some history and some justification for being

once upon a time, in a land before kids, i started a blog.  i freely admit that it was partly a case of everyone doing it, but there was also something appealing about having a potential audience for those late-night reflections that bounce around your (at least my) head.  so if you didn't know me then, and you're curious, the old one is still up.  the last entry was just a few months before chloe was born (i.e. 3 1/2 years or a lifetime ago).
http://jonicholson.xanga.com/

the interim 3 years have been spent here in cleveland, a stage of life that i would characterize as 'Surprised By Joy', if i can be so bold as to borrow the phrase.  it's no secret that i was not excited to leave st. louis, but i did not expect mommyhood to be such a joy, nor did i expect to find some dear friends with whom to share it.  and of course, our little Lucy Jia-Le (Added Joy) made her appearance, and i can't imagine life without her sweet 'tisses' and snuggles =)

all that to say, my motivation for re-entering the blog world can be found above.  every day is an event with the kiddos, and it makes me sad that our family and friends are scattered to the four winds.  maybe i'm flattering myself that all this would be as significant to you as it is to me, but i'll take that chance =)