Yesterday, Mr. Barack Obama became the first African-American President-elect in the 232-year history of the United States of America. While that made headlines everywhere, what is not as well known, is the fact that in January 2009, his daughters Malia (10) and Sasha (7), will be amongst the youngest kids to ever reside in the White House.

Prior to this only four presidents - Abraham Lincoln (1861 - 1865), Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909), John F. Kennedy (1961-1963) and Jimmy Carter (1977 -1981) had similar-aged children when they were first elected.

So far, Malia who is in 5th grade and Sasha who is in 1st grade, have led fairly normal lives. They attend a private school in Chicago and then go for a number of extra curricular activities. Malia likes soccer, drama and dance, while Sasha is partial to gymnastics and tap dancing. Both girls learn the piano and play tennis. When at home, they are responsible for setting their own alarm clocks, getting ready for school and making their own beds. For all this effort, they each receive an allowance of $1USD a week. They are both huge fans of the Jonas Brothers, slumber parties and ice cream.

Though they are proud of their dad, they are not afraid to tell him when he embarrasses them, like he recently did by shaking the hand of one of Malia's new friends. Malia was quick to explain to her dad that a simple 'hi', would have been way cooler.

While Malia and Sasha are quite excited about their dad becoming President, they realize their lives will change a little, come January. For one, they will have to move to a new school and make new friends. They will also be constantly followed by bodyguards to ensure their safety.

However, it will be quite cool to invite their new friends over to the White House for slumber parties. Also, they will get to decorate their new rooms as they wish and they may not even have to clean up or make their beds anymore.

The girls are also hoping to see more of their dad now, than they have in the last two years, when he was busy campaigning. Malia is hoping the two can finally finish reading the Harry Potter series they began together a few years ago, before he got so busy. But most of all, the girls are really excited at the prospect of getting a puppy, that their dad promised them in front of the whole world, in his acceptance speech as the 44th President of the United States of America!

Sources: Suntimes.com, Times Online, NYTImes.com