Should we go to Sydney?

When an RSVP came in from a friend in Sydney that read, “Can we be a maybe? I’m due to give birth right around then (surprise!)”, we shifted our plans and decided to go see them instead.

Sydney was spectacular: sunny, warm, and peacefully meandering. In the company of our friends, we took coastal walks that veered through a cemetery perched on a cliff’s edge (incredible!), ate nourishing home-cooked food, drank copious amounts of tea, talked about names—baby names, last names, hyphenated names and the patriarchy (that part was mostly me)—and mused on vows and what truly makes a family a unit.

While we were there, we took the opportunity to go see a ring Bob had been eyeing. In our own personal styles, Bob tried on that one ring, and I tried on all of them. True to form, Bob bought the one ring (a blank he’s having engraved), and I bought two because I couldn’t decide. It was great.

As we inch closer to November 15th, we’re navigating decisions big and small, finding joy in the process and in each other; and we are continually reminded that we’re part of a wide community of loved ones and well-wishers.

On Sunday, we returned home happy, nourished, and a little more prepared for the big day.