Category: Contentment

This morning, Aaron and I were pleasantly awakened by our cats stirring and stretching in preparation for their 7AM meal of the morning. Aaron fed them but then went downstairs to make some coffee. I quickly fell back to sleep, only to wake up sometime later and realize he wasn’t next to me, drinking his coffee and reading his Kindle. He texted me to come downstairs, needing help with the dishes from our Valentine’s dinner (he made me Chicken Piccata with roasted vegetables, sweet German wine, and fresh baked bread. HE BAKED. BREAD). I don’t know if it was just a subconscious thought, or my brain registering the scent of foreshadowing, but as I stood up I thought, “Wow. Our honeymoon was so special. We should go back.”

I walked downstairs to see Aaron had taken his fresh baked bread and served it up as a mini palate of shakshuka for us to enjoy for breakfast. My heart sang. How lucky am I? The spicy tomato spread he had prepared and the perfect texture of the bread reminded me of the tasty foods we enjoyed while sailing through the Dalmatian coast on our honeymoon. I wanted to give a day-by-day play-by-play of each moment, but no one has time for that. So instead:

TOP TEN MOMENTS OF OUR HONEYMOON

1. Breakfast at the Majestic Hotel. Our flight from the US to our honeymoon landed in Barcelona, giving us about 24 hours in the city before boarding our ship. We’d had a brief but fun first day walking the city, but on October 30, it was about getting to the ship and sailing away on our adventure! We were set to head to our ship at 11, so we decided to enjoy a nice breakfast at our hotel: the Majestic Hotel, located ten minutes from Las Ramblas. It was all marble, rooftop pool, and the greatest complimentary breakfast I have heretofore experienced (okay, tied for the one we had in Venice ten days later). I made myself the most perfectly proportioned mimosa, and enjoyed a little bite of each of their offerings: pancakes, fresh fruit, eggs as you like it, charcuterie, muffins, and yes… breakfast pizza. This was only a foreshadowing of the deliciousness to come.

   

2. The View of Monaco from our ship. We boarded the Celebrity Constellation later that day and set sail to our first stop, Monaco. We spent the day walking the old city, tasting the best chocolate I’ve ever had, walking coastal gardens, and walking through the nicest shopping center filled with shops of clothes I can’t afford yet. I’ll get there though. The memory alone makes me want to work into billionaire status. That night, Aaron and I had a fabulous dinner, went to a fabulous performance of a violinist, and then parted ways for a bit while he took a shower. I took to the deck to watch us drift a few miles away to Nice, our next stop. The coastal city was all lit up with the night lights, twinkling not so distantly. I don’t think they’ve created the words to describe that view yet. All I’ll say is every bit of pain I’ve experienced, every heartbreak, sorrow, or silly mistake I’ve made, has been worth it, because it brought me to that night and that view. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced gratitude more intently.

   

3. Serenity at the Trevi Fountain. My mom, sister, and movies told me that I would love Rome. Maybe it was just the day of our trip, but wow… we really did not. The city was full of history and though we appreciated being there, it was just SO crowded and SO dense. The most crowded spot in our entire day trip was visiting the Trevi Fountain. Aaron, myself, and probably a thousand other tourists were all packed like sardines into this tiny square with the iconic fountain. Aaron was NOT having the crowd, and to be fair, I wasn’t very enthused either. But what, are we NOT going to take a photo of it? We shuffled our way to the front of the fountain and down the steps to be right at it’s edge. Despite the horde, for a moment there, everything froze. It felt like the crowd of a thousand dwindled down to a few small families. The sounds of every language in the world was lost in the sound of rushing water from the various fountain spots. I tossed a coin into the fountain, closed my eyes, and made a wish. The world is wide enough for all of us.

