know what to think. What an exciting moment for her mom and dad, brother and sisters, grandparents and great grandparents. When you think about it, a baby is the beginning of all things, wonder, hope and a dream of possibilities. One particular poem about little baby girls is especially fitting I believe,

Take a sprinkling of fairy dust,
An angel's single feather,
Also a dash of love and care,
Then mix them both together.
Add a sentiment or two,
A thoughtful wish or line,
A touch of stardust, a sunshine ray...
It's a recipe, for a Baby Girl truly fine.
Author Unknown

"Baby Petra arrives

"President Kennedy's Inaugural Words Still Relevant Today!"

Fifty years ago on January 21st, 1961, President Kennedy delivered his well remembered Inaugural Speech. His words,"Ask not what America can do for you-ask what you can do for your country." inspired many of my generation to be active in public affairs and committed to helping others both here and abroad. One program that was created out of this vision was what we came to know as the Peace Corps

The founding director of the Peace Corp was Sargent Shriver, who died earlier this week at the age of 95. According to those who knew him well, Sargent Shriver dedicated his life to helping others and bringing out the best in us in accomplishing that effort. As he once said, "Learn more about others — know their hopes and dreams, find out what makes them smile and what makes them weep." Through his efforts, millions of people around the world were helped by the programs he spearheaded, not only the Peace Corps, but also the War on Poverty during the 90's. In the end, he made a great difference in the lives of millions. Perhaps today, in light of the Tucson tragedy, the words of both these great men, carry meaning to this day.

"Splish Splash, Baby Iris Taking a bath and then some!"

Baby Iris continues to amaze. Sometimes, I am absolutely convinced she is a "tech baby" . Two times this past weekend, I found my dear "Baby Iris", punching in numbers on my cell phone. If that wasn't enough, she also obtained my car keys, and what alot of noise she created with my car alarm!

As you can see, Baby Iris really has initiative, and with that a real mind of her own, or is that the "terrible twos" approaching.

It has been no secret that she likes the water, whether outside or in the bathtub. Another area she feels really strong about, is trying to go potty by herself.

In one of my photos, you'll see a potty chair intact, and then another photo showing the three parts. Well, Baby Iris does not like to sit, so she separates the sitting portion and the cup. What remains is only the basin, which Baby Iris is perfectly at home standing in and doing her potty business. I wonder how long this will last? Our dear "Baby Iris" continues to surprise and amaze, and to think she'll soon have a baby sister with whom she can share her discoveries.

"There are six more Angels in Heaven"

Yesterday on Martin Luther King's birthday, I brought my grandchildren, ages 9 and 11for a visit to one of the four ever-growing shrines that have sprung up around Tucson since the tragic happenings of last week. The memorial shrine which my grandchildren visited is on the front lawn of the University of Arizona Medical Center, where congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords continues to recover.

While there, both of my grandchildren experienced the many expressions of a mourning community. They viewed and reflected upon the many tributes community members young and old had left, including the bearing of flowers, personal notes, balloons, stuffed animals and many votive candles. They also experienced people praying, crying, and finding comfort in each other. Prior to our departure, both of my grandchildren took time to write their own personal message, which can be seen in one of my photos. The rest of the photos, I believe need no further narrative.

"Tucsonians Coming Together"

Memorials have sprung up throughout Tucson in wake of the deadly shooting this past Saturday. One such memorial is on the front lawn of the University Medical Center, which I visited yesterday. This is the hospital where most of the victims were taken, and where congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords continues her personal fight to recover. While there, I saw so many tributes, many were presented in a myriad of ways, from notes to letters, to balloons, to pictures, to prayer vases to teddy bears,.... The outpouring of emotion and grief and sadness was so real, and so apparent on the faces of the throngs of people visiting, both young and old. What I saw was a sense of community among Tucsonians as they extended kindnesses to one another and spoke to complete strangers like neighbors. Upon leaving the memorial, I had a sense that all will be good, and while our community will never forget the good people lost,the process of our community healing has begun.

Tucsonians grieve