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Kimberly Papa
Horribly Abused Little Girl Finds a Loving Home and New Life
In The News, Extreme Childhood
How could a mother leave her own child to lay on a mattress in a filthy closet piled nearly four-feet high with dirty diapers and crawling with cockroaches? What would a seven-year-old girl who had never been taught how to chew, walk, go to the bathroom or speak be like? And what kind of family would open their home and their hearts to a child who had suffered such mental and emotional damage with no expectation of improving?
Lane DeGregory, staff writer for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, set out to find the answers to these questions and share the heartbreaking story of a little girl named Dani Lierow who was found severely neglected and living in squalor by authorities.
We spoke with DeGregory about Dani's journey and the incredible family who adopted her.
Click through our gallery to see pictures of Dani Lierow and her family. Interview continues below the gallery.
ParentDish: How did you first learn about Dani?
Lane DeGregory: I work with a great lady from the Children's Board of Hillsborough County and she called me and said "We have a little girl who we never thought would be adopted, and lo and behold a family came forward to take her into their home." She wasn't sure the family would want to do media, but Dani's social worker brokered an interview for me so I could meet the family and explain the type of story I wanted to do.
PD: You interviewed the family over six months. What kind of changes did you see in her?
LD: We watched [Dani] be potty trained. She realized when she had to go and would take her mom's hand and lead her into the bathroom. She learned how to drink out of a cup without flinging it all around. We watched her learn to feed herself and use a fork and that was really cool. It was like being on a time table of a two-year-old, so we saw baby steps each time we came back. She was learning how to ask for something, like just point to a drink or point to her bathing suit or bring her shoes. She was learning that she had some autonomy and a little more control over her environment. But emotions are still really hard. She hates having her hair brushed and she was would just run away. And if you didn't hold her hand she'll just bolt -- run into the street, or run into the pool when she was dressed for school already.
Lane DeGregory, staff writer for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, set out to find the answers to these questions and share the heartbreaking story of a little girl named Dani Lierow who was found severely neglected and living in squalor by authorities.
We spoke with DeGregory about Dani's journey and the incredible family who adopted her.
Click through our gallery to see pictures of Dani Lierow and her family. Interview continues below the gallery.
Girl in the Window - Dani
Feb 03, 2008 - Fort Myers, Florida, USA - Born Danielle Crockett, now DANI LIEROW, 9, looks up from the bubbles and bath foam, doing one of her favorite activities, her daily bath.
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
Feb 03, 2008 - Fort Myers, Florida, USA - Born Danielle Crockett, now DANI LIEROW, 9, has a new family now, and a new chance at life thanks to her brother WILLIE, 10, and parents DIANE and BERNIE LIEROW.
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
Feb 03, 2008 - Fort Myers, Florida, USA - Born Danielle Crockett, now DANI LIEROW, 9, on the half hour drive south to horse therapy, Dani, 9, stares out of the window of her family's SUV, while her brother WILLIE, 10, tries to provoke a giggle through tickling her. Willie was used to living like an only child, with his four older brothers already out of the house, but his selflessness and their closeness in age, has led them to develop a unique brother-sister bond.
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
Feb 03, 2008 - Fort Myers, Florida, USA - Born Danielle Crockett, now DANI LIEROW, 9, was removed from her biological mom's house at the age of 7, she was still wearing a diaper and being bottle fed. Part of the therapy she receives involves learning how to perform simple daily tasks, like scooping food up with a spoon and using a fork to stab at some of her favorite foods, green beans and tater tots. She has also graduated to eating solid foods. Her brother WILLIE, 10, watches her progress.
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
Feb 03, 2008 - Fort Myers, Florida, USA - Born Danielle Crockett, now DANI LIEROW, 9, on the right with GARET WHITE. White an Adoptions Care Manager for Camelot, fought for Dani's health and well being in court because she 'didn't want her to slip through the cracks.' White and Dani, 9, have a bond that extends back a few years, and Dani now feels comfortable enough with White to be able to hug her, and share moments like touching heads with her while watching a video. Even though it's a small gesture, it's huge in Dani's world to be able to trust someone enough to get close to them.
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
Feb 03, 2008 - Fort Myers, Florida, USA - Born Danielle Crockett, now DANI LIEROW, 9, reading. 'Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?' squawks the talking children's book as Dani gets help pushing down the buttons which speak the words on each page. 'I see a red bird looking at me,' it says, answering its own question. The Brown Bear book is one of Dani's favorites, and the one she always chooses to use during speech therapy lessons.
