kvell.

[kvel]

verb (used without object), Slang.

1. to be extraordinarily pleased; especially, to be bursting with pride, as over one’s family.

I think this photo says it all, but I do have to kvell a bit tonight. My twin brother had a baby (hadababyitsaboy…remember that brilliant commercial? John didn’t make a collect call to let us know about Jack, we got to meet him that amazing day in June.) Now he’s seven months old and as you can see, he’s a face full of cheeks and perfection. His eyes are bright blue like the Idaho sky in Autumn. His laughter makes every inhabitant and visitor in my parent’s house stop in their tracks and laugh along. Some grab for their phones to take videos. Others hold their hearts as if they might burst out of their chests.

I’ve been home for a week to celebrate Christmas in January. The other day, my dad and I were sitting on the couch. We were sitting in silence for a bit and then he looked over at me and said, “He’s amazing, isn’t he?” I knew he was talking about Jack and he knew I was going to agree. We beamed, shared stories, and kvelled like proud Grandpas and Aunties do.