Susan Wagner
Obama Girls Take in Paris Shopping
Sasha Obama leaves Paris boutique Bonpoint. Photo: Bauer-Griffin
Making this excursion extra special was the fact that Mrs. Obama and the girls were allowed into the shop on a Sunday, when, by law, France's retail outlets are closed (only stores selling food or those with "recreational" or "cultural" value may be open on Sundays). We don't know if the First Lady or her daughters bought anything at Bonpoint (although how could they resist?) but we think it's really cool that this was part of their first trip to Paris.
Fashion is an important part of popular culture, particularly for the French; Mrs. Obama herself has become a style icon in her own right, both at home and abroad. We love the idea that Sasha and Malia's visit to Paris included an afternoon of browsing in a boutique, and taking in some pop culture as well as the conventional art and architecture.
Malia Obama follows a Secret Service agent into the streets of Paris. Photo: Bauer-Griffin
But what about the store opening on a Sunday for the First Family, when regular French citizens aren't able to shop? There are a lot of reasons why it would have made sense to make this exception for Mrs. Obama and her children. It's possible that this was a security measure, or that the Obama's schedule didn't allow for any other opportunity to visit Bonpoint. When you're traveling with a full security detail, stopping into a shop can be a major undertaking; for the staff at Bonpoint, it was probably more manageable to have the Obamas come in for a private visit.
Whatever the reason, we're delighted that these kids are getting to be kids, even though their father is the President of the United States. And we're even more delighted that they're getting to do some really wonderful, special things with their parents as part of this experience.
Michael Jackson's Mother Gets Custody of His Children
Paris and Prince Jackson, uncovered. Photo: X17online
In the onslaught of news about Michael Jackson's death, this announcement would seem like a mere detail: On Monday, Jackson's 79-year-old mother, Katherine, was granted temporary guardianship of his children. For most families, the idea that a grandparent would step in and take charge in a crisis is a given, but for the Jackson clan, it's not that simple.
Jackson was raising his children alone. His ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, who is the mother of Prince Michael, 12, and Paris, 11, surrendered her parental rights in the couple's divorce, while Jackson's youngest son, Prince Michael II, or "Blanket," was born to an anonymous surrogate. But in the last week, all sorts of rumors have been swirling around about who wants the kids and what their legal rights may be. Debbie Rowe reportedly told a British tabloid that she had no desire to seek custody, but her representatives are now saying that the interview never happened. Rowe also reportedly claimed that Jackson is not her children's biological father, although it's unclear how true that claim is either. But it does raise questions about the paternity of all three children, and about the best options for permanent custody.
In the face of ongoing chaos it makes sense that the children would go to live with their grandmother. Court documents fiiled by Katherine Jackson assert that the children "have a long established relationship with [their] paternal grandmother and are comfortable in her care." During his 2005 trial for child molestation, Joe and Katherine Jackson told Barbara Walters they would pursue adoption of the children if Michael lost custody.
Jackson is reported to have a good relationship with his mother, but his relationship with Joe Jackson was far more complicated. The singer and his siblings had accused Joe Jackson of abusing them as children, and Joe himself admitted to cheating on his wife and fathering a daughter out of wedlock. Katherine and Joe Jackson are still married but have not lived together since the 1980s, and only Katherine has been granted custody of her grandchildren. Joe, however, has resumed his role as spokesperson for the family, telling the press this week, "This is where they belong ... we love those kids ... we're going to take care of them." But is that what Michael would have wanted?
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, center, wearing a traditional Arabic woman's veil and all-covering gown called an abaya, with his son, Prince Michael II, also veiled, as they walk in Bahrain in 2006.
Hasan Jamali, AP
Michael Jackson, center, is supported by his security personnel as he walks into the courthouse with his father Joe Jackson, right, after arriving late to Santa Barbara County Superior Court, on March 10, 2005.
Kimberly White, Pool / AP
Michael Jackson applauds his fans while on top of his car after his arraignment on child molestation charges in Santa Maria, California on January 16, 2003.
Hector Mata, AFP / Getty Images
Michael Jackson's booking photo and personal information shown in this copy of a release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department after Jackson was booked on child molestation charges in Santa Barbara, CA, on November 20, 2003.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department / AP
Michael Jackson holds his eight-month-old son Prince Michael II over the balcony of the Adlon Hotel in 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Jackson was in Berlin with his three children to accept a lifetime achievement award.