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
Feb 03, 2008 - Plant City, Florida, USA - 'I love that little girl, she's my life,' said MICHELLE CROCKETT, Dani's biological mom, who had her parental rights terminated after Dani was removed from her home because of neglect. 'When they took her, a third of me disappeared. I have a third of my heart for each one of my children and it's gone. But she's my baby and she needs me the most, and I need her. Because without her life don't have much meaning.'
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
Feb 03, 2008 - Plant City, Florida, USA - The house where Danielle Crockett, now Dani Lierow was rescued from on July 13, 2005. A child abuse investigator finds Danielle and is so horrified she flees the house, crying. A rookie cop retches. And a detective takes the 6-year-old from her mother, straight to the hospital.
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
Feb 03, 2008 - Plant City, Florida, USA - A picture of Dani Lierow from the hospital July 2005. One of the first things biological mom Michelle Crockett did when moving into her new mobile home in Plant City was hang a photo-copied picture of her daughter Dani on the wall. Still sparse and white, three other pictures of Dani have been tacked up on the walls throughout, along with a cross.
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
Feb 03, 2008 - Fort Myers, Florida, USA - Born Danielle Crockett, now DANI LIEROW, 9, on the beach with her parents BERNIE and DIANE LIEROW. In the blink of an eye, Dani can switch from happily building sand castles at the beach to running around and throwing a violent fit that her parents need to calm her down from. Her moods are unpredictable and unexplainable, and her parents Bernie and Diane just try to calm Dani down with a reassuring voice, letting her know that she is safe and everything is OK.
PLEASE NOTE: ON Apr. 20, 2009 - The 2009 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Featuring Writing was Awarded to Lane DeGregory of the St. Petersburg Times staffer for her amazing words that brought to life the moving, richly detailed story of this neglected little girl, found in a roach-infested room, unable to talk or feed herself, who since was adopted by a new family committed to her nurturing: The Girl in the Window. The Danielle 'Dani' Lierow Story, Coming Out of the Cocoon is a beautiful tender picture essay by Melissa Lyttle that accompanied the text, it was the zReportage.com - Story of the Week # 224 - Week of August 12, 2008 - Go To http://www.zreportage.com/COCOON/index.shtml to see full story pictures and for more text/video go to http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/. STORY OVERVIEW: No one has any way of telling what lies behind Dani's big brown eyes and vacant stare. For the first seven years of her life, Danielle never saw the sun, felt the wind or tasted solid food. She was kept in a closet in a Plant City, Florida apartment, cloistered in darkness, left in a dirty diaper, fed only with a bottle. 'She was a feral child,' said Carolyn Eastman of the Tampa Heart Gallery. 'We'd never seen a case like that.' (Credit ANY Usage: © Melissa Lyttle/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press)
Melissa Lyttle, St. Petersburg Times / ZUMA Press
ParentDish: How did you first learn about Dani?
Lane DeGregory: I work with a great lady from the Children's Board of Hillsborough County and she called me and said "We have a little girl who we never thought would be adopted, and lo and behold a family came forward to take her into their home." She wasn't sure the family would want to do media, but Dani's social worker brokered an interview for me so I could meet the family and explain the type of story I wanted to do.
PD: You interviewed the family over six months. What kind of changes did you see in her?
LD: We watched [Dani] be potty trained. She realized when she had to go and would take her mom's hand and lead her into the bathroom. She learned how to drink out of a cup without flinging it all around. We watched her learn to feed herself and use a fork and that was really cool. It was like being on a time table of a two-year-old, so we saw baby steps each time we came back. She was learning how to ask for something, like just point to a drink or point to her bathing suit or bring her shoes. She was learning that she had some autonomy and a little more control over her environment. But emotions are still really hard. She hates having her hair brushed and she was would just run away. And if you didn't hold her hand she'll just bolt -- run into the street, or run into the pool when she was dressed for school already.
Vote In Our Father's Day Poll
Who's the best daddy in all of Hollywood? Which famous father is hands-down the worst? Tell us what you think in our poll, and share how you plan to spend the day that's all about dads.
Fathers Day Poll
Who is the sexiest celebrity dad?
Bauer-Griffin
Who is the cutest daddy-daughter duo?
Fame Pictures
Who is the best celebrity dad?
Bauer-Griffin
Who is the best celeb stepdad?
Jeff Vespa, WireImage
Who is the creepiest famous father?
John Parra, WireImage
Which celeb has fatherhood changed the most?
Bauer-Griffin
Who is worst famous father?
