Plus one

Last night, a new person -- tiny, quiet and pink -- was added to our family. In the instant Baby J emerged, all of our hearts grew immeasurably.

Speaking to my sister-in-law today, I smiled to hear her sound energetic and optimistic after a lot of laboring and eventual C-section. Speaking to my brother this evening, I teared up to hear him cry at the intense love and concern and understanding that overcame him as soon as he stepped out of the hospital for a little while. 

Checking in with my parents during our 67th call in the last 24 hours, I warmed up to realize that now they get to share the experience of parenting that they've had with me for more than these Lil E years with their only son, now another boy is lucky enough to have these two people as his grandparents.

Sharing the news with Lil E when he came home from a night at his father's house, I was grateful that my son has a cousin and maybe even a partner in crime in the complications and joys of this family. Looking at the photos of this child, this new life so full of
possibility, so wrapped in happiness from all sides of the country, I
felt myself changing.

I've been a daughter for 37 years, a sister for 33 and a mother for more than five. Now -- and this really gets to me -- I get to call myself an aunt.

I am taken aback at how emotional I am about this. I keep thinking about the "Friends" episode when Ross and lady-before-Rachel gave birth to baby Ben. Monica leans over and introduces herself to the newborn as his aunt and, all choked up, says, "I promise I'll always have gum in my purse."

At this point, fishy crackers and crayons are more realistic. But ohhhh, sweet Baby J, I do have so many promises for you. Already.

There are too many weeks between this baby's birth and when we will get to hold him in our arms and smother him in kisses and orange Goldfish dust.

But for tonight, my heart beats softly and strongly at the same time, and the words behind it say, "What a gift. What a gift."

I adore baby booties (both kinds). I spied these on the Etsy boutique Pleasantly Plump Knits and they might just be one of Baby J's first gifts from Auntie Jessie and Lil E.

Comments

[Amy Kuras]

Congratulations, Auntie. I was an aunt before I was a mom and it's just a wonderful feeling, as is seeing your kid with their cousin. By way of encouraging the "partner in crime" idea, my niece and nephews live three hours away, but the five cousins love each other a bunch despite not seeing each other often enough and have so much fun together (and fights, too). It's one of those relationships that don't get a lot of discussion but they can be very meaningful. Enjoy that snuggly new baby and get ready for a whole new layer of joyousness in your family!

[daruma]

Being an aunt is the absolute bees knees. My niece & nephew turn 4 & 2 this weekend!

[Jen McG]

HOORAY! Congratulations!! Hooray for being an AUNT! Hooray for lil' E having a cousin! Can't wait to meet Baby James!

[Jessica Ashley (Sassafrass)]

I don't know how it is possible, but you've all made me EVEN MORE EXCITED about being an aunt and Lil E having a cousin!

Thanks so much, y'all!