I have a lot to say

as i should, seeing as it has been a heckuva long time since i last posted. it's a bit scattered but....

i've been sorta busy and i've also been sorta outta town. i was in d.c. then jersey, then jersey again, then richmond, then boston. this weekend, i'll be up to connecticut and then down in asheville, nc, by the end of the week.

a bit crazy, huh?

there have been lots of celebrations in these various spots but also some mourning. M's sweet grandfather passed away. we were lucky to be surrounded by the whole family, including 6 of our nieces and nephews who definitely helped to keep things lighthearted and reinforce that from PopPop came so many beautiful humans, so full of life. PopPop was not hard to love. He was pure goodness - sweet and appreciative of life's simple treats. Looking through old photos of him, I could see that M. is just a younger version of him - in the shape of his eyes, in the structure of his face, in his sense of humor and in the way he so patiently loves. Popop and Nanny were married for just over 69 years. 69 years. If i live to celebrate 69 years with M. it still won't be enough.

Which brings me to my next point: our 1 year anniversary. yep, that happened. there was no 1-year old cake to eat seeing as it seemed impolite to serve cake to some but not all our wedding guests (oops, misjudged). How did we celebrate? We were in Boston for a friend's wedding and spent the evening all dressed up, drinking wine, eating delicious food and twirling on the dance floor. we also ate at legal seafood, walked around Boston Common and got to catch up with my little friend Krissy. what could be better?

My birthday. just kidding. laying low this year. after so much commotion in the past few weeks and more to come this fall, i'm looking forward to just tiptoeing past this one. the only thing i really want is this. could i get any saucier? it's as if i don't want to make it to two years of marriage, huh?

Other exciting things: my niecephew is the size of a bell pepper. that is a seriously sized baby. i get all tingly just thinking about the lil cherub and how much i'm gonna love (already do!) that little quirt. Brother, seester, muchos gracias for procreating.

Next up: a celebration of all things Doug and his 60 years of life. The whole crew will be in asheville to take in the sites, eat like it's going out of style, coo over seester and her bump, and remind me that i'm the youngest child in the family. just kidding. i'm really looking forward to doing something for my dad, who always does so much for all of us.

Libby is hanging in like a true champ. she's got more fight in her than we ever could have imagined (but should have known was there all along). she is completely spoiled (more than ever) with homemade challach, pumpkin bread and whatever doug and riv have for dinner but who cares? she is happy and living life and i'm so grateful for that.

On top of all these downs and UPS, i'm trying to write.and, little by little, i'm getting there.

And, breath.

For now, i bid you adieu.