The Things We Carry*

This is the Dog River in Northfield, Vermont.

Photo cred: Google

This a rock from the Dog River in Northfield, Vermont.

Photo cred: My cell phone

Now listen, I don't know all the details because I didn't know Erik in college, but here's what I've gleaned:

At some point during their 4 years in college, cadets select a rock and run with it through this river obstacle course and after they've run themselves ragged chucking this rock all through creation they keep it forever and ever and ever into perpetuity to piss off their wives and collect dust and occasionally disguise a key on the front porch.

This rock has lived in New York, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and now Georgia. Inside, outside, wherever I've seen fit to let it live. Because it's a rock. That we've moved 5 times.

Because college.
Because the Corps of Cadets.
Because Love.

*Betcha thought from that title that this was going to be a lot more interesting. ;)

Oh So Loved

I constantly worry about how my kids will treat each other as adults. I don't have any idea how to promote a good relationship as I only speak to my own sister on our birthdays. Via text message.

But Grant has always had a really soft spot for Piper, and her days literally revolve around when we get to pick him up from school. God help us if we drive past his school before pick up time. I learned that lesson the hard way several months ago and have been known to drive a few miles out of my way to bypass that particular meltdown.

And so when Nash came along I wondered how everyone would handle him. I knew Grant loved babies, so I wasn't too worried about him, but Piper is a wild card. A VERY wild card. I am so happy to report that it's possible she loves him most of all! "I wanna see Nass" is the first thing out of her mouth in the morning and she's always kissing and loving and hugging on him. Especially when he's asleep. Because I'm pretty sure she hates me. HA! She even will just come up to him and close her eyes and rub her face on hers like she's just trying to take him in as well as she knows how. It sounds weird as I type it, but it's seriously the most precious thing on the planet. This boy is LOVED.