Leah

Born in Turkey, I was raised in New England and had the great fortune to live abroad in Munich, Germany and travel a bit during high school. Since then, I've been back to Turkey, through Greece, and to the Azores to honeymoon with Paulo's extended family.

I graduated from college in with a BA in English Literature and a Studio Arts Minor. Yes, I know you can't DO anything with that, and it lead to a rather interestingly eclectic work career. I've worked in publishing, wrote for a magazine, became a daycare director, worked in Human Resources and as an Admin in the Engineering Dept of a software company, and finally worked my way into a cozy office with a view as the Director of Client Communications for a small company before ditching it all for the prestigious title of "Mommy".

Meanwhile, Paulo was busy graduating from M.I.T. with a BS in Computer Science and Theater Arts, writing a play, traveling the globe and running things. He's the brains of this operation, the travel and dining coordinator, and one of the funniest people I know. He keeps things lively and real.

At 36 I still haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up, but I have taken some steps in the right direction. I've found and married my soulmate, my best friend, and the man who can make me laugh no matter what. Thanks to him life is a brighter and more beautiful place. Together we've brought three sweet kids into the world (oh my God, I still can't quite believe we have three of them) and made a pretty happy home together.

When our little boy was 20 mos old I finally figured out why he'd been such a tough baby: the poor tot had Celiac Disease and had had a stomach ache for most of his young life. We cut out the gluten and watched him make a complete about-face both physically and emotionally. Since then, Paulo has also been diagnosed with Celiac Disease and the children have all tested positive for the Celiac gene. Needless to say, we have become a gluten-free family which has been an interesting and sometimes challenging adventure!

Currently I'm devoting most of my time, energy, calories, and hair to raising our three inquisitive and challenging kidlets. This is by far the most draining, rewarding, difficult, humbling and fulfilling job I've ever had.

But, to stay sane I need other creative outlets that allow me to see my progress and actually complete something (parenting is never done) so I also sew, knit, write, research (topics vary), and create in whatever way possible. Often with the kids.

It's a busy life, but I wouldn't have it any other way!