Having my sisters around is always such a joy and a blessing. Though the weather refused to cooperate all week, I still had a wonderful time. The great thing about hanging out with my sisters is how easy it all is. There are no expectations to entertain and I can count on them to do a lot around the house so that I almost get a break!
I feel like I should have a great list of things we got up to, but really just spending time together was the highlight. Sometimes we were together eating, sometimes sleeping, sometimes getting ready to go out, sometimes playing with leo, but all the time getting to talk naturally and freely. That's what counts most really.
Leo has changed so much since we last saw him in August. He is really becoming a little boy with curiosity and facial expressions to match. As he starts discovering sounds with his voice and you can sense the desire and the frustration at not being able to talk yet. Even more than talking is his desire to walk though. He's young to be so eager, but he's very strong.
James, as the sweetest husband, ended up driving us all sorts of places including making the trip to Malpensa Airport in Milan not once, but twice. I love that I can count on him for that kind of support and understanding.
What was really healthy was taking some time and space away from the campus and routine of work. It felt more than good and I am looking forward to more of that over Christmas break. What I realize in those odd moments when I stop, is how much we are still doing and involved in even when we are not "working". Forcing myself not to touch the essays I had over the whole week was tough, but refreshiing. And now that all that excitment is gone I am shocked to see the end of year in full view. It's somehow managed to get to December without me knowing it. Pretty soon I will be a year older, have made it through the first semester at a boarding school and will be on my way back to the States. Wow, that's a lot.
