& thoughts on expectations, power of masculinity vs. femininity, & happiness as a choice

Ira Klay Smooke was born at 6:14 pm on May 9, 2022 at the Vail Hospital via a smooth, almost painless vaginal delivery ✨

“Long Distance Relationship is a bitch” — they always say. No one recommends it. Even if you are brave enough, you are in for a bad ride.

But how about talking about the often ignored perks for a change?

At first, he was an invisible beast that drove mom crazy. I remember seeing mom struggle with nausea for about 2 weeks straight, completely bed-ridden. I had never seen her in so much pain.

Your mother will always tell you, “Darlin’, it is okay to cry in the airports.”

It's been four years, but you don't forget memories of the person who was your first love. So, as a Valentine's tradition, I decided to take a trip down memory lane.