need i say more?

One of my baby brothers with my baby. *sigh* His visit was long and wonderful and I am very sorry to see him go. BUT, he is visiting more sisters and brothers, so, I am happy that his love gets to be spread around. I want to write more about how amazing Chuckie is. How talented, how professional he's become...but, alas, dirty dishes in the sink are calling. For now, just enjoy that wonderful picture.

Home...

Sorry about not posting Christmas pics...I've been having trouble finding time to sort through them all and get them up here...eventually it will happen.

In the meantime...I spend my days trying to figure out where home is. For someone who has grown up all over the place - summers in Norway, switching back and forth from my parents houses from the time I was nine, camping for weeks when I was young - "home" really isn't a place. I have always wanted it to be. Wished for it to be. And I am confident that one day, hopefully soon, it will be.

Home...

a kitchen in NY where two dogs lick up every crumb and I know where to find the spoons and sippy cups

a voicemail from a sibling who just wanted to check in and say hi

conditioner from a sister so my hair can smell like hers

making another sister laugh in front of the fire on an Arizona patio

my dad kissing the top of my head

my brother strumming his guitar and singing about Staten Island

a wet, slobbery kiss from my over zealous five year old

a kitchen where there is always music playing, delicious new things baking, a smile, and a hug

my sentence being finished by someone who must have been a sister in another life

folding Bill's t-shirts (you must know how I feel about folding laundry by now...accompanied by the smell of my love...yeah, that's home, too)

the voice of my mother

the sweet breath of my sleeping baby warm on my cheek

the knowledge of cousins who I haven't seen in years love and miss me as much as I love and miss them

the sun setting on a lake...and the tree...where my heart is...looks on

my down comforter still warm with sleep

a buttered piece of toast with a slice of salami, havarti cheese, and a cucumber

HOME

While you wait

for me to get all my photos from Christmas in NY/NJ up, enjoy this adorable video of Finn with his new vacuum that looks just like mine! Enjoy!