Lots of people ask me, why Tilly & Mia? Tilly & Mia, by the way, is my other baby. But, I'll get to that in a minute.

Last year at this time I was a happily waddling pregnant person. Sure, there were aches and pains, and sleeping wasn't always the easiest, and trips to the bathroom were on the rise, but in hindsight, how blissfully ignorant and happily round I was. My husband, Stuart, did all of the cleaning, cooking and carrying of heavy things. I read What to Expect When You're Expecting, Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child, Babywise, Baby Whisperer, and Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy. I was ready! People smiled at me in the grocery store, and I beamed back. Look at me! I am buying my first package of diapers! I am preparing! This is going to be fun!

On July 23, 2005, Natalie Amelia (reluctantly) entered the world. Since the Fourth of July, I had been having contractions, for weeks I was dialeted 2 centimeters, and then three. The doctor said I was fully effaced. My friends told me the baby was just going to slide out! But, after 36 hours of labor and a vacuum extraction, we were both a bit beat up. I'm afraid Natalie even moreso than me. But, a few days later we all came home and we were a family.

So, ten months later, here we are. Natalie is smart, and funny and determined and sweet and independent. Her eyes are so shiny! And to her, the world is so new. So, I guess while she discovers the world, I've been pumping up my creativity as well. So, that's why Tilly & Mia. Oh, and then name? Tilly is short for Natalie and Mia is short for Amelia, of course!