bubbly

I spent the weekend blowing bubbles.

Countless bubbles.

I flew 1000+ miles to small-town Wisconsin where it was cold and windy. Like, 60 degrees cold. Trust me, that's cold to my thin, southern blood. There was frost on the roof Sunday morning, that's how cold it was. And I only packed flip flops. Go figure.

Despite the cold, I smiled the entire time I was there - all 2.5 days. Even while blowing bubble #73278939208 in the chilly May weather. It was fun. It was tiring (man, a 2.5 year old and a 9 month old can wear you out!). It was worth every second I spent in cold and windy Wisconsin.

This was the first time I met my baby sister. 9 months into her life, 20-something into mine. Gabriella, affectionately and forever-more known as Gaga. The nickname was gifted to her by her elder sister. I personally believe nicknames are the best gift you can get.

Gaga is every bit as cute as I imagined her. Big blue eyes, chubby cheeks, and a laugh that will melt your heart. She is the spitting image of my grandmother, so it was like being reunited with an old friend.

And then there's this one. Formerly known as Button and currently debating between calling her the nickname I gifted her with at birth or her real name: Bethany. She's funny. She's sassy. She's completely and utterly 2.5. Her favorite thing in the whole entire world is to go outside. And, apparently, to blow bubbles.

An afternoon photo shoot in which Button requested to hold Gaga. She tried to love on her while Gaga tried to escape.

Sometimes, love can be tough.

And sometimes, love can be unfair.

Gaga sits impatiently as she watches her big sister play and run and jump and slide and basically do everything she cant while she's currently immobile. One day she'll be right at her side, though. For Gaga, I don't think that day can come soon enough.

It was a long weekend. A chilly, windy weekend. I was completely worn out from all of the running, playing, bubble-blowing, carrying, peek-a-booing fun. I'm glad to be back home, in my own warm bed with my faithful cat by my side again. Plus, it's warm here. Even if it has been raining every single day. But, I miss those girls every single second I'm away from them. It's like leaving a part of your heart behind.

In the meantime, I'm just going to dream of blowing even more bubbles.