   

4. The Gelato in Sicily. If I could narrow down the food of this trip, it was all bread and cheese and champagne and chocolate and yes, gelato. When we arrived in Sicily, I expected to have spicy pizza and maybe some wine. While I did have some wine, I instead learned about other specialties in Sicily, like pistachios. It was that day that I tried pistachio gelato for the first time. Growing up, my mom had always ordered pistachio ice cream, while my dad and siblings would go for cookies and cream, vanilla, chocolate… you know, normal flavors! I never understood how my mom could like pistachio, a nut based ice cream, when hot cookie dough ice cream with hot fudge was an option. Then I had fresh pistachio gelato, paired with Nutella gelato. I was overwhelmed. Overjoyed. Speechless with happiness. I ate pistachio gelato with nutella almost every day for the rest of the trip. Each gelato place was delicious, but that scoop in Sicily was my favorite. It was on my mind long after we returned home.

   

5. The Streetcat of Greece. There was plenty to enjoy on this trip, but we had a bit of excitement every time we saw a dog or a street cat. Greece had multiple street cats. We did a food tour of Corfu, enjoying fresh cheese, kumquats, and limoncello. We also indulged in a five course lunch, where we were served bread baskets and wine and salad and fish. Halfway through our meal, a street cat traipsed into the restaurant. I don’t know if he could sense that Aaron was the cat person of our trip, but he strolled right up to Aaron, who quickly fed him some fish. The happy little kitty jumped into Aaron’s lap for cuddles. Aaron smiled the way he does when he’s really happy but is trying to be cool about it. By the time we left the restaurant the cat was moving on to the rest of his day, but Aaron gave me a look that said “Well, maybe we COULD take him home with us.” We would never! Too dangerous! And yet. Jake and Rosa were born four days later.

   

6. Montenegro wine. We were scheduled to go into Montenegro, the next day, but the sea was angry that day. The coast guard of the nation did not feel comfortable (nor did our captain) letting us tender that day in the choppy, windy waves. We were given a day at sea in exchange. Aaron and I were really looking forward to our tour through the city, but instead went onto our stateroom’s balcony to at least look at the view. Our surroundings looked like something out of “Game of Thrones” (they actually filmed the show not far from where we were). With that in mind, Aaron grabbed a bottle of wine we had been given by the staff as a welcome/congratulations present. Fun fact about me: I’m not a big drinker. If it doesn’t taste like juice (think champagne or Riesling) or a smoothie (think a frozen margarita), I’m probably not interested. I’m certainly not a fan of red wine. That said, standing on our deck, looking at the windy moody seaside of the Balkans, sipping red wine… I felt a sudden need to crush my enemies and set them ablaze in the scept.

   

7. A cold Croatian night. That night was just as fun. The live performance from the night before wasn’t able to get back to shore, so they agreed to do another show that night. Lucky for us, since we hadn’t gone to the show the previous night! It was a group of UK boys performing soul music, and they performed Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. At one point, they invited everyone to dance to one of their songs. I loved their energy and wanted them to feel encouraged. I also love dancing. So I went for it, and thankfully other people did too! After the show, Aaron and I grabbed a drink and went to the top deck. It was FREEZING, but Aaron didn’t notice. We walked and looked at the stars, and Aaron delightedly talked about the constellations. If it were ten degrees warmer I would have stayed up there for hours… but it wasn’t, and we made our way back to the room. That said, the Baked Alaska for dessert that night would only be the beginning for one of my favorite nights on our honeymoon.

   

8. The Royal Vineyards of Zadar. On our last day of the ship, we toured Zadar, Croatia. The city was quiet, but remarkably beautiful. The day ended with a wine tasting at a vineyard at the top of the seaside hills. That view was almost as good as the one of Monaco. Aaron and I stole a few grapes from the vineyard vines, then followed our group to the scenic tables set up for us to enjoy the wines (they were paired with cheese, carpaccio, and yes, bread). I would go back just to picnic and enjoy that view for a day… and stargaze from the hill at night.

