Kissin' Cousins

Last weekend, we traveled to Chicago to celebrate cousin Ella's (aka Ella Bean) second birthday. Both families were there, including grandparents, aunts and uncles and lots of small cousins. After hours of tireless dancing (including a rousing rendition of the Hokey Pokey), Thomas the Train play, and cousin fun, Ella was pooped. She slept late the next morning and then cozied up in Grandma's lap. As Grandma rocked and sang quietly to Ella, Annie looked on with interest. She began to sway from side to side, imitating Grandma's rocking motion, saying, "Baby.. Ella.. Grandma..." Annie had been asking for Grandma all morning, so as soon as Ella hopped down to give Grandpa a hug, Annie made a beeline in their direction, her chubby little arms opened wide. I assumed she was headed for Grandma's newly vacated lap, but instead she intercepted her cousin, enveloping her in a great, big hug! Annie pulled back to look at Ella and then leaned in again for some more lovin', eyes closed, grinning. Of course, Grandpa was snapping pictures, and I can't wait to see them! The ten month age difference seems less and less significant as our girls age. It makes my heart glad to see my little girl enjoying my brother's little girl.

I cannot get over how beautiful Anne is. As I carry her up to bed at night, I pause in front of the entry mirror to gaze on her sleeping form, and I have to catch my breath. I creep quietly up the stairs where I linger in her room, feeling the weight of her on my shoulder, swaying slightly, whispering sweet nothings and kissing her soft head, drinking in her baby scent. Sometimes I think she is my kitten, small and soft, curled up next to me, purring (okay, snoring, which she gets from her daddy ;) I could hold her like this forever and ever. I know I will look back on these days later in life with a fond yearning. I am devastated that this precious girl baby must grow up, my fear of losing her only tempered by the promise of potential grandbabies to transport me back to these sweetest of days.