1. My baby brother and his wife brought their first baby into the world yesterday. It was a rough pregnancy, but that only made the outcome all the sweeter. I feel so much joy for them. And it's also made me all nostalgic for when my kids were itty bitty It's been so beautiful to watch as my brother and his wife transitioned from a new couple to a married couple to a pregnant couple and now parents. Becoming a mommy was a dream come true for me (15 1/2 years ago), the best dream come true ever. It's one of those dreams that changes who you are forever, for the better, and enriches your life and all the lives around you, too. So today I feel blessed for the gift of my own kids and blessed for the gift of my new nephew.

2. On Twitter today @Zen_Moments posted this quote: "People need dreams, there's as much nourishment in 'em as food." ~ Dorothy Gilman. Isn't that so true? I know it is for me. Reaching the dream is a huge rush and such an amazing gift. But that doesn't mean we stop dreaming. I always need something to reach for. Because there's a magic in the dreaming itself, a magic I can't live without. So yes, I adore dreams come true. But also, I love the dreaming.

3. Dreams come true don't have to be huge. Even little dreams come true can feed our souls. I know when I was a kid, the day it was finally time to leave for summer camp was a dream come true every year. It was a guaranteed one, one I didn't have to worry about whether or not it would ever happen. That didn't stop me from dreaming about it, counting down the days, wishing for it as hard as I could. And now I see my kids feeling the same way when their day arrives, when it's finally camp time again -- that day when you just sort of throw off all the expectations and shoulds of living in the "real" world and free your soul.

4. I've been seeing a bunch of debut authors online having their books finally come out after years of writing and revisions, and others getting their first book deals. It's a thrill every time, as if each time someone finds their dream a little angel gets its wings. It's like I have a bell in my chest that resonates each time that angel-wing-bell gets rung. I'm just a sucker for the dream-come-true.

5. Plus, it's inspiring. Even though I've experienced many dreams come true in my life, I still get discouraged at times. And every time i see someone else reaching their dream, it's a little reminder: Dreams really can come true. Oh yeah, I think, I knew that. How did I forget? So today, a little thank you to my adorable, sweet nephew, who I haven't yet had the chance to meet. Thank you, Ethan, for reminding me that dreams really do come true. With love, from your Auntie Cheryl <3