NYC MISSES YOU ALREADY

I loved this afternoon spent with my sisters in the West Village.  I really wish they lived closer so that we could wander around the city together more often. 

Come back sisters, we miss you! 

xx

California part Seven: Family Portrait

{from when Emmy was still pregnant!}

Update! {Dashiell is beautiful!}

Its funny how being a Mother has completely changed my reaction to babies. They were always cute, precious, beautiful, amazing.. but now, you can call me baby-crazed.  Squishy-faced red plump little newborns positively make me swoon. After going through pregnancy and giving birth, witnessing another woman + child experiencing their first moments together brings me to an emotional place of remembrance and longing.  It must be that maternal instinct. This darling brand new nephew of mine has just been making my day. My baby girl looked like that not so long ago! Little Dashiell is a beauty!

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! He's coming tomorrow!

My sister Emmy is having her (2nd) baby boy tomorrow!  A Christmas baby!  I can't wait to see his little newborn face! I think Beckett got enough "Big Brother" practice with Biet {see above}, and is ready for the real thing now...

**Here's to a healthy baby and Mama and a speedy recovery, Emmy. We love you!**

California part three: Lisa turns 26 !

My baby sister turned 26 years old! We are only a year and a half apart, Lisa and I, but she will always be my baby sister.  I loved growing up with a sibling so close in age.  Sure, there was bickering, but most of the time we were best friends. I can't believe that we both are now nearing our late twenties! This was the first time in a long time (read: years) that we three sisters were together with our Dad to celebrate one of our birthdays. We had a small get together at Emmy's with champagne & sparkling apple cider (I forgot how good that stuff is!), dessert, party hats, and family. Our cousin Melissa was in town so she joined the party. And, of court, Beckett helped blow out the candles (you can't put candles in the same room with that boy without him getting excited and blowing them all out). Happy Birthday Lisa!

California part two: Biet gets a hug

Emmy's son Beckett loved his baby cousin. He called her "Baby Biet," and shared all of his toys with her. It was so sweet. I think being around a baby for a few days was good practice for when his new brother arrives in just a couple weeks. Beckett seems to think that the upcoming baby will be "his baby" (I'm guessing it makes perfect sense to a 3-year-old that his Mama has been growing this child in her belly for 9 months all for him), and tells tales of what life will be like when he's finally born.

I'll never forget the one sunny afternoon when, after much trying, I finally got Biet to sleep for her nap.  I laid her on Emmy & Bill's bed and went to help Emmy in the kitchen (even at 8 months pregnant, Emmy cooks every day like a master chef!).  Half an hour later shrill screams pierced the air, coming from the bedroom (baby girl does NOT LIKE being awoken unexpectedly from her slumber).  Then Beckett ran out of the bedroom door, excitedly exclaiming "I helped her! I helped Baby Biet wake up!". We could't help but smile, thank him, and explain that she wouldn't be needing any more help for now. He is a cute one, that Beckett.

Here they are together, Beckett & Baby Biet. Beckett gives her a hug for the very first time: