How to contact me: elizasmo_at_elizasmom_dot_com

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Cast of Characters:

Eliza: AKA The Crazypants, the Small Person, Shouty McShoutshout; the raison d’etre for this blog, which originally began as a sort of baby-book, with the added benefit that family could read it. 4 1/2, all arms and legs, very enthusiastic about zebras, The Beatles, and candy. Given to bouts of hysterical garment-rending over hair-washing. Has an unfortunate habit of putting her clothes on backwards.

Barney: Batshit orange cat. So clumsy we’re pretty sure he has his own personal poltergeist. Inveterate mouse catcher nonetheless.

Moe: Needy but sweet black cat. Extremely graceful. Useless at mouse-catching.

AM: Ye Olde Author of Said Blog. 37. In addition to being Eliza’s mom, is a publicist/writer/editor, a runner and a karate-ka. Prone to prissiness and road rage. Swears too much. Bakes. Obsessed to an unhealthy degree with the Kings of Leon song “Closer.” Prefers her vampires mean and bitey. Also: Zombies.

Jim: Long-Suffering Husband. Extremely patient. On a quest to make a fire that does not fill the living room with smoke. Other interests include: Brainwashing Small Children to like British Invasion bands.

Grandma Texas: AKA Mama in the comments. August grandparental presence. Named thusly because of her location and because the image of a demure blue-haired old lady evoked by the nickname is comedically inconsistent with her spiky-haired, marathon-running self. Lives with partner Grandpa Texas, who is currently in the process of kicking cancer in the balls. Hard.

Auntie Johanna: History nerd with excellent hair. Dotes on her niece, has been known to call Eliza’s Mom’s bluff r.e. annoying prissiness tendencies.