Soul Brother, FilmMagic
Which television dad is most like your real dad?
Bill Cosby The Cosby Show. Photo: NBC
How much do you plan to spend on your dad's Father's Day Gift?
jupiterimages
Has the recession made you change your Father's Day plans?
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Billy Ray Cyrus's Laid Back Approach to Parenting
Billy Ray Cyrus -- better known these days as "Miley's dad" -- isn't just a father to the world's most famous tween; he and wife Tish have four other children: Brandi, 21, Trace, 20, Braison, 15, and Noah, 9. BIlly Ray sat down with ParentDish and spilled his best (and worst) parenting moments, plus the dream he has for all five of his kids.
Click on the gallery below to hear our interview.
Click on the gallery below to hear our interview.
Billy Ray Cyrus on Parenting
Billy Ray Cyrus poses with his daughter Miley Cyrus in the press room during the 2008 CMT Music Awards at the Curb Events Center at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Stephen Lovekin, Getty Images
Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus and daughter Miley attend the 'Elvis Presley Tribute Concert' on October 8, 1994 at Pyramid Arena in Memphis, Tennessee.
Ron Galella, Ltd, WireImage
Disney Channel actors Miley Cyrus and her father Billy Ray Cyrus pose at Splashlight Studios February 9, 2006 in New York City.
Paul Hawthorne, Getty Images
Billy Ray Cyrus with kids, Miley, Noah, Braison, Trace and Brandi and wife Tish at the World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures 'Hannah Montana The Movie' on April 02, 2009 at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Eric Charbonneau, Le Studio / Wireimage
Billy Ray arrives at the 2008 American Music Awards, held at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on November 23, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images for AMA
Billy Ray Cyrus attends the 'Ratatouille' film premiere at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California with kids Braison, Noah and Brandi.
Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images
Billy Ray Cyrus performs at The 2008 CMA Music Festival on June 8, 2008 at the LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee.
Tom Burns, Getty Images
Actor Billy Ray Cyrus and family arrive to the world premiere of Disney Channel's 'High School Musical 2' held at the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort on August 14, 2007 in Anaheim, California.
Charley Gallay, Getty Images
What Kids Really Think About Work
Have you ever wondered what your kids really think your job is like? Recently, we brought some of our children to the office to give them a sneak peak at what mommy and daddy are up to all day. Granted, it wasn't a totally run-of-the-mill day: AOL set up a game room and even had the "Naked Brothers Band" perform. But these kids still gave us some interesting insight into what they think about work.
Click on the gallery below to see what they said -- and then ask your kids what they think you do all day, and share with us in the comments.
Click on the gallery below to see what they said -- and then ask your kids what they think you do all day, and share with us in the comments.
What Kids Really Think About Work
"I think work is more fun than school. I've told mom I would rather go to work a bunch of times, but then she says she'd rather go to school," 7-year-old Sadie says with a laugh. So what makes work so fun? "I had three donuts!" Getting to drink hot chocolate was a big hit with the kids, too. (Funny, when we are here those are the very things we are trying to avoid eating!)
Jolie Novak, AOL
The kids were treated to a performance by the "Naked Brothers Band." When we asked 12-year-old Laura if she thought her dad's job was this fun everyday, she replied with an enthusiastic "Yes!"
Kristen Winter, AOL
11-year-old Gretta was super excited to get an autograph from band members, but was a little more realistic about whether every day at the office was this fun. "Well...not exactly," she said.
Kristen Winter, AOL
After hanging out in our game room a bunch of the boys here declared they would be video game reviewers when they grew up. It's real job...seriously.
Keith Morrison, AOL
9-year-old Cameron shared that she wasn't too surprised today because her daddy tells her all about his job. Though she's not always thrilled with his hours. "He gets home really late sometimes," she said. But Cameron smiled ear to ear when she told us, "We talk a lot in the morning."
Keith Morrison, AOL
10-year-old Brian came in with his mom. What did he was his biggest surprise of the day? "I thought her office would be bigger."
Keith Morrison, AOL
Top Baby Names of 2008
Today, the Social Security Administration released the top 10 names for boys and girls. Click on the gallery below to see the most popular names of '08 and celebs who have given their own kids these monikers. Is your child's name on the list?
The Name Lady has even more fun baby name facts and advice. Check out her column here.
Most Popular Baby Names 2008
Boys
10. Matthew
Actor Rob Lowe and his wife Sheryl Berkoff gave their youngest son this name.
Bauer-Griffin
Boys
9. Christopher
California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver named one of their two sons Christopher.
