'twas the night before christmas, and all through the house...

- the dog ran frantically back and forth trying to shake the excess energy as we'd left him alone all night while we were at church and then to my sister's in-laws for dessert and games

- dad was putting the finishing touches on presents

- mom was making a salad to bring to dinner tomorrow night

- and i sat lazily on the couch, watching a christmas story while drinking genmaicha (my favorite japanese tea). mmm.

before i come off as a total bum here, i'm forbidden from entering the area of the house where gift wrapping is taking place. this disqualifies me from assisting in the making of the salad since dad is right there, too. :) oh man, i'm so bummed i have to be curled up with a blanket and my favorite hot drink. ha.

time in new york has been fun but whirlwind-y, as is usual. one of the best things so far? spending time with old friends & family, for sure. but a close second has been all the lovely families i've been spending time around. one of these families has two little darlings, one of them born just about a week ago. check out these photos featuring two beautiful little people.

this almost-four-year-old


loves to "read"


and spend time around her brand new baby brother.


he doesn't really like being cold (who can blame him?)


and really is much happier cuddled in a mound of blankets.




he also does a mean impression of a baby bird. there's talent.


throughout their childhood, they'll make a fine pair. :)


no, my entry didn't even come close to rhyming, but because i started this way i might as well finish strong:

merry christmas to all, and to all a good night. (i hope it's a wonderful time with the people in your life that you treasure.)