I am bummed that the crib is gone. Maybe you can find one down there. I did get a little infant hammock type seat that vibrates (batteries) for only $5.00. You will need a chest of drawers and a rocking chair, too. I was in the bathroom here (public library), and thought how cool it would be to have a diaper changing station that folds down from the wall. Do you think if I bring a screwdriver I could get it off and run it out to the car before anyone notices?

Backstory: On a trip to Chicago, my mom took my 20-year-old sister’s American Girl doll to have her gnarled hair re-braided. This woman needs grandchildren, stat!

This evening we took Molly over to the American Girl store to get her hair done – it is a rainy, blustery day in Chicago so we put her in the hotel laundry bag and off we went.

As I walked up to the salon counter, the lady there said, “Oh, has Molly come for a hair style?” Yes, indeed and we also signed her up for the Pampering Plus package (wash and cleaned up!) We were told by the hair stylist that she has seen dolls come in with far worse hair. So Molly felt better.

We were heading out to dinner so checked that Molly could stay for a sleep-over. That is where she is now – having her first American Girl sleep-over.

[A day later, another email arrives]

Molly is back with us and she looks beautiful. She even got bows, a hair clip and stick-on nail decorations. I thought we should celebrate so also got her a set of PJs and housecoat. She is now well-set in the wardrobe department.

Love you, Mom

Backstory: My husband and I were getting a baby boxer puppy but had not yet brought her home – this was my mom’s response to the picture I emailed her.

She is beautiful!  I can’t wait for you to get her home so Grandma can meet her.  She looks like she will be a wonderful addition to the family, bringing your Dad & I to a Grand total of 1 Granddaughter, 3 Grand-boxers, and 4 Grand-cats!  Am I missing anyone?

Backstory: Here’s what happens when you do provide a grandchild, and then agree to leave that small person with your parents for a week so you can go away.  (Please know I got this maybe 5 minutes after my mom and I rang off)

What vegetables does he like? Baked Beans?,salad? stewed tom? fresh tomatoes, carrots, celery, Fruit; peaches and pears i know he likes; what others? Flavors ice cream? Meat? Hot dogs? Chinese food? Hamburgers and sloppy joes are all know. Chicken, turkey? chinese food? You roast your potato chunks at 425 degrees for how long? Beef or chicken gravy. Sliced ham? What for sandwiches other than PB?J. What goes in his lunch box?All of this you may already have covered in your notes to me but if not, these are my questions! Love ya Mom

If the world is ending in 2012, somebody better make me a grandma in plenty of time to let me enjoy it. (Don’t tell your sister this.) :)