David McNew, Getty Images
Boys
8. William
Country crooner Brad Paisley and his wife, "According to Jim" actress Kimberly Williams, gave their first born this moniker.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Boys
7. Anthony
Actor Eric Estrada named his oldest son Anthony.
Beck Starr, FilmMagic
Boys
6. Alexander
This is the name actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber chose for their eldest (and adorable!) son.
Christopher Peterson, BuzzFoto / FilmMagic
Boys
5. Daniel
Mom of four, Patricia Heaton, gave her littlest guy this name.
Axelle / Bauer-Griffin
Boys
4. Joshua
Donny Osmond and wife Debra Glenn have five sons, the youngest of which they gave 2008's fourth most popular name to.
Kevin Parry, WireImage
Boys
3. Ethan
Actor Bruce Davidson named his son Ethan.
Jon Kopaloff, FilmMagic
Boys
2. Michael
Comedian, actor and producer Damon Wayans gave his second son this name.
Jeff Vespa, WireImage
Boys
1. Jacob
The son of actor James Cann and wife Linda Stokes has the most popular boys' name of 2008.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
The Name Lady has even more fun baby name facts and advice. Check out her column here.
Mom of 21 Kids Opens Her Heart to Others
Louise Hunter (bottom right) shown her with several of her 21 children. Image:Hunter Family
Moms with huge broods are getting quite a bit of attention these days (we're looking at you Octomom!), but there's a mother out there you haven't heard of who makes Jon and Kate's family look tiny and even has the Duggars beat. Meet Louise Hunter, mom to 21 children and now a grandmother to 61 and a great-grandmother to 55 little ones.
Nearly 40 years ago while she and her children were facing eviction from their home, a stranger offered the Hunters an 18-room house for just $1.00 in Racine, Wisconsin. This act of generosity compelled Mrs. Hunter to help others as well. We spoke with the 74-year-old to find out how she – even with a 21 kids to take care of – managed to find time to give to those in need.
ParentDish: Did you always know you wanted a large family?
Louise Hunter: No, I didn't, but after I had three kids -- I loved those kids so much -- I just kept on having more kids.
PD: You opened a homeless shelter, called the Love and Charity Mission, almost thirty years ago. Was it hard to give so much of yourself to others and still have time for your children?
LH: I didn't stop sharing just because I had all those kids. They had to be involved in everything I did. I couldn't help all those people myself. God gave me all these children to help me.
Biggest Celebrity Broods
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
The couple had their eighteenth child in December 2008. The other children range in age from 18 months to 20 years, plus one daughter-in-law.
Beth Hall, AP
George Foreman
This family man has 10 kids -- including five named George and one named Georgetta.
Getty Images
Celine Dion
The pop singer has nine sisters and four brothers -- 13 siblings in all!
Getty Images
Michael Jackson
Pictured here with his mother and father, Michael is one of eight.
Getty Images
The Osmonds
There are nine children in this famous musical family.
Getty Images
The Gilbreths
This famously large real-life family spawned a hit movie.
Buy.com
Ben Franklin
Although he only had three kids of his one, Ben had nine full brothers and sisters and another seven half brothers and sisters.
Getty Images
Mel Gibson
The actor has one daughter, six sons, and a grandchild.
Getty Images
The Waltons
Sure, they're fictional, but the 11 members of the Walton clan led one of the most popular TV shows in US history.
jr.com
The Kennedys
The photo at left shows four of the next generation of Kennedys (Robert's grandchildren) -- a family that's been an American dynasty for half a century.
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The Results of Our Mother's Day Poll
Your favorite celebrity mom Jennifer Garner with her daughter Violet. Photo: Bauer-Griffin
In honor of Mother's Day, we asked you to weigh in on your favorite celeb mommies, tell us who you think are the worst parents out there and share some of your favorite Mother's Day traditions. We received over 10,000 votes! Here's what you thought:
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi were the celebs you'd trust your kids with most. And surprisingly the winner of this round of Jennifer vs. Brangelina goes to Aniston. You'd rather have Jen take care of your little ones than the parents of six.
Which celebrity would you most feel comfortable leaving your kids with?
Ellen and Portia 31%
Jennifer Aniston 22%
Rachel Ray 20%
Angelina and Brad 18%
Oprah Winfrey 9%
Down-to-earth Jennifer Garner was your pick for celeb best mom. Tied for second place were Reese Witherspoon and First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Which star is the best mom?
