Elizabeth Mitchell

When Big Papa and I got married, we took the same vows that many people take when they commit to spend a lifetime together: for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; till death do us part. And, like most newly married couples, we hoped for health, better and richer. The rest—poorer, sickness, death—seemed a long ways off.

But for my sister and several close friends there was sickness, and death. A year-and-a-half after we became husband and wife, my sweet friend Dee passed away, and her husband became a widower. Last year, on the day of our five-year anniversary, another friend’s husband died unexpectedly. This year, on Valentine’s Day, my sister took her last breath, leaving behind husband and a daughter.

Each of these losses reminds me how life can change in an instant, and just how precious the days are with those we love. That is why on this– our sixth anniversary–I am even more appreciative when I wake up in the morning with Big Papa by my side.

Dedicated to Jay, Lesa and Gaylen

And with love to Big Papa on our anniversary. You are my sunshine.

I am mother to a toddler who does not like being strapped into a car seat (or anything else). She fusses, and screams, and is a very unhappy camper when we’re on the road.

How do I keep the peace, maintain my sanity and drive safely? CDs, lots of CDs for kids. And while I freely admit to having listened to my share of Baby Einstein classical and sing-along-until-you-go-crazy Twinkle-Twinkle and its ilk, there is a treasure trove of children’s music that is truly enjoyable for adults.

Here are my current top five favorites:

1. Casper Babypants, Hot Dog!

Pick a CD, any Casper Babypants CD…what’s not to like? First, Caspar Babypants, aka Chris Ballew, is the twice Grammy nominated songwriter and lead singer for the rock and roll band The Presidents of the United States of America. And, hello, the band is from Seattle! Caspar Babypants creates fun, imaginative music rooted in American, European and African folk traditions with a dose of classic pop and rock and roll thrown in.

2. Laura Veirs, Tumble Bee

Tumble Bee, is the first children’s record from the prolific Laura Veirs. Her sweet voice and upbeat folk-inspired tunes will have you hitting replay over and over. Veirs’ recording covers a wide range of folk songs, from early 20th century work songs to the ballads of Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Peggy Seeger and Harry Belafonte.

3. Various Artists, The Planet Sleeps

Everything about this CD is dreamy. The packaging and artwork, the beautiful booklet tucked inside, and certainly the music which includes paeans to childhood sleep from 16 countries. This is a great collection of international music, as well as a fascinating peek into how various cultures put voice to the topic of children and sleep.

4. Putumayo, Rock & Roll Playground

Young and old (and everyone in between) can shake, rattle and roll to music by a collection of established and up-and-coming artists. Most of the Putumayo kid CDs are pretty good—a broad introduction to cultural world music, but when I want to liven things up on the road, this is my go-to CD.

5. Last, and definitely not least–Elizabeth Mitchell, You Are My Little Bird

As a bird photographer and lover–and mama to Baby Bird–I’m sure it comes as no surprise this CD is my absolute favorite. Elizabeth Mitchell has an angelic mesmerizing voice, and nearly every song on this CD is about birds. Any and all of Mitchell’s music is worth adding to your collection, but I have a special fondness for this CD.