We met on a cruise, the stars overhead,
Where laughter was shared and kind words were said.
In oceans and sunsets, I saw something true
But nothing as stunning as finding you.

We wandered through cities, through rain and sun,
With every new place, a new page begun.
You showed me your world, its warmth and its light,
And I offered you mine, with my heart held tight.

We’ve tasted new foods, we’ve lost track of time,
I’ve learned that your suitcase is bigger than mine.
You’ve taught me that love is both tender and strong
A dance through the chaos, a soft steady song.

And now, in this moment, as I look in your eyes,
With friends and with family beneath open skies,
I promise to love you, to cherish and stay  
Through every tomorrow, beginning today.

Wherever we go, whatever we do,
My heart is my compass, it always finds you.
So here’s to our journey, just starting to run…
You’re my greatest adventure. You’re my only one.

The pleasure found in a like-minded friend,
Where words aren’t needed for time to transcend.
Nurtured in childhood, wild and free
A bond as old as the tallest tree.

We ran like puppies through the pines,
No path to follow, no need for signs.
Branches bowed as we brushed by,
With nothing but laughter beneath the sky.

We chased the wind and played pretend,
Each game we started had no end.
Side by side, we roamed for hours,
Wading through streams, picking wildflowers.

Not lost, just far from grown-up plans,
Just boys with bark-stained knees and hands.
In the woods, we found our place
A world untouched, our sacred space.

Now older, with the forest far,
I still recall who we were, we are.
For in my heart, that trail remains
Two boys, one bond, and no restraints.

And women, they watch with tender eyes,
Not quite sure where its magic lies
They may not grasp the way it grew,
But they smile, knowing it’s something true.

An Irish pond she tried to dry
But when you'd leave the walls
Or keep their queen
A veil id likely give for you
To be with him
As his ghost is due

Battle with her earthly pry
Tilling heavens
And rarely cried
Oh erie beckon not upon my son this day

He's as yours
Searched by Spanish doors

Yearning distant mind
Spill from every hide
Benign doubts travel far
Least mourned upon
How is deferred wars hand drawing lettered crack over surrender

I say in grieving myself
The barge is worn
The fortress limber
Yet to the statesman
Another bounty of confusion

We are families of different letters
And I seek the chores

I shall board with Padraig
And the O'tuamas requests again

“Waiting on a Wee One (O’Brien’s Lass)”
with love

There’s laughter in the kitchen,
A hum in every hall.
The O’Briens are all buzzing
Awaiting someone small.

The kettle sings more sweetly,
The days are dressed in cheer,
For a miracle is growing,
And her debut time draws near.

We toss around sweet names like Maeve,
Saoirse, Niamh, or Róisín
Each one like a lullaby
For the baby of our dreams.

She’s Irish, she’s a wonder,
She’s the first of Alden’s line,
With a dad like kindhearted Kevin.
This child is sure to shine.

She’ll bear the name O’Brien,
With pride and grace and grin~
A fierce and gentle warrior,
With all her roots tucked in.

So Alden, through the cravings,
The waddles and the sighs—
Know every ache and flutter
Brings you closer to those eyes.

And Kevin, soon you’ll master
The swaddle and the song—
You’ll rock her through the midnight hours
When the nights feel extra long.

There’s magic in her heartbeat,
There’s stardust in her kicks

And a family here behind her
With open arms and tricks.

We’re counting down the moments
‘Til we meet this mighty lass

The very first O’Brien girl
To shake up all our past.

So here’s to joy and diapers,
To bottles, love, and grace.
We already love her dearly
Though we’ve yet to see her face.

Finding happiness...
Is it really a thing to find?
Is it a thing to feel?
Is it a person, place or a thing?
A wearable item
That adorns your soul—unseen.
Or a pilgrimage or a journey?
You already know what I mean.

Finding happiness...
Maybe just a conversation—
Between you and me—
Or just to watch you
From a place afar—
I imagine us near that sea.

What is happiness?
Is it something reliable?
Something viable?
Or your immersive trance—
A temporary glance.

A fluke, maybe.
Here, I end my ode to this rhyme.
Leaving this question still undefined.
What is happiness?
Perhaps—
A smiling moment in our timeline.

So… you’re having a baby? Oh heavens, oh dear!
Prepare for the chaos, the diapers, the cheer!
There’ll be giggles and burping and onesies galore,
And toys you will trip on from bedroom to floor.

You’ll learn to survive without sleep (more or less),
You’ll Google strange rashes and babyproof stress.
You’ll master the swaddle, the bottle, the “shhh,”
While whispering prayers during midnight **** squish.

Your fridge will be filled with things puréed and bland,
And “me time” now means wiping spit off your hand.
Romance might be “Did you wash the pump parts?”
And “date night” is counting your baby’s heart farts.

But through all the madness, the bottles and binkies,
The strollers, the coos, and the blowouts in pinkies.
One thing stays true as the months pass you by:
Your village is here. (Yes. We mean us… hi.)

We’ll show up with casseroles, wipes, and advice,
(Some helpful, some weird, and some… not so nice).
We’ll offer to babysit—yes, even at two!
(Okay, maybe three. But we’ll show up. For you.)

You might roll your eyes, wish we’d give you some space,
But we’ll still be lurking with gifts and a face~
The face that says “Please… just one cuddle, I beg.”
We don’t need much. Just a sniff of a leg.

So Alden, dear Kevin, from now till you’re grey,
We’re here every tantrum, each night, every day.
You’ve got this! But when you feel tired or small.
Don’t forget: You’re not doing this solo at all.

We’ll be right beside you, and yes, slightly pushy,
With pockets of tissues and cheeks that are cushy.
We’re family, we’re loud, and we love you like crazy~
And honestly? We just want to hold that baby.