I had two quick thoughts today that I wanted to get posted.

The first is that today was the first day since Monday, Jan. 12, that I haven't taken care of Leah from morning to evening. We kept her out of daycare that day and I stayed home with her. We went to the hospital that night and I ended up working half-days the following week. It was strange to not have her with me this morning, but it was nice to actually have my hands free to do some light home repair. I miss doing the work around here and part of me looks forward to her being able to help with the work by handing me tools or whatever else will keep her occupied while I'm productive.

The other thought I had came today around noon. Regardless of what anyone thinks about his politics, abilities or character, the inauguration of Barack Obama will make it so that all the children of Leah's generation will never know a world where the highest office of this nation was always held by a wealthy, middle-to-late-aged white male. His confirmation to the office of president reaffirms my belief that in this country, if you work hard enough, you can accomplish any dream you have. I just hope that she will one day understand what this day meant and that I can accurately describe these feelings of hope and joy to help her learn that lesson.

-Sefton