Jennifer Garner 37%
Reese Witherspoon 26%
Michelle Obama 26%
Gwen Stefani 6%
Angelina Jolie 4%
Party-loving moms Courtney Love and Dina Lohan topped your list of the worst celebrity mothers.
Who is the worst celebrity mom?
Courtney Love 32%
Dina Lohan 32%
Britney Spears 27%
Sarah Palin 6%
Kate Moss 3%
Vote in Our Mother's Day Poll
Mother's Day is just around the corner and we want to know what you think about the holiday that's all about you moms! Check out our poll below and weigh in on who you think is a great mom, who's parenting skills could use some serious improvement and how you plan to celebrate with your family this year.
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Prince William Remembers His Mother
"Never being able to say the word 'Mummy' again in your life sounds like a small thing," Prince William said at an event where he accepted his new responsibility as royal patron of the Child Bereavement Charity. "However, for many, including me, it is now really just a word – hollow and evoking only memories." It's been 12 years since the 26-year old prince and his brother, Harry, lost their mother, Princess Diana, but William says not a day goes by that he does not think of her and admitted to a "grief that is never entirely lost."
Mother's Day will be celebrated in the U.K. at the end of this month and the charity, which Princess Diana was closely linked to during her life, is hoping its new Mother's Day campaign will raise awareness of the needs faced by those who have lost a child.
Looking slightly flushed, according to "People," William said he can, "wholeheartedly relate to the Mother's Day campaign, as I too have felt and still feel the emptiness on such a day as Mother's Day."
See our gallery below for photos of William and Harry with their mother and of the princes today.
Royal Family
Princess Diana with Prince Charles and their sons, Prince William And Prince Harry at home in The Gardens Of Highgrove House.
Tim Graham, Getty Images
Princess Diana with her sons Prince William and Prince Harry at Wetherby School on September 12, 1989 in London, England. It was Prince Harry's first day at school.
Anwar Hussein/WireImage
Prince William arrives with his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and Prince Harry for his first day at Eton College on September 16, 1995 in Windsor, England.
Anwar Hussein, Getty Images
Prince William salutes his father Prince Charles as he leaves, following The Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy.
Lefteris Pitarakis, AP
Prince Charles and his sons Prince Harry and Prince William arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, at the Guards' Chapel, in London. Prince William and Prince Harry organized the service to commemorate the life of their mother on the tenth anniversary of her death.
Leon Neal, Pool, AFP / Getty Images
Prince William and Prince Harry on stage during the Concert For Diana at London's Wembley Stadium. Waving their arms in the air, rocking their hips and cheering along with around 70,000 fans at the stadium, the princes paid tribute to their mother at the concert on what would have been her 46th birthday.
Jon Furniss, WireImage.com
Princes William and Harry, attend a reception after the concert in memory of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales
Richard Young, AP
Prince William and Prince Harry attend the Cavalry Old Comrades Association Annual Parade in Hyde Park on May 13, 2007 in London, England.
Tim Graham, Getty Images
Prince William and Prince Harry prepare to set off at the start of the Enduro 2008 Motorcycle Rally to benefit UNICEF, in Port Edward, South Africa.
Anwar Hussein Collection, WireImage
Prince William and Prince Harry watch the fly by from the balcony during Trooping The Colour at Buckingham Palace on June 14, 2008 in London, England.
Samir Hussein, WireImage
4-Year Old Brings Pot to Preschool
Preschoolers, In The News, Alcohol & Drugs
When a preschooler hears the word "pot" chances are he thinks of that thing mommy makes mac-n-cheese in on the stove. Well, most preschoolers anyway. Last week, a four-year-old in Tamarac, Florida brought pot with him to school. He casually pulled a plastic bag filled with marijuana out of his backpack and told one of his classmates "this is my brother's weed," according to reports.
His teacher, Iris Dasilva, 45, overhead the little boy and checked his book bag, where she found two more small bags filled with pot. Dasilva then called the Broward Sheriff's Office and the child abuse hotline.
The preschooler initially told investigators his older brother, 21, hid the drugs in the book bag, but later said he found it on a table in his brother's room, the police report said. A Sheriff's Office deputy and an investigator for the Department of Children and Family Services conducted a home visit at the child's residence and found the home clean, in order, with plenty of food, the police report said. It was also reported that the boy's mother told investigators she had never found marijuana in her house and that there was none in the book bag when she packed it.
Before you send your little one off to preschool, you'll probably speak to him about sharing, bullies -- ya know, normal stuff a four-year-old needs to know. But pot? I'm sure we all expect to talk to our kids about drugs at some point, but how young do we really have to start?
