dedicated to the one i love

dear strawberries,
thank you for finally making that trip
through the maryland soil and onto
my table.
it seemed like it took forever
but you are worth the wait.

thank you for gently asking the apples
and bananas to step aside as you took their place.
thank you for confirming that all of the
white-centered impersonators were only after
my hard-earned money;
taking advantage of my weakened state due to
the winter produce blues.

and baby...you are the real deal.
sweet.
rubylicious through and through.
perfect. blemishes and all.

i have missed you!
and i know you can't stay long but
this short visit means so much to me.

fondly, kathleen

saved

"some people raise children but never mother them,
others mother all of their lives without ever giving birth."


as i watched my mother help liam
climb up a spiny column of metal at
the playground today,
i sat. smiling.
my heart bursting
with gratitude for the selflessness
and unconditional love
she has shown to me,
and now, my son.

there were many opportunities when i was a child
that this woman,
who didn't give birth to me,
could have walked away saying,
"you're really not mine. i need to move on with my life."

but she didn't.
she stuck around.
she made sure i was ok.

she saved me.

she listens.
she lectures when i need it.
she cheers me on like i'm a rockstar.
she reminds me to keep my chin up and keep my glass half full.

liam loves his oma.
and i don't blame him.
hers is a heart of gold and it shines
warmth to everyone who knows her.

i love you, mom.
i am so glad
you stayed.

*quote borrowed from stacy's facebook update. xo

we can't wait

to meet you, sweetpea.

you are one lucky little girl to be getting such

amazing parents.

they have no idea what is about to hit them

right in the middle of their hearts.

they are going to love you so much.

their love will make up for the attitude

that the cats are going to give you.

you have a village waiting for you, wee one.

we'll see you soon.

xo

sandi is in labor as i type this. 

eek! what a weekend this will be for them.




note: chloe was born on 5/2 at 4:15