Olaf Selchow, Getty Images
Minders escort the veiled children of Michael Jackson as they visit the Berlin Zoo in November 2002.
Sadek Hamaiel, Getty Images
Michael Jackson holds an unidentified child as he stands in the window of his suite in the Adlon hotel in Berlin.
Jockel Finck, AP
A masked Jackson traveling in Berlin, Germany.
Eric Richard, Getty Images
Michael Jackson testifies during his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court on December 3, 2002 in Santa Maria, California.
Jim Ruyman, Pool / Getty Images
Michael Jackson testifies in Santa Barbara County Superior Court, on November 13, 2002 in Santa Maria, CA.
Spencer Weiner, Pool / AP
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's Twins - Sneak Peek!
The Parker-Broderick brood. Photo: Robin Layton via Getty Images
Parker and Broderick were unable to conceive again after their son, James Wilkie, 6, was born, and so they opted for surrogacy instead. "Well, you know, we've been trying to expand our family for a number of years," Parker told "Access Hollywood" in May. She said that she met the news that the surrogate was carrying twins with "giggles." "We didn't expect it. I think after a certain amount of time, you tend to hold your hopes at bay a bit so as not to be disappointed. One really would have been thrilling and we would've felt incredibly lucky. And two was a comedy."
Baby Zoom
Eyes Wide Shut
One of the finest shots of Sunday Rose with mommy Nicole Kidman.
KCSPresse, Splash News
Who's that Girl?Hint: This celeb-baby always looks like a doll. At just two-and-a-half-years-old she is probably one of the youngest fashion icons of her day -- and you won't see her out of a dress. Except here. The answer comes next.
Sebastian Willnow, AFP/Getty Images
Chocolate LipsSuri Cruise walking on the streets of Manhattan on November 24, 2008.
James Devaney, WireImage
Mother-Daughter Sunglasses
Wearing matching shady looks, actress Isla Fisher and her 13-month-old daughter Olive arrive at LAX airport on December 4, 2008. Were they hijacked by Olive's daddy, Sacha Baron Cohen, in his alter ego of flamboyantly camp Austrian fashion reporter Bruno?
Splash News
ShelterPop - Kid Friendly Homes Made Beautiful
Think kid-friendly, stylish decor is impossible? Think again! Image: Vinyl Silhouettes
AOL's ShelterPop has answers. Like the super cool vinyl decals pictured here, which can be used to transform any surface -- including walls -- into a work of art. Imagine what you could do in your playroom! Or kitchen! Or anyplace else you're trying to marry function and fashion.
ShelterPop is all about helping you make your home more beautiful, without breaking the bank. And that's exactly what we need these days. With categories like DIY: Done in a Day and Everything Under $100, this is a perfect resource for budget- and decor-conscious parents.
Spiff up your house a little this summer. And let ShelterPop help.
Teen Pregnany Takes its Toll on Young Parents
Teens & tweens, Pregnancy & birth
What's the life of a pregnant teen really like? Photo: sxc.hu
Need proof? ABC's "Primetime Family Secrets" spent nine months following five teenage parents -- four mothers and one dad -- to see how the real life of the pregnant American teen is playing out. The episode, which aired last night, didn't do much to dispel any myths about teen pregnancy, but it did take the gloss off of various media representations of kids having kids. Unlike ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," which shows teens dealing with pregnancy in a soft-lit, carefully costumed cocoon, or MTV'S sensationalized "16 and Pregnant," "Primetime Family Secrets" let viewers see just how wrenching it can be to have a baby at 15.
There are moments of startling insight from these teens. Aliki, 17, is shown with her 9-month-old son; as she wipes his hands and face after a meal, she says matter-of-factly, "Honestly, I don't think being a first-time parent at any age is a walk in the park. So I don't think my age has that much to do with it." At the same time, though, being a teen parent -- and in particular, a teen mom -- means missing out on being a teen. 17-year-old Hannah misses her prom, because her on-again-off-again boyfriend -- and father of her twins -- takes someone else. That's part of being pregnant, he tells her. You miss the prom. She also misses graduation because she goes into labor early; while her classmates are getting their diplomas, she is giving birth to her daughters.
