“Yes, he is,” I agreed solemnly. And I meant it.

Tim is strong, brave, handsome, adventurous, humble, and hard-working.

He would gladly give his life for any of us (I know that with absolute certainty), but…perhaps more importantly…he gives us his LIFE every day. He gives us time. He leads us. He serves us. Yes. He is undeniably our hero.

This gift guide is dedicated to all of the daddy heroes out there – men with solid character, with hearts of gold – men who give and serve without abandon.

Stay tuned for product ideas and giveaways over the next few days. All giveaways will be linked in this master post for your convenience.

All giveaways will end at 11:59pm on Saturday, June 12.

• Belkin Surge Protector
• A Knife by Gerber
• Outdoor Gear by REI
• 191 Unlimited
• Impact Wrench from Lowe’s
• Mizuno running shoes or Teva hiking boots
• Skillet by Lodge Cast Iron Cookware
• Titanium Expedition Pant by Columbia
• ZÜCA Pro

Can it really be?

It seems like just yesterday that I was pulling up to the birth center, singing through the contractions. One hour later, I was pushing on my hands and knees in the water.

Tim caught you from behind. When I looked back, he was standing there, holding you – the cord still connected – so proud.

You were a content baby from the very beginning. Happy. Gentle. Calm.

Come to think of it, I don’t really have any memories of you crying as an infant and, even now, your tears are few and far between.

That being said, you appear to have a keen sensitivity to the feelings of everyone around you. Your daddy and I would both describe you as “intuitive.” You are also bright and warmhearted and…you have a knock-out smile. Your presence is a sweet melody of harmony and peace in our house.

And the song of your life fills us with infinite joy.

Happy (almost) birthday, my baby girl. We love you. Oh.So.Much.

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Stay tuned for musings, product reviews, and giveaways that are ideal for 1-year-olds (and their parents).

As posts are published, I will add them to this post so that you can have a comprehensive spot to see my entire round-up:

• 1st Bday: Episencial skincare products [GIVEAWAY: one of each of the products in Episencial's line, deadline: 3-8]
• 1st Bday: BestView Handheld Color Video Monitor [GIVEAWAY: BestView Handheld Color Video Monitor, deadline: 3-8]
• 1st Bday: Agoo [GIVEAWAY: $50 gift certificate, deadline: 3-8]
• 1st Bday: Zak! and Baggino [GIVEAWAY: Sippy Cup and Flatware Set, deadline: 3-9]
• 1st Bday: Planet Wise & Softbums [GIVEAWAY: Diaper Pail Liner and Wet/Dry Bag by Planet Wise, deadline: 3-9]
• 1st Bday: Words to Remember [GIVEAWAY: Words to Remember journal, deadline: 3-9]
• 1st Bday: Anytime Nursing Gown by Bella Materna [GIVEAWAY: Anytime Nursing Gown, deadline: 3-9]
• 1st Bday: ionator HOM by Activeion [GIVEAWAY: ionator HOM, deadline: 3-9]
• 1st Bday: babyGAP [GIVEAWAY: denim jacket, size: 18-24 months, deadline: 3-9]

This weekend will be eclectic and cheerful and fun. I’ll be showcasing and giving away some vibrant things that will make you smile.

Ready for the rainbow? It’s coming soon.

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As posts are published, I will add them to this post so that you can have a comprehensive spot to see my entire round-up:

• Something Colorful: Make-Up Palettes by Coastal Scents [GIVEAWAY: $100 e-certificate, deadline: 2-27]
• Something Colorful: Wilma Unlimited [GIVEAWAY: a copy of "Wilma Unlimited," deadline: 2-28]
• Something Colorful: Slant Tweezer by Tweezerman [GIVEAWAY: Slant Tweezer, deadline: 3-1]
• Something Colorful: Luv That Tray [GIVEAWAY: Set of 4, deadline: 3-1]
• Something Colorful: HOTmilk Lingerie [GIVEAWAY: Slip Into Seduction nightie, deadline: 3-2]
• Something Colorful: Nutcase Helmets [GIVEAWAY: biking, skateboarding, or snowboarding helmet of winner's choice, deadline: 3-3]

You see, we went to a wedding last night at this incredible guest ranch [see photo below] and then we went to a marriage conference this morning…and now I’m plum wore out.

It’s a funny thing. I like social get-togethers. I like public speaking. I like engaging with people. I would say I’m about 50% extroverted.

But then there’s the other 50%. I find myself exhausted after being in large groups. After all the commotion of the weekend, now I sort of just want to hang out at home or with close friends…in my pajamas…with pizza and a glass of wine.

