Dear Eli

Dear Eli,
Yesterday morning, I stood in line for 45 minutes to vote. Voting. Something that in past elections I always thought of as an obligation. Yesterday I realized what a privilege it is. When I grew up, it was never an issue. Everyone had the right. Men, women, black, white. But as I stood in the line and stood with the ballot in my hand, I was overcome with emotion. I was no longer voting just for myself. I was voting for you. Voting for your future. Voting for a world I want you to live in. A world with no limitations on you, or on anyone. I chose a black man for president. I chose to confirm that everyone has the right marry the person they love.
Today, the gravity of it all hit me and I became overwhelmed with emotion. The way people can be treated so injustly and be dehumanized and how sometimes, on very special days, we are able to overcome, forgive and be restored. I wish the elation we feel today could happen without the injustice. But there is no yin without the yang, I suppose.
So, as disappointed and disheartened as I feel that the majority of people in the state of California took away a fundamental right of their fellow citizens, I believe someday soon it will overturned. Because I know I will teach you what your daddy and I belive: everyone is equal, no matter what they believe, no matter what the look like and no matter who they love. I have faith that someday soon everyone will believe those things, too. Because I know you will, and you are the future. Your heart is open and I promise do everything in my power to keep it that way.
The world isn't perfect. That was clear last night. But it is certainly getting closer.
I love you,
Mama

Yes We Did

Ryan and I cannot wait to be able to share with Eli the stories of where we were the night Obama was elected president. What an inspiring time to be alive...here's to all of our future!

Our Little Pumpkin

We went to the pumpkin patch last weekend (complete with valet parking, welcome to Beverly Hills). Eli was sleepy so we didn't get many good pictures, so here are the best 2:

Photography credit to Bryan Ricci!!!!

We're super lucky

Before: After:

The Gentry's in the 60s

Seriously. YearbookYourself.com ROCKS!

More pictures

Here are some more picture from this past weekend. Auntie Amber had a party for her dad who is in remission from cancer (YAY!!). The party was great and Eli was his usual charming self...

Auntie Henri, Mama & Auntie Amber

Auntie Ani! Daddy
Chelsea
Lady Killer!

Wow!! It has been too long

I have been TERRIBLE updating this blog. It must be that 9 month old boy keeping me busy. That, and we have a virus on our home computer so we've been reluctant to download any more pictures or videos...

Enough with my excuses and on to ELI! He's fantastic. Active. Perfect. Happy. Active. Smart. Active. Did I mention active? He's crawling all over the place, cruising on the furniture, walking a bit holding onto the Tonka truck push toy and starting to stand for several seconds without holding on to anything. I'm sure walking is not far off. Last stats from the pediatrician at his 8 month check: 28 1/2 inchs, 25 lbs.

Here are a bunch of pictures from the last couple of months:

8 Months

8 1/2 months

9 months (at the park)