   

9. The boots in Venice. For those who didn’t know, Venice is a canal-based city. You travel by foot or by taking a gondola. The ancient city was not built for modern society, and neither is their plumbing. When we arrived to the city, the streets were HEAVILY flooded. It was just par for the course for everyone else! They set up high rise planks to help tourists avoid flooding, and by flooding, I mean literally wading through the streets in a foot of standing water. As Aaron and I walked the city in this plank, we saw people walk past us in knee-high, poncho-plastic boots. Street vendors were selling them left and right. I thought they were a cheap tourist trap, and I was hesitant to spend the money, especially when I was sure they’d be expensive by tourist standards. They were ten euros a pair. WORTH IT. Aaron and I got bright neon boots to cover our sneakers and pant legs so we could walk through the city with ease. The typically jam-packed St Mark’s Square was near empty because of the water. I got a near-perfect photo without crowds. They may have looked a bit silly, but they were money well spent. They’re sitting tucked into the ottoman at the foot of our bed. Who knows? Maybe we’ll need them again one day!

   

10. The cafe in Amsterdam. After our two days in Venice, it was time to return to reality. We woke at 3AM to catch a 5AM flight to Amsterdam for a five hour layover. We landed at 9AM Amsterdam time. We decided to make the most of the layover and took a train from the airport into the city. I had fallen in love with the city when I had been there a few years earlier, and I was excited to share it with Aaron. I had the idea to find the Nutella cafe I had gone to then to get a crepe for breakfast, but Aaron requested we not venture too deep into the city, lest we get lost and end up sprinting through the airport to get to our flight on time. We wandered for ten minutes, enjoying the sunshine and the way the city felt clean and peaceful. Suddenly, there he was. A cat in a window of a bar. Turns out that bar was actually a restaurant (that yes, served alcohol at a reasonable hour). I grabbed Aaron and showed him the cat, and insisted we see if there was breakfast in this restaurant. We walked in and just as our feet passed the threshold, a piano version of “Someday My Prince Will Come” from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” began to play. My mind was made up as I turned to Aaron and said “Oh. We’re staying here.” Aaron had a coffee and I had a hot chocolate, which was served with whipped cream and gingerbread cookies and it coincidentally (?) looked like Mickey Mouse ears. It felt like fate. We took a canal tour before making it back to the airport, but I think we took a bit of Amsterdam back with us. We’ve mentioned going back again. I think we both fell in love with Amsterdam that day (or for me, my love grew deeper).

    

Aaron and I had many adventures on our honeymoon, and saw many beautiful places. We sipped the best champagne, slept in the most beautiful hotels, and shared many moments of genuine freedom, happiness and love. That’s what honeymoons are all about, at their core: starting your life as husband and wife as a mood-setter. Our lives together will be filled with happiness, beauty, indulgence, and love. If the past three months are any indication, we are off to a great start.

As we approach the long Valentine’s/President’s Day Weekend, I figured there was no better time than now to commemorate October 19, 2019. A week from tomorrow, Aaron and I will have been married for four months. It has been filled with love, laughs, and perfect happiness.

Let’s start about a month prior — Labor Day Weekend, to be exact. My bridesmaids flew into Miami for our ill-fated bachelorette weekend, as a devastating hurricane stayed flourishing off the coast. Aside from a few bouts of rain (which, truthfully, is par for the course for any day in Florida), everyone enjoyed themselves until the flight home on Sunday, only for the storm to barely impact the city.

Fast-forward to the wedding weekend and, naturally, one of the biggest nor’easters is slated to hit the northeast that weekend. Kick the prayers in motion! Aaron and I touched down on a blustery, cool Wednesday, rendezvousing with my mother to get downtown to sign our marriage license. After a glass (or two… three?) of champagne, Aaron and I parted ways for me to spend time with my mom whilst Aaron went on his bachelor party in Montreal.

Mom and I stayed in Burlington that Wednesday night, but drove out to Waitsfield the next day, surrounded by clouds and rain. Prior to our departure, however, we went to a salon to get our hair and nails done before the big day. My hair looked great, but it stayed concealed in a hood the entire day as a deluge hit the town. Meanwhile, though my manicurist was sweet and great to chat with, the polish she had used was old and had bubbled on each finger within an hour of me leaving the salon. I was disappointed, but figured that if I could find a salon closer to the venue that could fit me in between then and the next day, I would; if not, only *I* would know my nails were less than perfect.

Meanwhile, halfway through my blowout, my friends Mishy and Kylie came to pick me up for a quickie lunch at UVM, our alma mater. I had suggested we go to Brennan’s, the student union diner, for old time’s sake. We grabbed the corner couches and a bag of complimentary popcorn. I promptly dropped the popcorn everywhere, and helplessly turned to my friends (who didn’t hold back their mocking laughter) and said “I can’t wait to graduate.”

Eating a quesadilla and a maple milkshake, with my two closest friends since freshman year at UVM, seven years after meeting on my wedding weekend, was truly a full circle moment. Those would continue throughout the weekend, including a brief stop into the new Hillel building (Jewish student union, for those not in the know) to see how the new space looked and grabbing hugs from the staff (both of whom were elated to see me, which only made it harder to leave).

I bid my friends farewell until the next day as my mom and I headed out of Burlington. Rainy days at UVM are a memory I keep close to my chest. I may have graduated by that point, but I wouldn’t trade those two-ish hours on campus for anything.

The rain kept trickling on and off the rest of the afternoon, as my mom and I dropped off goodie bags for her family and friends at the bed-and-breakfasts along the way. Halfway through the trip, my sister called to say her flight with my brother had been cancelled. My mom quickly finessed them another flight that would stop in New York, so they could get sleep at my grandparents’ house.

Eventually we arrived at The Inn at Round Barn Farm, our home for the next four days. We walked the property with Becky, the incredible wedding coordinator, going over final details. We were shown our rooms; my mom had the suite upstairs while I had the bridal suite on the bottom floor.

Let me be clear: BRIDAL SUITE. TO MYSELF. FOR TWO NIGHTS.

That alone was worth the trip. Huge canopy bed, separate sitting room with a jetted tub and fireplace (my. own. fireplace.), and full ensuite bathroom. Heaven. Heaven. Heaven.

My mom and I wound up driving through the town briefly, stopping at a well-reviewed pizza place for dinner. We shared a charcuterie plate, a pizza, and more champagne (just assume I had champagne on me at almost all times).

We ended up meeting up with my family from Chicago at a nearby restaurant for them to grab a few burgers at last call. I collapsed into bed not long after getting home, I was too sleepy! What a day!

The next morning, we had fresh breakfast and apple cider before I found a nail salon within a twenty minute drive of our venue. My mom and I began the drive, rolling down an interstate highway with brief glimpses of sun, and even a rainbow. A glimmer of hope. At this point, we knew the nor’easter was dissolving and there would be no more flight trouble; all that remained was the question of whether or not it would be too cold and muddy for us to hold the ceremony outside in the trees like I had wanted. Granted, an indoor ceremony would have been beautiful, but not “Vermont in fall, rustic colors and mountains” beautiful. We got to the salon, where I got the quickest and most perfect french manicure. I mean it. It took the manicurist maybe ten minutes to get that done.

I sat down to let them dry and happened to strike up a conversation with the woman next to me. Of all places, she was from Long Island, not far from where my mom grew up, and had retired to Vermont. She had had this beautiful life that was filled with love (naturally, her husband was a doctor– Long Island doctor, like both my parents). She gave me a big hug and congratulated me as my mom and I headed back to the Inn, where my brother and sister had finally arrived and were sleeping after a long, LONG day of traveling.

More and more family arrived as the afternoon went on, and soon it was time for the festivities to officially, unofficially, begin. Aaron and his groomsmen arrived for the rehearsal, as did our rabbi and select family members. Prior to the rehearsal, Aaron and I signed our ketubah, with Kylie and Aaron’s friend Jesse as our witnesses. We both also included our friends Mishy and Travis as witnesses; they both were unofficial members of our wedding party, having been out of the country when the time came to build the wedding party (Mishy in Scotland, Travis in Africa). It was a GREAT way to include them for a day so special to us.

Becky walked us through the rehearsal quickly, and soon it was off to the rehearsal dinner! More charcuterie, champagne, and laughs as both Aaron’s father and mine toasted to our happiness. Aaron’s father gave a loving, “Star Wars” themed speech, and my dad presented us both with coin sets from the year we were born (my dad’s a rare coins guy).

We all drove back to the venue, where Aaron and I quickly practiced our first dance routine one last time before he returned to the groomsmen AirBnB for the weekend. It was the last time I saw him before the altar.

A giggly night with the girls and a night with heightened awareness sleep later, it was the big morning. Another breakfast with the family, and the bridesmaids. It was a cold, sunny morning. If things weren’t too muddy or too cold by noon, we would be able to have the ceremony outdoors. After breakfast, the girls and I all walked the property, taking goofy photos and hugging to keep warm. I was in my burgundy leisure suit (it’s a suit for leisuring) and my big jacket. I must have been quite the sight, but dangit, did I feel happy.

Soon, it was time for us to start getting ready. I managed to only cry once the entire “getting ready” process, when I heard a certain song playing from my playlist (I was also getting eyelashes glued on, which stung).

Everything was slowly beginning to hit me when Becky walked in to give us an update.

“Mallory, I just talked to the team… we’re good for the outdoor ceremony.”

My heart froze. It was happening. I was getting my sun-kissed ceremony.

Listen, make fun of me all you want, but hear me out: I knew I had the perfect husband. No offense to all the other husbands out there, mine is the best. I wanted a perfect wedding to go with my perfect guy. Sunset in Vermont on a cool autumn evening. Imagine.

Photos flashed and hands were fanned to keep mascara from running until it was time. THE time.

I asked my mom, sister, and bridesmaids to leave the room and give me a moment to myself. I listened to “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John, and prayed. I thanked whatever higher power was out there, looking out for me, giving me my health, my family, my friends, that day, that weather, my whole life. Every bad day led to that great one. I was so, so ready.

Becky came to get me. I met my mom by the entrance to the ceremony area. It was our last moment together. I thanked her and told her I loved her. Then Becky signaled us, and the walk began.

My mom walked with me the first half of the aisle, and my father joined for the second half. Both were quietly whispering praises, telling me how beautiful I looked, how proud they were of me. We turned the corner to walk down the aisle and I saw my friends, family… and him. Waiting for me.

The ceremony was twenty minutes of blessings, love, and yeah, there was a Beatles quote thrown in there for good measure. We didn’t write our own vows, but instead chose to repeat the standard blessings and vows about honor, health, and happiness. We sipped wine, smashed a glass, and… okay, Aaron is not the “let’s make out all over the line for It’s a Small World” kind of guy, at all. I’m similar; there is a TIME and PLACE for a big romantic kiss in front of people.

“You may now kiss the bride” is THE time and THE place. Wowwie wowwie wow, still get goosebumps thinking about that kiss.

We spent an hour taking photos, where my feet got so cold from the ground that I couldn’t feel them by the time we got inside the reception venue. We took photos with the cows on the property. Amidst golden trees. Along the verdant farmland as geese flew overhead (I’m not joking. Straight out of “The Notebook,” “if you’re a bird, I’m a bird” kind of moment).

By the time we got to the family portraits, I was ready to just sit and enjoy our catered cocktail hour. Grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters were one of the items awaiting me, as just a tidbit.

One thing I’ll note: all music played at the ceremony was our choice. I created a playlist for the cocktail hour and reception, and they didn’t just take my ideas and work off them, they just straight up used them! During the cocktail hour I heard the soundtrack from “La La Land” and “The Incredibles,” both of which I put on my playlist. I heard those songs and I thought “Aw, they used my whole playlist.” A really sweet touch (and a massive compliment when, towards the end of the night, the DJ said it was the best playlist he’d ever used during a reception and wanted to use it at other weddings in the future. I have impeccable taste, MOM)!

As the reception began, Aaron and I did our first dance to “Happily Ever After,” the song that plays during the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. We crushed it, thanks to lessons my mom had given us as a gift the year earlier!

My father-daughter dance was set to “Butterfly Fly Away” by Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus. It was a real full circle moment; growing up I always thought Miley Stewart and Robbie Ray Stewart (Miley and her dad’s characters on “Hannah Montana”) were like my dad and I. For a while there, he was my best friend. We had danced to their first duet, “I Learned From You” at my Bat Mitzvah. This was a great nod to that!

Aaron then danced with his mom to  “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan. I bawled the entire time.

By that point it was time for toasts! My aunt Terri and uncle Marc blessed wine and the bread of the table (Aaron and I got a whole loaf of challah to ourselves… a blessing indeed). My sister made a touching speech as my maid of honor, throwing in a few digs about my flights of fancy and joking how she bonded with Aaron while watching “Riverdale”. Aaron’s best man (and oldest friend) Levi gave an equally lovely speech where he revealed that Aaron had a female alter ego named Angela. I don’t know how much of it was shaped by the character from “The Office,” if at all, but think about it: Levi loves “The Office” almost as much as I do, and Aaron is a bit grumpy, very neat, and loves cats. So.

The rest of the night was a blur of dancing, cake, and laughing. Here’s a few things I do remember:

1. I don’t care how many Jewish weddings/Bat Mitzvah parties you’ve been to, the Horah is chaotic and no one knows what’s happening when it happens. Which way do we step? Who’s going up in the chair? What are we doing? It’s insane, in the best sense of the word.

2. To start up the dancing of the night, the DJ played “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain, during which Aaron and I (and a few other couples) slow danced and I felt at peace with my entire existence.

3. I tossed my bouquet and danced with my girls to “Dancing Queen” by Abba. “Dancing Queen” was my thing before David Dobrik made it a thing, okay? ABBA EXISTED BEFORE VLOGS. MAMMA MIA.

4. Our last song of the night was a cover of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by Sleeping at Last. It was perfect, sweet and soft.

5. I made a commitment to Aaron that day… but also my shoes. I didn’t take my shoes off the entire night. I said to my shoes as I put them on “Till home do we part, okay? It’s you and me tonight.” I needed help walking the 500 feet from the venue to the inn, they hurt so much after seven hours. Worth it.

Aaron and I promptly changed and went to the mini-after party in the Inn’s rec room, where the young’ins played pool, ate flatbreads, and drunkenly sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart” with the STRONGEST conviction.

The next day was a calm walk among the clouds. My updo had transformed into the gentlest of curls. My high school friends and bridesmaids all had a touristy afternoon in the mountains, going to the Ben and Jerry’s Factory, the Cabot Cheddar tasting store, and a general store where I was gifted a sign that read “Happy girls are the prettiest.” I must have been the most beautiful girl in the world that weekend (and that’s saying something. My makeup artist was a literal pageant queen).

After my friends dropped us off to head back to reality, Aaron and I ate burritos in our suite, and I enjoyed the hot tub next to a roaring fire. Aaron brought me one of the many desserts in our room. Have you ever been handed chocolate by your soulmate, while sitting in a jacuzzi next to your personal fireplace? Highly recommend it.

The next morning, we woke up at the crack of dawn to catch an Uber back to reality… for six days… before we left for our honeymoon.

To say the weekend was perfect is an understatement. To call a man as smart, compassionate, loving and kind as Aaron my husband, my partner-in-crime for life, is a true blessing. To have had those moments with my friends at UVM, at Ben and Jerrys, “shaking it off” on the dance floor, is a true blessing. I’ve always been able to recognize the little things about life that make it beautiful. This weekend, it really was a combination of the big and little things: Sunshine. Champagne. Friends. Family. Love.

Thank you to everyone who made this weekend so special. Aaron and I will remember it all, forever.
Special thanks to my mom, who planned this like it was an Olympic sport. Par for the course for her, to be honest.

A final thank you, of course, to Aaron. I love you and I like you. Happy Valentine’s Day.

As I write this, I have an orange little kitten sitting on my chest, while his equally small calico sister looks at my typing fingers from behind the back of my computer.

That’s right– we’ve adopted cats.

Aaron has wanted us to get cats for a while now, but between the wedding and the honeymoon and the holidays we wanted to wait until after the new year. Sure enough, not even two weeks into 2020, we had an appointment with a foster family.

At a work associate’s football party (to celebrate the holidays AFTER the holidays), Aaron struck up a conversation about adopting cats with a coworker who had recently adopted. She introduced him to the foster mom who had adopted out a cat to another coworker of ours. Aaron discovered she was fostering a family of newborn cats, three of them calico (which had especially piqued Aaron’s interest, after raising a calico on his own). He filled out an adoption application at the table right then and there, and scheduled a meet and greet three days later.

I was nervous, to say the least. Obviously, I wanted to provide the best life for the cats, and I was scared I wouldn’t be that person. Aaron was reassuring, promising that if things didn’t feel right at our Meet and Greet, we wouldn’t take them home.

That Saturday, we drove to the other side of town and met the foster mom, who led us into her nursery of the “Reindeer family” (being that it was the holiday season, each of the seven cats and their birth mother were named after Santa’s reindeer). I was overwhelmed by how little they all were. As the foster explained that her goal was to adopt out each cat in pairs, or at least into a family with a cat, Aaron found himself being swarmed by small kittens (roughly two months old at the time). I sat down near him, not wanting to crowd him or overwhelm the kittens in the room. Several of them immediately took to Aaron, but it was taking longer for them to warm to me.

Eventually, one of the girls made her way over to me. She circled a few times, then eventually jumped into my lap and crawled up to snuggle by my feet. My heart swelled. This was my girl.

Not long after, her brother came over to me after snuggling with Aaron to see what the fuss about me was. Aaron looked over at me, with a lap full of cats, and said, “Okay. that answers our question. Where do we sign?”

I sat in the back with the two in a carrier as we made our way home. That weekend was filled with smiles, photos, and a few really nice cat naps.

That was a week ago. We’ve since changed their “Reindeer Names” of Comet and Prancer to Jake and Rosa, and they have since learned our master bathroom is their bedroom and that the closet is a treasure trove that MUST NOT BE DISCOVERED NO MATTER HOW INTRIGUING IT LOOKS. They like listening to music, watching Youtube, and they love playing with their catnip flavored mouse plushies and a crinkly slice of pizza (enjoying pizza by themselves in a corner. They are truly family).

And yes, their names were chosen based on the characters of Jake Peralta and Rosa Diaz from “Brooklyn Nine Nine.” I got a video clip of the two snuggling on my Peacock pillow watching “The Office.” They are being taught early that we’re an NBC family.

My life has been filled with new responsibilities, challenges, and adventures in raising and taking care of a living being. It has been tiring, calming, and truly loving at times. We’ve started this ritual of me turning on quiet music while I wash my face at the end of the night to signal to them that it’s bedtime. They are so smart and so aware, and I was not prepared for how curious and troublesome they can be (they just want to experience and chew on… everything).

I am so happy and so in love, even if they like to step on my keyboard while I write (and gnaw on my fingers at any opportunity. I’ve learned to wear my slippers at all times so they don’t nibble my feet). Soon they’ll be mature enough to walk around the house without supervision! Until then, I am happy to keep them close to my heart. Literally. Did I mention Jake is on my chest right now?

Both cats have fallen asleep nestled against me while typing tonight, but they have since stirred and decided on one last bout of playtime before bed. That means it’s time for the skin routine and soft music.

Goodnight, world. Goodnight, Jake and Rosa. Welcome to our little family.