The spotlight is on First Daughters, Sasha and Malia. We're watching what they wear, the toys on their backpacks and, of course, the color of their skin.

Madison Avenue is also paying attention. First case in point, modeling agencies are signing up more little black girls who look like the Obama girls for shoots like this Harper's Bazaar photo spread. The hot new Beanie Babies dolls, originally named "Sweet Sasha" and "Marvelous Malia," were only just yesterday renamed "Sweet Sydney" and "Marvelous Mariah" after the First Mama objected. "We feel it is inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes," said her press secretary.

I remember the days when all my my sister and I wanted were Chrissy dolls, one was blond, the other a red head. it took a few years for the Ideal Toy Corporation to get wise and come out with a black version. Only she looked exactly like the white doll -- same features, same straight hair -- just tanned.

Is all this attention to little black girls a good thing? I want to know what you think.

"But I think that's what marriage is ... sometimes you're madly in love with the person, and other times you're like, 'I'd rather you really not be in my vicinity.'"



You can see more of René's videos at her website, The Good Enough Mother.

"No matter what you believe in your political affiliation or party, you have to respect the fact that we had a peaceful transition of power."


You can find more of René's videos -- including additional footage from her trip to Washington, DC -- at The Good Enough Mother.

"I don't remember the sky ever being so blue or it being so brisk, it's just...wonderful today."



Rene Syler shares her impressions upon arriving in DC on Monday. She is covering Inauguration 2009 for ParentDish.com and BET. You can see more of her videos at her website, Good Enough Mother.

"The fact that Barack Obama was able to kick the doors wide open and open a path for kids like my son, even if my son doesn't want to be President, the fact that it's an option ... that he could actually achieve that, is thrilling."







Rene Syler will be covering Tuesday's Presidential inaguration for BET; you can also see more of her videos at her website, Good Enough Mother.

ParentDish is pleased to welcome Rene Syler to our team. Rene hosted CBS news' The Early Show from 2002 - 2006; she is the author of The Good Enough Mother, and is currently at work on her second book. You can spend more time with Rene at her web site.