Jon & Kate Backlash - TV is No Place to Announce Divorce
Should Jon and Kate have kept their big announcement private? Photo: Getty Images
The Gosselins addressed their reality celebrity status in last night's show; Jon said that he was two hours late for the taping because "I had reservations about doing it, cause I didn't know what to say." Of course, he also criticized fans for their deep interest in the family's life. And then he went on to open up about his marriage and his hopes for the future, on camera, for those fans -- talking, of course, about the very things he was angry at viewers for wanting to know in the first place.
None of this is sitting well with those formerly close to the couple. Kate's brother, Kevin Kreider, said that he is "heartbroken" and "sad" about the news that his sister and brother-in-law are calling it quits. But it's not just the message that bothers him -- it's the medium: The announcement, he says, "was used as a teaser, used to gain ratings, without any regards for my nieces and nephews. It was really hurtful. We were really sad to see that."
Kate Gosselin of Jon and Kate Plus 8
Is it splitsville for the Gosselins?
Kate Gosselin, star of TLC's hit show "Jon & Kate Plus 8," speaks Wednesday May 13, 2009, at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon, Mich. We may be seeing a lot more of Kate solo, now that her marriage is collapsing.
Dave Raczkowski, MLIVE.com / AP
Jon and Kate Gosselin of the hit TLC show "Jon & Kate Plus 8" film an episode where they receive their own choppers (motorcycles) from the Orange County Choppers of the other TLC show, "American Chopper." The Gosselins go for a ride with the "American Chopper" cast before Kate later takes her custom pink bike for a ride of her own. All the while their children wander about the front lawn, not receiving much attention.
Bauer-Griffin
Over the past five years, Kate Gosselin's life has gone from miracle mom to reality TV train wreck. What's next for Gosselin and her family? Maybe a return to something closer to normal. Here, Gosselin is spotted pushing around one of her daughters in a shopping cart at Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Bauer-Griffin
Kate Gosselin, seen here promoting her book "Multiple Blessings," seems to have made a life for herself that doesn't include husband Jon, who is reported to have been having an affair. But what about the kids?
David Livingston, Getty Images
Once upon a time, not so long ago, the Gosselins were our favorite reality tv family. It was hard not to love them -- after all, we all know how parenting changes us.
Do you ever wonder what life would be like if you had one more child? How about two more? How about SIX more?
Four years ago, Jon and Kate Gosselin went from being parents of two to parents of eight, and their lives have never been the same.
Getty Images
Today we all have a window into that life on TLC's Jon and Kate Plus 8. And of course, part of peeking into someone else's life is hypothesizing how we might do things differently or better, because it's always easy to imagine what you would do in someone else's shoes.
What is harder to imagine is what it would really be like to walk in those other shoes -- what's it like to wake up every morning and be Kate Gosselin? ParentDish had a chance to ask her just that recently.
TLC.Discovery.com
In a normal week, the Gosselins have a television crew in their house about half the time, which is a lot, if you think about it. And while they will occasionally opt out of filming specific moments with their kids, the Gosselins have no editorial control over the show -- what you see is what you get, packaged by a team of folks at Discovery and TLC. But, Kate says, this is reality TV, and it accurately reflects life at the Gosselin house; nothing is pre-planned or made up. "We don't have time to memorize scripts," she jokes.
I believe that.
"We set out to show the truth," Kate says, "I couldn't watch it if it weren't true." What you see, in every televised moment, is precisely what is happening -- no stage directions or do-overs. This is life at the Gosselin house.
Getty Images
Kate Gosselin has gotten quite a bit of flak, both from the media and from viewers, for the way she treats her husband; the two are often shown bickering during the show. Kate says the criticisms don't bother her; she doesn't Google herself or make a practice of reading about herself on or off line. "Everyone has an opinion," she says, "and I'm only paying attention to my own." But she does admit that the way the show is edited affects how people see her family and her marriage. "If Jon and I have three spats over a two day period, they're going to edit it to make it look like those happened in the 22 minute period." The show is just a small slice of her family's life, after all.
TLC.Discovery.com
Kate is clearly focused not on what goes on outside her family but on her children. Her goal, she says, is to treat each child like an only child -- a hard thing to do when you're the mom of eight. "I hold myself to a very high standard," she says. At the same time, though, she's not trying to be perfect, or even to appear perfect to viewers of the show. She's just living her life.