All that to say, please pardon my absence the past two days.

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This weekend is going to be a little different than the norm. I’ll be answering YOUR questions from my birthday post. You asked…about my favorite lipstick, how we handle naps, if we plan to have more kids. etc. And now I’ll answer. Stay tuned.

And, if you haven’t had a chance to ask a question yet or you’d like to ask another, now’s your chance. Ask me anything. Go…

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And just for fun – here’s a little pic of the mountainside wedding:

Posts in this series:

• You Asked, I Answer (Part I)
• You Asked, I Answer (Part II)
• You Asked, I Answer (Part III)
• You Asked, I Answer (Part IV)
• You Asked, I Answer (Part V)

It’s funny how just one small thing – one negative word or roll of the eyes or angry honk of a horn – can totally damper our day. Things can go from bright to bleak and gray in about two seconds flat.

Alternatively, it only takes the tiniest action to splash some color into a person’s day. A cup of chicken noodle soup delivered to a front door. A genuine compliment. A warm smile from across the room.

I am convinced that life is about the small things – the little choices we make ever day to love our families, our neighbors, and the strangers that we pass at the grocery store and the ice cream shop.

Mother Teresa was right when she said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

That’s what this weekend is about. I’ll be sharing ideas…just small ideas…that we can do to bring beauty and COLOR into our corners of the world.

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Stay tuned for articles, giveaways, and conversations about small acts of goodness.

As posts are published, I will add them to this post so that you can have a comprehensive spot to see my entire round-up:

• the closest ones
• *Giveaway* Stay Home, Stay Happy [GIVEAWAY: 1 copy of "Stay Home, Stay Happy" by Rachel Capos-Duffy, Deadline: 2-14]
• Make Someone’s Day — Give…Photos
• *Giveaway* HP Photosmart A646 Compact Photo Printer [GIVEAWAY: HP Photosmart A646 Compact Photo Printer, Deadline: 2-15]
• Make Someone’s Day — Give…Baked Goods [GIVEAWAY: Wilton Baking Prize Pack, Deadline: 2-16]
• Make Someone’s Day — Give…Dinner [1 FREE month to all Metropolitan Mama readers, Promo Code expires 2/15]
• Just Say It

Yes, I want my kids to be happy, entrepreneurial, healthy, well-traveled, and loving. But…I’d also like them to be…intelligent, excited about learning, good with people, strong communicators, etc, etc.

I think it goes without saying that I can’t fully dive into such a mammoth topic in one tiny little weekend, but it’s been fun nevertheless. Thank you to those of you who dreamt alongside me.

Other things we did over the weekend:

• Went out a-walking around our neighborhood (gorgeous weather here in Arizona)
• Braved the masses at Costco (bought a big batch of blueberries, among other things…mmmm)
• Visited with friends who just had their second baby (he’s super sweet)
• Laundry (and lots of it)

YOUR TURN: How was your weekend? What did you do?

It’s so easy to just let the days pass me by – to think, “Oh, I’ll work on that tomorrow” or “Next week, I will focus on such-and-such…” But, in my heart of hearts, I want to be more INTENTIONAL than that.

I am 100% convinced that these early years matter deeply. Parenting from birth to age 5 is a sobering and significant task. So much of what I do…of WHO I AM…today will shape who my children are tomorrow.

I’m certainly not perfect. In fact, that’s the whole point of this. I am confident that the most crucial thing that I can do to help my children become compassionate and productive adults is…to work on my own character.

Have you ever noticed that your children are at their very best when YOU are patient, positive, selfless, and merciful? Yeah, me too.

This weekend is not about how I can MAKE my kids become better. It’s about changing myself so I can give them all of the resources that they need to go out and change the world for good.

YOUR TURN: What qualities would you like to nurture in your children?

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As posts are published, I will add them to this post so that you can have a comprehensive spot to see my entire round-up.

• I want my kids to be…HAPPY
• I want my kids to be…ENTREPRENEURIAL
• I want my kids to be…HEALTHY
• I want my kids to be…WELL-TRAVELED
• I want my kids to be…LOVING

But today…for now…we travel the world…through books and experiences and people. And we get away for an occasional weekend or week – exploring new sights, laughing with good friends.

That’s how it is when you have teeny tiny ones.

So, yesterday we escaped for a quick trip to Phoenix. And, when we arrived, a tornado warning was issued. That kind of thing never happens in Arizona. But we’re all safe and sound now…and the sun is shining.

In pre-kid years, I went to Pakistan and Pittsburgh and Puerto Vallarta.

