When my mind wanders to the subject of this blog, it quickly tries to fill the hole in my submission record with a dramatic tale - me, live-blogging daily as the world around me collapses. Why such dark images are conjured up when I consider writing my thoughts down is still a mystery - left for another entry. I love early mornings - the quiet, the sunrise, the independence. I walk to work and the air is cool and crisp: enough to make your hands numb but not enough to seep into your core.

For those of us of who do not know, who question, or dare to contemplate the world - may our lives be filled with wonder. Force us to ask - How did I deserve this? For those of us who know, who understand every facet, and who cannot conceive a different world - may our lives be filled with doubt. Force us to ask - How did I deserve this?

Eriko wonderfully captured one of my first gentle moments with Momoko and Jerry. To fall asleep together, free of worry, is such a luxury - for old and young alike.

I held Momoko for a few minutes after Eriko went to bed tonight and marveled at where life is. I can’t remember exactly what it felt like to hold Jerry, only that he’s always way out in front of me and I suspect that isn’t ever going to change. Realizing this, perhaps I can remember more of these early details - but I suspect that is wishful thinking. As I look around our small home, I see seeds - an avocado tree which will eventually outgrow its 19" pot, a piano which is far too large for a home this size, a motorcycle balloon hanging from the ceiling, and a table that clearly needs a larger kitchen.

I will write more, as Momoko’s birth was both touching and exciting. For now, I just want the world to know that I have a new daughter - Momoko Kirsch - born on Sunday, February 21st at 17:18 PM PST. Momoko weighed 5 lbs, 12 oz and was approximately 19" in length. Of course, Momoko now has her own website at http://momoko.kirsch.org/ and here is a beautiful picture of her: We are so excited, Momoko!

After a previous failed attempt with G-Daddy, I had an epiphany the other day. Removing the player piano wasn’t complicated at all - in fact, it was glaringly simple! All I needed to do was remove four simple screws (two on each side): With some help from Nate, Zack and Jerry … Wala! Now the player action rests on top of the piano, a reminder of a project destined for a later date: