Tonight

After putting Van down to sleep I turned on the TV to fill the silence.

I watched the last three minutes of "Raising Helen". Now, I can scoff at a silly chick flick with the best of them (or watch the same one five times in one weekend). But tonight as I watched them walk down the boardwalk by the Hudson River, I got all choked up.

I cried a little as I thought of the last week we spent together as a family in New York. I find that most of my stories and sentences these days start with, "In New York..." It's got to get a little old to those listening, but I can't help it.

I miss my city.

I miss my friends.

I miss my park.

I miss my sweet husband.

I miss my dungeon. I never thought I'd say that, but I do.

For Dada

We miss you. Pack fast and come soon. Things around here are changing.

Last

Last night I went with my friend Valerie to a ballet class for the last time.

Actually this was the first time for this particular class too. We've taken others together: yoga, modern, sunday school. But because of GK's work schedule, this one took us a while to make happen.

On the way home from ballet, she asked me if it was daunting to think of all the things I wanted to do for the last time.

With only two and half days left? Yes.

This morning after stopping an unsuspecting passerby to take our picture (he was wearing a Patagonia bag, so we were pretty sure we could trust him)Van and Reggie and I walked GK down to the subway And waved goodbyeAs he headed off to work.

Third

Three years ago, I married the man of my dreams. In spite of the hundreds of syrupy photos of us looking smitten, I couldn't have known how much better he would make my life.

I do now.

First

Cupcake

Van Giles Risser - July 20, 2008

Happy Birthday Vanny Guy! You've made our year.

One Week

Is it possible that this little monkey has been a part of our lives for almost a whole year? More really, if you count the nine months he rode along. The strong, silent type.

In the first 51 weeks of his life, he's done a lot.
He has conquered one of the most powerful cities in the world with his cool blue eyes and drooly smile: He's given concerts on the art in Battery Park:

He's robbed many unsuspecting picnickers (who forgive him immediately when he flashes a grin)

He has become the heart and soul of a very happy family:

It's hard to remember life without our Van. Back when we were on time for things. Back when we didn't have to pack up the fridge to go out on the town. Back when our house was a little quieter, and a little less filled with toys.

Nietsche said, "Without chaos in your soul, you cannot give birth to a dancing star."

Well thank goodness for chaos, because it fulfilled its duty.

Let Freedom Ring

Loud and Clear

*Did I mention that this is the view from my porch? That's pretty cool.

I guess you win some, you lose some.