And this, my friends, is why I named my daughter after my sister.

Most of you know my sister, Kate. She is the most creative, sweet, generous, smart, free, wonderful person I know. She is my biggest fan, and I am hers. She has shown me how to truly just be myself. Growing up together I have witnessed her creativity, spontaneity, and passion for life. She has pushed me to explore my own musical and creative side (two areas that are not natural strengths to me) and I have greatly benefited from a lifetime of watching her grow, explore, and express herself. It seemed only obvious that I would name my daughter after her. And so when I received this email from Vietnam last night, I realized immediately that I would have to write a  blog about it to shows those of you that aren't as close to Kate why I named baby Kate after Little Kate. Hope this is ok to cut and paste, sis.

"I cannot wait to interact with charlie in all his new ways of expression and conversation. oh, this is funny. so, we have had a lot of experience, being travelers, with locals coming up to us and trying to sell us things. rides on cyclos, taxis, tuk tuks, motorbikes, food, clothes, bags, jewelery. mostly rides to places. its not constant, and some places are worse than others. so, basically the situation is that michelle is increasingly frustrated and irritated with the experience, and is finding it harder and harder to be nice or patient with it all. so, we decided to take things in a different direction. i learned how to say "my friend is deaf" in vietnamese. when someone comes up to us,  i say that,  sign something to michelle, she signs back, and the person selling looks on with amazement and interest. so far, usually, they ask me questions and i translate for mich who signs back to me and it goes on. then when we walk away, mich and i continue to sign down the street. its been working perfectly because mich doesnt have to talk to anyone but me nor does she have to listen. basically she pretends not to hear nad so nothing is expected of her in response. 

and its entirely creative. i think of charlie throughout it all. i think he would understand our signs"

Is she not the cutest, most creative, funny, adorable little sis a person can ask for?