As Requested!

Here's what 2 looks like!

P.S. I realize that looks like an insane amount of presents, but I wrapped a bunch of practical items for her to open like some bibs, towels and plates we needed anyway. This was the first time she has understood unwrapping things and it was so much fun. We now have rainbow colored balloons everywhere!

P.P.S. Liz, Evie loves the blocks! She keeps coming to me saying, "Wanna build a city out of blocks?"

Two...

I'm going to be the mother of a two year old on Tuesday. How did that happen???

Happy Birthday, Nicky!... And then some stuff about Ukraine which is significantly less happy...

First, here is a cake in celebration of our lovely Nicola :) I'm sorry it's a day late...

Inspired by some pictures that I've seen on The Facebook lately in which it appears that Nicky has returned to the stage (?). If that's not the case, then it's also in honor of that time you put Cirque de Soliel (sp?) on my face and made me walk through campus :) Second, STokar asked me a week or so ago for some insight on Ukraine. Here's kind of a summary (mainly a Buzzfeed list) that might help shed some light on what's going on and why it's important. A final update: As of today, Russia has threatened to attack the airport in Crimea if Ukrainian forces don't surrender by 10pm (EST Monday). Here's what I wrote on Sunday, summarizing up to that point: Hi guys :) I meant to send you some articles when Matt first asked but got busy at work. And apologies for doing this in Buzzfeed list form, but this is actually a really good summary. http://www.buzzfeed.com/miriamberger/a-35-step-guide-to-understanding-why-russia-decided-to-follo Today, Ukraine responded to #34 on this list by amassing its military forces. Russia has basically invaded Crimea, which is a protected territory of Ukraine. Honestly, I think if it remains limited to Crimea, it might be ok -- but if Russia gets involved in the eastern, more Russia-leaning oblasts, Ukraine will probably respond with military force. Currently, no shots have been fired in Crimea, so the area remains much more peaceful than the original protests in Kiyv, but I'm really worried that it won't remain that way. Here's some info on Crimea: http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregsatell/2014/03/01/5-things-you-should-know-about-putins-incursion-into-crimea/ Russia has also recalled its ambassador from the US. The US and western countries are strongly censuring Russia right now and are withdrawing (or considering withdrawal of) their participation in the G8 in Russia. It's incredibly crazy. I keep expecting to read that some random arch-duke has been killed or, like, the Sudetenland has been annexed. Anyway, it's definitely the biggest Russia-Western conflict in a really long time. There was a war with Georgia in 2008, but Ukraine is much more important (sea access, energy/fuel pipelines) than Georgia -- for both Europe and Russia. Anyway, hope this helps. Sorry it's so delayed...but I guess it gave me time for people on the Internet to do the work for me. Love and miss you guys.