Near the beginning of the summer in 2008, we discovered that we were pregnant. I started this blog because I wanted to keep track of what we did and how things were. I thought that someday our little girl would read about what life was like for her mom and dad when she had not yet arrived. During this time, we hoped that our friends and family might enjoy reading about our preparation and make helpful suggestions. Before we revealed Elena's name, she went by the moniker of Sunflower.
Elena was born in February of 2009, so we weren't waiting for her anymore, but the blog's title didn't change until several months later. I got to know her very well in those months, because Jenny went back to work at the end of her maternity leave, and I became a full-time parent for the summer.
I left Elena in Jenny's much-more-capable hands while I returned to my studies, with the goal of earning a Ph.D. by writing a dissertation. I can't quite figure out how, but I managed to do it. At the same time, we continued to have fun with Elena as she grew from infant to toddler. After completing my studies, we moved to the east coast to pursue job opportunities.
A new look and new title for the blog commemorate the life changes of a completed degree and new location. More changes are coming in 2011, as we settle into a new rhythm of life, meeting new people and making friends, while being closer to our family.