25 years later ...

The photo on the right is my baby brother. I took it 25 years ago, Christmas 1983, at my parents' house (the one where we lived until 1991). We loved making him pose for pictures in cute and silly ways -- I also have photos of him peeking out of an empty jumbo-sized diaper box, playing in a lot of wrapping paper, hugging various dolls, and so forth. But this Christmas photo is one of my favorites.

Two days ago, the adorable little boy in that photo traveled to St. Louis to see his girlfriend, who was performing in a Christmas show, and to spend Christmas with her. During intermission at her Christmas Eve performance, he slipped backstage and proposed to her. She said yes.

My baby brother is engaged. To a Rockette, no less! Who'd have thought it of the baby with Billy Idol hair. I wish I could see them now, together.

I haven't even talked to him yet -- I knew he was going to propose, but only found out when/how it happened by reading it in his Facebook status. Now 25 years ago, I never would have believed that one.