Today, I go to the park and the playground and the corner Walgreens for a pack of gum.

But if you think that means my life is predictable and humdrum, you are quite mistaken.

Just in the past 24 hours, for example, we picked lemons off a lemon tree and made homemade pizza and saw an incredible marching band that walked right by our dinner table (The band consisted of my 3-year-old and Christine‘s almost-2-year-old…they circled the table again and again, beating plastic bowling pins together and singing, “We’re in a marching band!”). I should have taken a picture, but I was having too much fun.

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Stay tuned for articles, product reviews, giveaways, and conversations about travel – at home, in our imaginations, and abroad.

As posts are published, I will add them to this post so that you can have a comprehensive spot to see my entire round-up.

• Does your baby like riding in the car? [GIVEAWAY: Britax Roundabout Convertible Car Seat, deadline: 1/31]
• 6 things to pack when traveling with small children by car
• What to Pack: TravelKiddy [GIVEAWAY: TravelKiddy, deadline: 2/1]
• What to Pack: Packing Cubes by eBags [GIVEAWAY: Packing Cubes Value Set, deadline: 2/1]
• What to Pack: A Cute Hat [GIVEAWAY: Plaid Hat and Scarf Set, deadline: 2/2]
• What to Pack: Jeans [GIVEAWAY: Rock Star Jeans by DownEast Basics, deadline: 2/2]
• What to Pack: A top that can be dressed up or down [GIVEAWAY: Women's Cap Sleeve Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, deadline: 2/2]
• What to Pack It In: A Duffel Bag by High Sierra Sport Company [GIVEAWAY: Bag by High Sierra Sport Company, deadline: 2/2]

I wore heels and matching business suits and red lipstick. I wrote proposals and spoke at trainings. I attended meetings with my Franklin Covey planner in-hand, jotting down notes and business ideas. I ate salads with coworkers…some quirky, some candid, some kind.

If you met me today, you would see a curly-haired girl with green-ish eyes, a masters degree, and a mission to save the world.

But now I wear blue jeans and t-shirts and…red lipstick. I write the ABCs and I speak at trainings (“Don’t forget to say please. No screaming at the top of your lungs at the dinner table. Etc.“). I attend VIP picnics and go on “pretend airplane rides” with my spiral-bound notebook in-hand, jotting down notes and business ideas. I eat noodles and mandarin oranges with two little girls who challenge me and make me laugh.

It’s strange how motherhood changes you, brings out your worst and your best. I am so different now, yet also still the same.

This weekend, I’ll be sharing some of the qualities that I am striving toward as a mother. I often fall short of who I want to be, but I stand right back up again…and keep moving toward those ideals – allowing grace to give me the strength to try again.

YOUR TURN: What were you like pre-kids? How have you changed/stayed the same?

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Stay tuned for musings, giveaways, and conversation.

As posts are published, I will add them to this post so that you can have a comprehensive spot to see my entire round-up.

• I want to be…Available
• I want to be…Fun
• I want to be…Well-Read
• I want to be…Fit
• Get Fit…with Fabulous Athletic Bra
• Get Fit…with Dance Praise
• Get Fit…with Mizuno
• I want to be…Selfless
• The Mother I Want To Be :: wrap-up

I gave birth to my firstborn in 2006 and my second in 2009 – and both experiences have shaped me, defined me…in so many ways.

Almost every day, I think back to those days – remembering the excitement, the pain, the fear, the trust, and then…the overwhelming love, the magic of seeing a baby’s face for the very first time – MY baby. It’s really indescribable on so many levels. I feel at a loss for words even now because all of the adjectives that I want to use (magnificent, amazing, life-changing) don’t seem powerful enough.

This weekend, I return to those topics – the miracle of pregnancy, the beauty of birth, and the breathtaking sleeplessness of those early days. Won’t you join me for candid conversations, product reviews, giveaways, and more?

P.S. Here’s a little SHOUT-OUT to my pregnant readers + friends (Congratulations!): Kristen, Caryn, Arianne, Gabrielle, Beth, Jessica, Carrington, Autumn, Minette, Rhonda, and Danielle.

— AND to my friends with teeny tiny babes in the house (Congratulations to you too!): Emily, Lisa, Becca, and Betsy (my little sister).

YOUR TURN: Did I forget to mention you in my list? {I’m so sorry if I did!} Are you pregnant or do you have a bitty baby in the house?

* Image: baby @ 12 weeks, photograph by David Barlow, part of a collection of photos from In the Womb Book {published by National Geographic}