Why I'm loving November

I remember being much younger, sitting in a full theater, watching moms cry while their teen daughters danced on stage. I chalked it up to them simply being proud parents.

But, now, as my own daughter dances in her first Nutcracker, I realize it's a little more than that. These days, I struggle to believe that she's 5, let alone that she stands in five ballet positions. She's wearing stage makeup for the first time. She's performing in her first costumes. She's a little girl now.

And I probably don't have to tell you that I cried the first time I dusted pink blush on her cheeks and when I sewed her first costume. We've just come so far together, and we've withstood so many struggles in her 5 years. There were days during her infancy when I felt like I couldn't get anything right. But rocking her and singing Beatles' songs seemed to work, so I'd do it for hours. Then she was 2, and it seemed like we couldn't go to the store without some personal crisis involving Dora the Explorer. Then she was 4 and became the sweetest, little preschooler. Now she's 5, and I feel days away from the mom crying in the theater.

Because I know it's not just about that moment on stage. It's about these ones too. It's about remembering how amazed I was watching her first ballet classes, driving her to rehearsals as we had true mother-daughter time, somehow learning to sew everything I've needed to sew, putting makeup on her for the first time, and hearing that precious, "Look at me mom! I'm a ballerina!"

For all of my screwups, there are just some promises I won't break. One is that I would get this right (which is always a work in progress). Another (to Carrie's Mom) is that I would never these moments for granted. And I don't. I'm always so aware of their value.

So please afford me some hormonal leverage here when I just have to take pause in the lobby of a dance studio, watching my 5-year-old daughter kick off her Mary Janes for ballet shoes and my 21-month-old son explore the room in curiosity. I'm constantly amazed that I'm blessed with them and constantly thankful for every second we share together.

And I'm loving November for this kind of clarity.
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I had a full heart on election night. It's the third time I was of age to vote in a presidential election, and this time, my guy won. I felt like I did my part--I voted, was active in my community and spent a fair amount of time among Anderson Cooper and David Gergen (thank you, DVR).

Once the result was called and President-elect Obama spoke from Grant Park, I couldn't help but think of Mike Royko. Mr. Royko was the best columnist I've ever read. He lived through and covered so much of Chicago's history, from the struggles of the Cubs to the violence that once filled Grant Park. How amazing it would've been to read his words about Chicago's son leading the free world.

And I felt hopeful and proud and optimistic and like I could finally relax. Not just because someone who can pronounce "nuclear" will be in the Oval Office, but because there's just a new vision for this country.

Things are getting better, and that's why I'm loving November.
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November means a lot of birthdays for our family, and, so far, they've been happy ones.

As some of you know, Cienna celebrated a milestone birthday by leading a fundraiser for Children's Hospital. Last week, we donated 250 books to Child Life, and it felt really good. She learned so much from doing it, and I can only hope this kind of good will stays in her heart.

Family and friends attended her "royal ball," and the majority of us dressed up. Even though we asked for books in lieu of gifts, she still got a lot. I'm still not sure that she's put down the camera from Malik and Michelle, and her roster of dolls now rivals that of the Steelers (including their practice squad!)

She and two of her friends from ballet class dressed like Disney Princesses, and leave it to my graceful angel to somehow rip her dress so severely that her butt was showing by the time we got home that evening! But she had fun, and that was all that mattered.

My 28th birthday was much less of a milestone, but it was still pretty great. I think I ended up with three small parties somehow--one with family the Sunday before my birthday, one with Larry and the kids on my birthday, and some friends surprised us with cake and a present at a housewarming dinner party on Saturday.

Oh, and part of that Saturday included the Pens game and watching "Christmas Vacation" afterward! Who could ask for more?!

I love my family and have the best friends, and that's why I'm loving November.
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I will not confirm or deny whether or not the inside of our house is decorated for Christmas. And I will not confirm or deny whether or not I've been listening to Christmas music.

But I will categorically admit to the fact that my Christmas movie basket is in the proper place and a lineup has been decided upon. Sometimes I get so excited about my Christmas movies that I hug the DVD boxes.

I encourage everyone to a sort of Christmas playlist for both music and movies. And it's OK (in fact, it's recommended) to include movies and songs on the list that simply remind you of the season or just have that Christmastime feel. For example, "Miracle" and "When Harry Met Sally" are not Christmas movies, but they've been on my list for a long time. Both include Christmas scenes and include healthy doses of winter. Plus, they have feel-good endings.

This month kicks off the holiday season, and that's why I'm loving November.
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Holidays inspire a lot of camaraderie, and it can make for much-loved memories.

This past weekend, during a Nutcracker rehearsal, I was in the sewing circle with some ballet moms. One of them is an OB/GYN, and despite her professional history, she's new to sewing costumes. She said, "This is challenging, really. I mean, I could take your uterus out, but I struggle with this lace."

Loved it. And that's why I'm loving November!