March 2015

In a few short hours we will be moving. My friend let me know of her condo becoming available and it was an offer I couldn't pass up, so we have packed up and are ready to move in the morning.
We have lived in our home for three years and nine months. My daughters have reached middle childhood here. I have marked their growth on the inside wall of the laundry room. They have begun school here. They have created, and laughed, cried and explored. I first met Aaron in this house, I have hung pictures on the walls and read oh so many books. I planted flowers and vegetables and mowed the lawn. We have had movie nights and have built forts. We've been sick here, and we have danced in the kitchen. We have all grown here.

February 2015

As I lay here, in the dark, I can hear the breathing of my daughters. Slow and rhythmic, punctuated by the occassional sigh or inhale. All three of us are sleeping in the same room as we approach moving day and I will secretly admit that I love every moment. Each night is a game of musical beds and I laugh as the girls decide upon which bed to sleep. Most nights one or the other decides to sleep in my twin bed, putting me in the queen with the other and I treasure these moments of sleeping next to their small, warm bodies. Evelyn sleeps very still. All night she never stirs and she stays completly on her side of the bed. Sophie is a wiggly-cuddler. When I crawl into bed, far after she has fallen asleep, she gravitates next to me and contentedly stays there.
Tonight they are together in their bed and I am alone in mine contemplating the time when that will no longer be the case.

July 18

Aaron asked me to marry him.

I said yes.

Of course.

We were walking hand in hand along the shore. It was low tide and the water had left a wide, wet stretch of sand as it receded. We had just finished sausages and fries from the stand in Venice Beach and Aaron had tossed the crumbs to the gulls who swarmed all around him, catching the scraps in mid-air. The sun was low in the sky, casting long shadows as he stops, looks into my eyes and asks if I will marry him. I answer "yes".