I think someone missed his baby sister.

by the time I arrived home Tuesday night after picking up the kids, it was going on midnight.

everyone around here had long since gone to bed, except Gary who, excited to see Jake, had decided to wait up.  of course we got to chatting some more, and it wasn't long before Rowan came stumbling downstairs.  apparently, he had awoken from a coughing fit, heard the noise and came to investigate.  upon seeing Jake, he stopped dead in his tracks, stared, and then ran as fast as he could to Gary, giving Jake a wide birth.  like dude, where did that boogie man come from?  from the safety of dad's lap, he continued his stare down.

"who is that, Rowan?" we asked.  no reply.  again we prodded, "Rowan, who came home?"  he immediately put on his best Mister Grumpus face, and refused to answer us.  jut then, Sawyer suddenly appeared in the living room.  he, too, had woken up and heard the commotion.  OH THIS IS JUST LOVELY, I thought.  here it is, stinkin' one in the morning, and there's a rip-roaring party going on.  I had to nip this one in the bud before the entire household decided that 1 a.m. was indeed a superb time to begin the day.  NO THANKS.    

right then, I stood up and made the official announcement.  "okay people, party's over.  I realize everyone is excited to see Jake, but.  it's LATE.  we can continue catching up tomorrow-- but not before nine," I added.

do you think the troops heeded my advice?  of course not.  by seven o'clock the next morning, this place was hopping.  and I was like, more than irritated.

I didn't stay angry for long.  couldn't, really.  when Jake saw Scarlett, he promptly ran towards her and scooped her up into a great, big bear hug.  instantly, tears pricked at the corner of my eyes, threatening to spill over.  you guys, it was like the cutest thing EVER.

yep, I think someone missed his baby sister.

my favorite.

and I think someone missed her big brother, too.

-jessica