David and I wanted to find some text to give to Ruby and welcome her into the world. We found this song--see below. Once I figure out how to upload an mp3 file (any tips--let me know in the comments!) I'll post a wonderful version of the song, performed by Rickie Lee Jones.

In the meantime, Ruby and I are anxiously awaiting the birth of Marcella & Tom's daughter in Amsterdam--due a few days ago already. Marcella and I went to college together. The blog for their son, Nils, inspired this blog (it's existence--I don't have the know how to make this one look as sharp as theirs...).

Finally, check out this amazing box of chocolates in honor of Ruby's birth! Big thanks to Mike & Pat! David was thinking about freezing some of the chocolate so that Ruby can sample the treats once she is ready for solids.

-- Marsha

Dat Dere

Hey mama, what's that there?
And what's that doing there?
Hey mama, up here! Mama, hey look at that over there!
And what's that doing there?
And where're they going there?
And mummy can I have that big elephant over there?

Who's that in my chair?
And what's he doing there?
Mummy, up here!
Mummy, can I go over there?
Hey mummy, what is square?
And where do we get air?

And mummy can I have that big elephant over there?

Quizzical kid!
She doesn’t want anything here
Just forever to manage to know who what why or where!
Inquisitive child
Sometimes the questions get wild!
Like mommy can I have that big elephant over there?

Don't wanna comb my hair
And where's my teddy bear?
And Mamma, hey
Look at the cowboy coming there!
And can I have a pair
Of boots like that to wear?
And mummy can I have that big elephant over there?

Time will march
Days will go
And little baby's going to grow
I gotta tell her what she needs to know
I'll help her along
And she'll be strong
And she'll know right from wrong

As life's parade goes marching by
She's gonna need to know some reasons why
I don't have all the answers
But I'll try to do what I can
We’ll make a plan

You give the kid your best
And hope she’ll pass the test
And finally send her out into the world somewhere
And though she's grown up I bet I never will forget
Mummy, can I have that big elephant over there?

Hey why they do that there?
And how you put that there?
Hey mummy, up here! Hey mummy, what that say up there?
Hey mummy, what is fair?
How come I have to share?
And mummy can I have that big elephant over there? (3x)

(Bobby Timmons/Oscar Brown Jr.)