first snow.

the first snow 
fell this morning. 
i woke up next to my husband's 
warm body 
quiet with sleep 
our youngest wedged 
between us-
stumbled down who knows when 
even before the day was 
ready to meet us. 
the window lit 
with fresh white snow flakes 
fat with shape and character 
falling softly 
at an angle 
waving to us on the way down.
my whole family somehow 
ended up on our bed 
every pair of eyes 
watching with wonder and 
growing excitement 
as winter had proudly arrived, 
yet humble in how little he shared..
we know there is much much 
more to come. 
the festive excitement welling up 
in my little heart 
surprised me 
but i welcomed it 
and allowed myself 
to enjoy this beauty and glory 
in the arrival 
of fierce beautiful Winter. 
it helped we had perfect accompaniments 
for days like this. 
eggnog, Christmas music playlists 
[we love Michael and Amy 
serenading us with their classics]
not to mention cozy blankets, 
chili hot chocolate 
and buttery popcorn. 
something about that 
first snow fall,
you can't help but invite it 
into your bones
to sing to your soul 
and rest in the warmth 
that is even more appreciated 
now that the cold is here. 

winter, you are more than welcome 
to stay a while..