Fun With Mormor and Dadoo

Filanthropy Friday

Africa has been in the news quite a bit lately - Secretary Clinton's testimony on Benghazi, the situation (understatement) in Mali and the Algerian hostage standoff. 

Some might say the region is just beyond hope, but I'm certain there are people in Africa (and throughout the World) desperate for help but unable to escape their situation.  There are many relief organizations in the region and this week I donated $25 to the International Rescue Committee.  They describe the work they do better than I ever could:

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.  At work today in over 40countries and 22 U.S. cities the IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

I also think it's pretty cool that they were founded (kind of) by Albert Einstein.  I'm sure in some way, my donation will make me smarter.

Wordless Wednesday

Cash & Mom - May 9, 2010

Mac & Mom - January 23, 2013

Misfit Monday

One day late . . .

It's just going to be a crazy work week (not to mention regular mom duties).

Buttin and I have a big presentation tomorrow morning so Mormor and Dadoo are coming into town tonight so that they can stay with Mac-man.  Thank goodness they don't live too far away and are retired.  

Here are Cub and PupPup (what I've started to call Mac, kind of consistently) talking yesterday at the park.

Potty Training Update

Our little going potty bribes are backfiring (a little).

When we started the bribes - we gave prizes for "trying".   Now, Cash is consistently going #1 in the potty, but he also likes to frequently "try" so that he can get the prize.

We've decided we have two boxes of prizes - one for a successful attempt and another for successful production.  We'll see how it goes. 

Here are Cash and Mac hanging out today.

Dear Mac - 1 Month

Dear Mac,

I can't believe it's already been a month. We still call you Chicken  - I wonder how long the name will stick. 

I missed your one month birthday letter because your older brother was a little sick and we decided to have a slumber party in mine and daddy's bed.  It's difficult to write with a one month old in your lap and a two year old holding your hand (but I wouldn't change our time together that night for anything).

You are an excellent little baby.  You seem a little more head-strong than your brother did at this age, but you only really cry when you're hungry or tired.  Your tears are much worse when you're tired, and you are already fighting sleep.

You seem bigger than your brother and you also seem to be growing faster.  I'm not sure if this is real or if time is just moving by even faster now that I have two children.  I really wish time would slow down.  I already miss the newborn you.

I think you're starting to smile, but you might just be making poop - I'm just not sure.   

We already love you so much little Mac.  You fit into our family like you've always been in it.  

Please be sweet to me and your dad  (and your older brother to) and please stop growing so quickly. 

Love,

Mom

Filanthropy Friday

I might have mentioned that I'm up at all hours of the night (newborn baby and all) so I watch strange television.

There are two charities that I see frequently :

• ASPCA - this one is horrible and I immediately change the channel and I would give my entire net worth (which granted, isn't much) if they would just please, please stop playing these commercials; and 
• Wounded Warrior Project - these commercials are very inspiration and uplifting.

This week, I decided to give $25 to the Wounded Warrior Project.  I don't think we treat our veterans very well.  It's a shame there's even a need to have to be veterans charities - we should pay our soldiers like kings and queens and all their needs should be prioritized above most other government spending.  I also think we should stop engaging in non-essential foreign conflict so that we don't have veterans with traumatic physical and emotional injuries, but that's an entirely different post