And yes, she's living it with television cameras in her house, but it's still her real life. Kate says that while the experience of being on television has changed her life, it hasn't changed who she is. She says the same about having eight children -- "It's hard to live through what we have lived through and not change. We are the same -- it's how people treat us" that is different.
Getty Images
One of the hardest things about her family, Kate says, is the noise; there are days when the older girls, Cara and Mady, come home from school and their reports about what they have done are drowned out by the noise of the sextuplets. More than anything, she says, she longs for peace and quiet -- otherwise, she would not change a thing about her life.
Getty Images
Jon and Kate Gosselin File For Divorce
By now you've heard the news: Jon and Kate Gosselin filed for divorce earlier today. But of course, since they still have a contract with TLC, the show must go on.
For at least 34 more episodes. This season.
It's hard to snark about this most recent episode of "Jon & Kate Plus 8," because honestly, the couple just seems so unhappy, both about their marriage and about having to talk to the cameras about their marriage.
The episode was wrenching, honestly. It was genuinely hard to watch.
The original episode, the one scheduled to run tonight, followed the delivery of a set of playhouses for the kids. Of course, these aren't any old playhouses; they're "crooked houses," specially designed to look like they were built by children. The Gosselins take delivery of four of the houses, one for each of the twins, and two for the little kids to share (one for the girls and one for the boys). The houses are darling and the kids love them. But before the happy playtime starts, Jon and Kate have to get through the delivery and assembly. No, they don't manage this themselves; a team arrives with the houses and takes care of building them. But there's a disagreement about where they houses will go, which should be one of those simple, straightforward things but isn't, because nothing is simple or straightforward any more.
For at least 34 more episodes. This season.
It's hard to snark about this most recent episode of "Jon & Kate Plus 8," because honestly, the couple just seems so unhappy, both about their marriage and about having to talk to the cameras about their marriage.
The episode was wrenching, honestly. It was genuinely hard to watch.
Kate Gosselin of Jon and Kate Plus 8
Rumors are swirling about Jon and Kate Gosselin's marriage. Is it over? Or is this just the stuff of reality TV? It's hard to know what's true, but it's even harder to look away.
David Livingston, Getty Images
Do you ever wonder what life would be like if you had one more child? How about two more? How about SIX more?
Four years ago, Jon and Kate Gosselin went from being parents of two to parents of eight, and their lives have never been the same.
Getty Images
Today we all have a window into that life on TLC's Jon and Kate Plus 8. And of course, part of peeking into someone else's life is hypothesizing how we might do things differently or better, because it's always easy to imagine what you would do in someone else's shoes.
What is harder to imagine is what it would really be like to walk in those other shoes -- what's it like to wake up every morning and be Kate Gosselin? ParentDish had a chance to ask her just that recently.
TLC.Discovery.com
In a normal week, the Gosselins have a television crew in their house about half the time, which is a lot, if you think about it. And while they will occasionally opt out of filming specific moments with their kids, the Gosselins have no editorial control over the show -- what you see is what you get, packaged by a team of folks at Discovery and TLC. But, Kate says, this is reality TV, and it accurately reflects life at the Gosselin house; nothing is pre-planned or made up. "We don't have time to memorize scripts," she jokes.
I believe that.
"We set out to show the truth," Kate says, "I couldn't watch it if it weren't true." What you see, in every televised moment, is precisely what is happening -- no stage directions or do-overs. This is life at the Gosselin house.
Getty Images
Kate Gosselin has gotten quite a bit of flak, both from the media and from viewers, for the way she treats her husband; the two are often shown bickering during the show. Kate says the criticisms don't bother her; she doesn't Google herself or make a practice of reading about herself on or off line. "Everyone has an opinion," she says, "and I'm only paying attention to my own." But she does admit that the way the show is edited affects how people see her family and her marriage. "If Jon and I have three spats over a two day period, they're going to edit it to make it look like those happened in the 22 minute period." The show is just a small slice of her family's life, after all.
