This is one of just a few of my “grown up” ornaments. It is fancy. And sparkly. And I put it carefully back in its box each year. It was a gift from my brother and my sister-in-law several years ago. And Lauren would likely blush if I said out loud the reasons this ornament reminds me of her.
To start with the easy ones, it is beautiful, as is she. Not flashy and asking to be noticed but classy and gorgeous and fancy and understated all at once.
This ornament could wear blue jeans with pearls and high heels if it wanted to. But it’s not likely it would need high heels, it is a good bit larger (to be read: taller, for those wondering if I am really about to call my sister-in-law LARGE in a public forum) than the other ornaments, just like the statuesque Lauren. She has only an inch or two on me and yet she has always seemed taller, even to me. Finally, a woman my brother has even a hope of seeing eye to eye with.
It is red. And Lauren is a devoted NC State Wolf Pack girl. She taught Em to do the Wolf Pack symbol when she was teeny. Just as we moved to Chapel Hill. She didn’t seem to care it might get us run out of town.
What this ornament does not do… and Lauren is about to do… is make my baby brother in to a father. I can’t think of a nicer thing for a girl to do. I have mentioned before that my brother and I share little in common short of our love for one another. But this change on the horizon will put all of us in the same demographic. There is something about being a parent that changes everything. You share a kinship with other parents. Perhaps this is what military veterans experience when they run in to another. Perhaps their branch of service was different or the length of their active duty but there is a common bond. And a relationship those of on the outside simply do not have.
Very soon three people whom I love dearly will join my Club. The “I had a tiny baby in my house and I survived. I was joyful and terrified, exhausted and more excited than I have ever been all at once. And I survived” Club. My brother, Lauren and MQD.
Now just relax, girls. Both of you. Lauren and your sweet baby girl. You just need to hang in there a little longer. Scott will be home any day now. And then … may your Adventure begin.
Excitement on the side 
I enjoy your writing as well. It’s a totally different feel from mine. But I still like admire it. I think maybe last year you left a comment on my blog. To put it bluntly, I kind of disregarded it. But I’m glad I went to our blog today. Your writing is sweet and fun. Elegant. It shows clearly in your writing, that you are someone knowledgeable, smart, and experienced. Not only in life. But love as well. Something I lack. This might come off a little immature, and childish, but you have this maturity. Maturity, that I haven’t really encountered yet. Something I cannot even get close too. No matter how much I grow up or experience. Ahha I’m not really sure why I’m even saying all of this. ANYWAY. I hope you have a great Christmas and a awesome New Year.
Thanks so much for reading. And it slays me to think of myself as mature. :) Take care of yourself, and I promise whatever wisdom I have regarding Love was paid for with heartache. You’ve got plenty of time.