On February 10, 2009 the best niece in the world was born. My little Alaina Marie! And now sometime in February 2011, approximately the 24th, the best nephew in the world will arrive. I like to refer to him as Deauxoui (DU wee…get it? 2nd kid? heh…ok…move along).
I like kids. I started babysitting in my neighborhood when I was probably around 12, and I spent 4 summers working at a day camp. I cared for kids from about 6 months to 13 years. From perfectly healthy to kids with cerebral palsy and behavioral disorders. I became incredibly attached to quite a few of them. I felt so completely responsible for them. I genuinely hoped then, and still hope now that there was something that I did for them that made even the tiniest bit of positive difference in their lives. Don’t know…they’re all grown up now and I haven’t seen any of them in years :-/
But I’ll tell you something. The first time I held Alaina she was only three hours old. I will never forget how I felt at that moment. I felt like I wanted to sob uncontrollably, but I was so overcome with…I have no idea what…that I couldn’t shed one tear. I just kept staring at her. She was so little, so warm, a little bundled complete human being. The complete package. Fingernails, creases in her knuckles, and expressions on her face that she still, nearly 2 years later, still makes. And I imagine she’ll be making 25 years from now.
I LOVE THIS KID. I think about her every day. So much love, and there’s another one on the way! I know I am going to love him just as much, but I also can’t imagine what it’s going to feel like…to have TWO little people that fill up my heart so much. Is there enough room? I’m going to burst? It’s overwhelming! Sappy, I know. But I just can’t wait to meet him. And I can’t wait to see my little Alaina be the Big Sister 🙂
It’s only January 14th…gah! I can’t wait!!
xo
en