Pierced

My sister, Shiree, and my niece, Kellyn arrived in LA yesterday marking a week long celebration of my sister’s birthday.
In honor of the visit, Shiree decided to surprise Kellyn with a trip to the mall; Claire’s to be exact.
Anyone who has a daughter or grew up gay in the 90′s knows that Claire’s is the place for ear piercing.
When Kellyn found out why she was there, she jumped with joy and then her face washed with fear.  “Is it going to hurt?” She asked concerned.
I promised it wouldn’t hurt worse than a shot... that seemed to satisfy her trepidation.
Once she picked out her earrings, she sat in the chair, the Claire’s “piercing experts” cleaned her ears and made a dot with a marker to ensure perfect placement.
While my sister held the iPhone to capture the momentous event, I held my nieces hand and Uncle Jeff kept Kellyn distracted with positive dialogue.
The Claire’s “piercing experts” conversed privately, deciding to pierce on count 2 (not three), and then they counted down.
1, 2, punch!
Kellyn didn’t even realize they’d pierced her ears.
I said, “It’s all done.”
She smiled and said, “It’s over?”
When we returned home, we couldn’t find Kellyn.  I quietly snuck up on her gazing at her reflection––and newly pierced sparkling ears––in the guest bedroom mirror.
Mission accomplished!

All In The Family

My sister and niece arrive today;
Disneyland, pool parties, and coloring books galore!
Growing up my sister was my best friend (minus a few troubled high school years), and I’m so grateful that we continue to cultivate our relationship.
She’s the strongest person I know; fighting through cancer, a coma, and questionable haircuts...
I’m excited for a week of laughter, eating too much, and movie-night slumber parties in our living room.

Time With My Niece

All it takes is a day in the snow with a four year old to remember what life is all about.
My niece is full of personality, and clever, too.
(Which is a lethal combination!)
Even as an actor, I forget the power of imagination––never fear, a four year old will reignite the sense of play faster than Olaf will melt in Nevada!
My niece also has the power to charm me into a galloping horse; and no matter how many times I say, "this is the last time, okay?"  She looks up at me with her gorgeous blue eyes and electric smile and says (in the most adorable voice possible), "just one more time?"
Naturally, I concede despite the fact that my back feels like it's going to break in half, and my knees feel like a racing horse after ten years at the Kentucky Derby!
I just remind myself how lucky I am that she remembers me and wants to spend time with me––regardless of the fact that I live a thousand miles away, and see her only every few months in person, and weekly on FaceTime. (Thank god for #Apple iPhone!)

Slumber Party!

Sleepover with my niece! 

Frozen, cupcakes and dancing... Of course!

Family Vacation, Saying Goodbye

Family vacation,
Spending time with the people I love;
Laughing a lot and eating more!
Italian passion is wrapped in emotions-  AKA calories.
My family is crazy, hilarious, loud and opinionated.
Despite the moody moments, our quality time was filled with joy.
Highlight: wonderful one-on-one time with my sister and my beautiful niece.
(The first vacation with my sister since high school!)
The time is near to say our goodbyes.
When I was a kid, that meant a lot of tears.
As an adult, I value the time I have and look forward to the next one!
Hopefully sooner than later.
I love my family.

I Hate Goodbyes!

Tonight I had to say goodbye to my little peanut Kellyn.
I never imagined the utter joy I'd get from holding my niece in my arms.
Her beautiful blue eyes, always cheerful disposition and contagious smile-
One look at her and my heart melts.
From the second she entered this world, she had me wrapped around her precious finger.
She knows it too!
I guess there are worse things in the world than smothering my niece with love, kisses and made up nursery rhymes...
Isn't that what Italian Godfathers are for?
Now, if only I could convince my sister to move to LA so that I could spoil her on a daily basis!

Number One Reason To Come Home

When I first moved away from home, I struggled from major withdrawal.
I was so attached to my family, and though I had my mind set on building my career, I just hated being so far away from them.
I couldn't wait for a holiday, graduation or wedding to have an excuse to return home.
As the years passed the trips home got more complicated- Naturally, I evolved into an independent individual. The family dynamic changes.
It's painful to see grandparents grow older.
Cousins begin having kids of their own.
Parents get remarried...
And everyone wants their way, but no one wants to compromise. It becomes a battle not to fight.
Then the moment comes-
You get a phone call from your sister, and you find out that you're going to be an Uncle!
Then the joyous day comes... I'm officially an uncle.
Not to mention, I was asked to be my beautiful niece's godfather!
Coming home becomes magically again!
Yes, it's still a challenge battling the urge not to argue with family, or the heartache of watching loved ones get older, but my little niece has become my number one reason to come home more often!
I'm mean how can I resist this:

It's Official!

Today was the day that I officially became my gorgeous niece Kellyn's Godfather.
This little baby girls is a miracle. Beyond the fact that my sisters chances of conceiving were very low because of her radiation and chemotherapy treatments after discovering she had cancer, Kellyn was a perfect angel. Not even a peep from her during the entire eight minute baptism.
As I stood at the alter in the beautiful old church in Florence, Colorado with; my sister, Josh and Kellyn (in Josh's arms)- I couldn't help but burst into tears . Ironic that a ten day old baby with water being dumped on her head remained calm and happy. Meanwhile, a flood of emotions comes crashing out of my eyes and nose!
I've never been more proud of my sister. There I stood, gazing at this magnificent creation that she and Josh produced, and I was the man that they picked to insure that Kellyn would have a strong sense of faith and unconditional love and guidance for as long as I'm alive.
Strangely enough, I'd been struggling with my own faith over the past two weeks, and it wasn't until today when I stood before God and my family, that I was able to see the many blessings I have in life fight now.
But the highlight of today's baptism for me was not the homily or the cute outfit that Kellyn wore- today I held my right arm around my sisters shoulders and cried with joy. I'm beside myself with gratitude. My sister was born to be a mother, and today I saw and felt a shift in her armor. I'm most grateful for our new bond. I made a promise to my sister that I would always be there to love and supports her, Josh and their daughter Kellyn. All it took was that first look at my peanut Kellyn to know that I was wrapped for life!
I consider myself a lucky guy tonight! I become the Goddfather!

Niece

Never imagined how beautiful you would be.
I'm in awe when I stare into your magnificent eyes.

Extraordinary in every way.
Changed my life forever.
Ecstasy- pure and innocent.