I booked my trip to Ohio to visit my new little niece. Just to remind you, she’s the most precious thing in the whole, wide world.

Evidence:

Every year, I make the trek to Hicksville, Ohio … Twice. It’s expensive (always $500+). It’s always a crappy journey (this year, I had a 6-hour overnight layover in Chicago so I could get there in time for Christmas Eve brunch), and it means that **real travel** gets put off for budgetary and PTO-availability reasons. Grumble grumble grumble.

But I love my family, I’m dedicated to keeping up strong ties, and even though it inevitably stressesmethefuckout, I schlep home. Every year. To Ohio. Twice.

Last night, I booked my tickets, and I’m on my way to see that little face in just over a month. I called my brother to let him know, and HE’S TAKING A DAY OFF WORK SO I CAN SPEND EVEN MORE TIME WITH HIM AND HIS FAMILY. This is epic. My brother has spent most of our adult lives punishing me for moving away, and he’s GOING OUT OF HIS WAY to make time for me. Epic. Awesome. Amazing. Holy cow.

I credit Miss Sophie with the new, softer brother I’m seeing. Atta girl. Sweeten him up.

Needless to say, I am crazy excited about this trip home. Eeeep!!!