Congratulations to Ikea ...

... for creating realistic living spaces in its showrooms that invite you to loose your sense of place and to imagine that you too can live in a nicely organized home with clean lines, Swedish books (which I’m still a bit perturbed aren't actually for sale), and creative use of color and patterns.

Of course there are indications that some two-year-olds might become a little confused when they turn a corner, find a nicely appointed bathroom complete with a Lättsam, and get the feeling.

Fortunately, the ever aware father who was looking at the kitchen cabinets around said corner, made it into the bathroom before any "business" was completed.

Gesundheit!

Those who know me have probably heard one of my sneezes. They tend to be loud and violent. I actually hit my head on my desk once as my body contorted in a sneeze — maybe it happened more than once ... the head blows may have caused some memory loss.

Last week, I was helping Quinn with her shoes and was struck with a sneeze fit. Quinn, horrified, turned and told me very sternly: "Daddy! No sneeze. No sneeze on me."

I apologized profusely and she forgave me. But she didn't forget. Later that afternoon, I got a Kleenex-brand facial tissue and blew my nose. Quinn ran over: "Good job, Daddy! You used a tissue!"

Happy Birthday, Kiddo!

Four years ago, I really should have changed the name of this blog to "Life's Changed." After all that time's passed, I have a ton of memories, tons of sleepless nights, and a little sister for the girl who made me a daddy. Now, she's working on taking lots of pictures for us ...