True story. Fourteen years ago this week, I was about seven weeks pregnant with Callum. I have no idea what night of the week it was, but I know it was a week night when Neel and I stopped in together to the grocery store (Von's, for my Southern CA darlings!). I was lucky. I never had full-on Kate Middleton-esque morning sickness, just that foreboding feeling of misery and nausea and lethargy for the first part of my pregnancy. As we stood there, silently together, in line with our purchases, I watched idly as someone's steaks, their chocolates, their champagne, and then their roses went down the belt in front of us. Only then did it dawn on me. Valentine's Day!

With a voice born from exhaustion (and a little queasiness), I said to Neel, "I swear, if you did anything for me for Valentine's Day, I might have to kill you."

It was only later that we realized how funny that must have sounded to the people around us.

We roll that way I guess. Sometimes Valentine's Day is all chocolate hearts and big plans, and sometimes it's Thursday dinner at home when Momma has been sick all week. What never changes is that we celebrate the love we share in our family. Even when the moments feel small, that love always feels big. Every day.

So Neel's making his special steak tonight and we'll grill that and have a nice dinner at home. I think that what I've learned over the years is no matter the size of the celebration, the love is what counts. The love is what matters.

And you know what? I love you guys too. Big or small, may all your wildest Valentine's Dreams come true!

Well, we don't think it's the flu. Callum and Neel both can't get flu shots (egg allergy), so I hold my breath every winter. Especially this year, since it's seemed so particularly nasty. But despite a fever and general crumminess, he just doesn't seem quite sick enough for the full-blown flu. It couldn't have happened at a worse time, though. My guys were planning a sneak-away day to go skiing on Friday, but Callum called me from baseball practice on Tuesday, saying, "I can't." I wasn't completely sure that this wasn't about baseball, to be completely honest. He doesn't love these pre-season conditioning sessions and is constantly needing to "study" instead of go!

Why is it when I'm my most suspicious that he's generally his sickest? Sure enough 101.1º when I got him home. So we spent yesterday under the covers and snuggling. Had a mini West Wing Marathon (and we totally need to order Season Three) and smoothies for lunch. He was pleasantly compliant for my 365, and Lucy-the-Beagle followed him from room to room (Her favorite spot in the house is on that rug, in his bedroom, especially when it's sunny.) Today is a school holiday, so he can rest up even more. Ski trip postponed, but we'll get it done. Poor kid.

Happy Valentine's to my funny Valentines {still + life}

sick day {life}