TLC.Discovery.com
Kate is clearly focused not on what goes on outside her family but on her children. Her goal, she says, is to treat each child like an only child -- a hard thing to do when you're the mom of eight. "I hold myself to a very high standard," she says. At the same time, though, she's not trying to be perfect, or even to appear perfect to viewers of the show. She's just living her life.
And yes, she's living it with television cameras in her house, but it's still her real life. Kate says that while the experience of being on television has changed her life, it hasn't changed who she is. She says the same about having eight children -- "It's hard to live through what we have lived through and not change. We are the same -- it's how people treat us" that is different.
Getty Images
One of the hardest things about her family, Kate says, is the noise; there are days when the older girls, Cara and Mady, come home from school and their reports about what they have done are drowned out by the noise of the sextuplets. More than anything, she says, she longs for peace and quiet -- otherwise, she would not change a thing about her life.
Getty Images
Kate finds the humor in her life -- recently, she partnered with P&G to help promote some of their brands, including Bounty paper towels, which she refers to as "my weapon of choice." She also laughs about the end of nap time at the Gosselin house; the sextuplets are four now and no one, Kate says, naps any more. But it's a rare night that the family gets through dinner without someone dozing off at the table. Recently, Jon said, "I think we can kiss goodbye ever having a family dinner again." A good night, Kate said, is when the kids push their plates out of the way before they fall asleep.
You have to laugh about that, and Kate Gosselin does.
Getty Images
The Gosselins have a strong faith in God; they are often seen on the show wearing t-shirts with scripture on them and attending church. But despite the fact that the show doesn't highlight their faith, the Gosselins see it as an opportunity to share what they believe. Their website, The Gosselin 10, includes prayers and devotionals, and Jon and Kate travel around speaking to various churches and groups about their life and faith. The show, Kate says, has given them this opportunity to share what they believe.
Amazon.com
And for the Gosselins, being on television is about opportunity, not fame. The show has opened a variety of doors for them; Kate and Jon both work from home, which makes their life as parnents of eight more manageable. But it's not easy by any means -- there are days, Kate says, when she and Jon work until midnight.
Kate has three pieces of advice for other parents. "Every morning, before my feet hit the floor," she says, "I pray for strength, just enough to get through that day." She reminds parents that a sense of humor can get you through nearly everything -- laugh, she says, don't cry. And finally, the most important lesson of all: "Always remember that bedtime comes, every single day."
sixgosselins.com
The original episode, the one scheduled to run tonight, followed the delivery of a set of playhouses for the kids. Of course, these aren't any old playhouses; they're "crooked houses," specially designed to look like they were built by children. The Gosselins take delivery of four of the houses, one for each of the twins, and two for the little kids to share (one for the girls and one for the boys). The houses are darling and the kids love them. But before the happy playtime starts, Jon and Kate have to get through the delivery and assembly. No, they don't manage this themselves; a team arrives with the houses and takes care of building them. But there's a disagreement about where they houses will go, which should be one of those simple, straightforward things but isn't, because nothing is simple or straightforward any more.
Rub a Dub
Daily Cutie
Oh that first tub bath! So cute. Thanks to FabFio666 for sharing this special moment.
FabFio666/Flickr
This precious tot doesn't mind getting his hands (or face!) dirty. Great shot, mamadowdell!
mamadowdell/Flickr
This cutie wins best hairstyle of the week. Thanks to Margaret E Jacobsen for this adorable image.
Margaret E Jacobsen/Flickr
A little ballerina surrounded by doting fans. What a beautiful image, joeboba!
joeboba/Flickr
Now that's a sophisticated palette. Thanks to neofob for this darling shot.
neofob/Flickr
What pure, unadulterated joy! Thanks to 小旺旺的媽 for starting our week on a happy note.
小旺旺的媽/FLickr
Looks like this cutie is enjoying her time at the playground. Thanks to sfriedman13 for the lovely photo.
sfriedman13/Flickr
What glossy, brunette locks! This charmer's portrait was brought to you by Sarah Stewart.
Sarah Stewart/Flickr
You are getting very sleepy...sleepy...sleepy...um, I don't think it's working. Thanks for sharing this cute photo with ParentDish, caramelwy!
caramelwy/Flickr
This lovely gal surely has some beautiful peepers. Thanks to Diary of an Air Force Wife for this fun and summery shot.
Diary of an Air Force Wife/Flickr
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