Snippets

There is an almost-empty 2-liter in the fridge, a remnant of last night's birthday party that featured all of Elliott's favorite foods -- hot dogs, Doritos and his favorite bubbly, Dr. Pepper. The birthday boy pulls out the container and beckons his brothers.

"Who wants to see me chug it," he shouts. They begin to chant.

"Chug It! Chug It!"

Elliott throws back the bottle and downs the rest of the soda.

Baby Henry is worn out from the party and goes to bed easily. A few hours later, I enter his room to find he has thrown up everywhere, large chunks of last night's buffet strewn across the crib.

Some days, I tell my husband, my life really is like living in a frat house.