WASHINGTON (AP) -- Michelle Obama is getting ready for a new life as first lady, giving plenty of thought to what kind of profile she will carve out for herself in the White House.
One thing is not in any doubt, however: she'll be the new president's close confidant and adviser -- hewing to a tradition that transcends presidencies and political parties.
But while it's too soon to know just what kind of first lady Mrs. Obama will be, she doubtlessly will be the kind of first lady this country hasn't seen in decades: the mother of young children.
Aides said publicly she is not interested in shaping policy or reserving a seat for herself at her husband's decision-making table. She prefers, at least for now, to focus on easing the transition for her daughters -- getting them in new schools and comfortable with a new way of life.
