I was a camp counselor for a few years and those were definitely my best "coming of age" years. Lots of drama! But the thing I remember most was all the great camp songs we sang. They still stick with me and I sing them to my kids. One of my favorites (you probably know it) goes "Swimming, swimming in the swimming hole. When days are hot, when days are cold, in the swimming hole. Breast stroke, side stroke, fancy diving too. Don't you wish you never had anything else to do BUT swimming, swimming..." All of the counselors would act out the song in front of the kids and when it got to the "BUT" we'd all turn around and point to our butts. Not sure why but the kids loved it every time :)

Thanks for the comment, Rox. Unfortunately, my son has autism and doesn't have a lot of language yet. I don't use that as an excuse for bad behavior, but he isn't quite ready for the pep talk. I did use snacks, however :) I should have mentioned that on our return flight, a woman in the seat behind us, who was traveling with two kids, gave my daughter a Hello Kitty sticker. She held on to that sticker through the rest of the flight and all the way home! Clearly the move of someone who has been there, but it shows that a little kindness goes a long way.

Thanks everyone for your comments and healthy discussion. Allison, I have to respectfully disagree. I don't know anything about this reporter's background, but he lost me at "hoaxes such as the Swine Flu Pandemic of 2009." I'm pretty sure Jessica Holt would disagree as well. To Alex's point, I know a lot has been written about Vitamin D. However, I don't think we can presume anything about Joey's Vitamin D levels, and I don't want other moms thinking their kids are guaranteed safe if they take Vitamin D. Fortunately, vitamins and vaccines don't have to be mutually exclusive. Many people in the scientific community can, and have, stated that there is no link between autism and vaccines. I stand by my position in this post. For the record, I am not a doctor, and I urge everyone to always consult with your pediatrician.

Excellent post. People are uncomfortable around those who are grieving so they often inadvertently say insensitive things, but it is no excuse. It bothers me when people quote God to me without having any idea my thoughts on the subject. Nothing beats a simple, heartfelt "I'm sorry."

I set up my account, but I have to admit I'm not getting it yet. I'm a UI geek so I definitely like new ways of looking at information. I think I need to spend some time with it when I'm not feeding a baby and chasing a toddler :)

I read somewhere that this type of thing - it was trading stickers when I was a kid, who knows what it will be when my kids are in school - is good for kids. It teaches them early business skills like negotiation. We never want to see our kids as vulnerable, but I think most adults can take a lesson from a child who can say "Because they didn't have any, and I had a lot." Clearly, you've done something right.

You look great! Congrats on the hard work I'm sure it takes. And I think you hit on a good point. Even if you adopt, your life is going to change. Your body is still not going to be truly yours again for a long time, since you'll be changing diapers and lifting and carrying all the time. If you don't want your life to change, don't have kids, whether or not you give birth to them.

I could seriously use this!

It's so hard to see our kids suffer even when we know it is the best thing for them. But really, is there anything a little bit (or a lot) of FroYo can't fix?

This cracked me up. I can just see the kids running around on a scavenger hunt for their books. My kids are still too young to be deceptive, but I'm dreading the day. Sounds like you handled things perfectly.

The mention of Anna Liffey's brings back so many memories :) I'm not sure I have room in my brain for yet another social medium right now, but I hate to be out of the loop!

Good luck! Although our reasons for moving are different from yours, we are always playing the maybe we should move game. Come to think of it, your current house sounds perfect for us...

Thanks for sharing your story. I'm all to familiar with "clinical mode," certainly a powerful survival mechanism. My thoughts are with you!

I love Zara. Haven't been there in years! And Anthropologie clothes used to fit so much better. When did they change? It couldn't possibly be me ;) Haven't been to Forever 21 or H&M yet - I can't seem to make it past the front racks without feeling like, well, a mom.

I can't wait for my kids to be old enough to enjoy a meal like this. Great advice on waiting until they're ready. Sounds like heaven!

You guys are cracking me up...and enabling my problem! I seriously don't think I'm fashionable (or skinny) enough to pull off those un-sweatpants.

I'm right there with you, looking young all my life. I finally stopped getting carded at the grocery store once I had my kids with me! My son was a late walker and I always felt terrible when moms of other toddlers the same age or younger would say "look out for the little baby!". I know it was my own sensitivies, but it really bothered me. He is almost 3 and on the spectrum. We haven't run into this too much yet, but I'm bracing myself.

Another shining example of the ingenuity of the women in Silicon Valley. There is nothing technology cannot solve! Love it.

Or when there is laundry spilling out of the basket, or the trash is full, or... Clearly, you are preaching to the choir.