The Little One

Now I know you are probably thinking I stole this photo from a 'how to parent' website, but I didn't. This was real life this weekend.  My niece was here, but you probably already knew what I was up to.

Aside from spending most all weekend together, and sharing 139,204 hugs and 194,731 kisses with the little one, I went on a 9 mile run, nursed a sick boyfriend back to health sorta (I hope), took my bridesmaids dress to the tailor, and finally took my camera off manual mode.  And that's just when I captured this precious moment. 

While it's far from perfect, out of focus, and somewhat out of contrast. It's progress.  Which is really all I'm asking for.

As per my niece. Well shes nothing short of perfection and in the three days shes been here, shes laughed, smiled, and whimpered twice.  Not bad for a five month old.  If it's genetic then I guess I might be in luck when we decide to have little ones, but something tells me ours won't be quite as perfect.

We're heading to breakfast before they get on the plan in a couple of hours, and saying goodbye to that little face isn't going to be easy.  Can't they just move closer? But I am for sure thankful for the time that we got to spend together, and I can't wait to see her again.  Something about her smile just stole my whole heart.

P.S. Been inspired by Nadine, and pretty sure these will be happening this week. I can only resist for so long.

This Little Face

If I could look this cute in stripes and pumpkin hat, all while gnawing on my fingers, I would totally do it. Minus the finger gnawing part, maybe.  Somehow I don't think that it'd be quite as flattering on me.  This little one, oh and her parents (my brother and sister in law) are coming to visit this weekend. And I'm ready to give her 2,492,731 hugs, and twice as many kisses. 

I mean, that face.

I'm also ready to see her in the adorable leopard jeans I bought her at Target, that I just couldn't resist, which I am sure her Mom is thrilled about.  I might even wear my leopard jeans and be super matchy matchy, you never know.

Although we are a airplane ride or eight long driving hours away from the three of them, I am determined to make my mark at the 'coolest Aunt ever' by drowning her in fun and cute things forever. Or maybe until I have kids of my own. Time will tell.

Among other things I am excited about these days.
The list is long.

Starting with:
A weekend in the mountains
Our new mailbox
Thanksgiving
Painting the Front door
The wedding
Finishing the Deck
The pumpkin bread I just made
And my new vest
My kindle
and the onset of Ski Season

I can't wait.

Tomorrow.

Oh hey there Friday, thanks for dropping by again, that was thoughtful.
Also, you can't see me, but my smile isn't that big.  It ain't big for nothing, for tomorrow I'm meeting my niece IN PERSON tomorrow,
 and I can't flippin' wait any longer.  

 With each picture I get, my anticipation grows.  How you, such a small little human has struck me with such wonder, joy, and pride all at the same time.  You leave me dumbfounded, as if to say, Look Auntie K, life is an amazing gift, take it and cherish it, it passes by quickly.

And to your profound influence, I will share my feelings of love speechless, as I hold you. 

Saying, you're right baby girl, life is a gift, without even speaking a word.

Although you won't ever have the pleasure of being the baby of the family (except right now that is), you'll grow up with loving supporting parents and family that teach you (by example) how to be a good person, how to be thankful, how to work hard, and how to give and receive love, which is all you really need. 

You'll probably be the cutest darned thing we've ever seen when you start taking wobbly footsteps, I'm sure when you say my name (however you say my name) my eyes will tear up, with the thought that someday when I have kids, they will be just as special as you are, and my emotions will be on overload.

For now though, while your still young enough to put up with ridiculous bows on your head, and onesies that say ridiculous things, I'll take in as much as I can.  I want as much of your fresh perspective, as much of your flawlessness, and as much of your ability to absorb and learn from what's around you.

We all have a lot to learn from you little one. 

Thanks in advance for teaching us new things, 

and for reminding us of things we have since forgotten.

You are perfection.