It's like we're havin' a party, or sumpthin!

When Bud and I were first married, we lived near his sister in Virginia and we would borrow her preschool-age son as often as we could. We liked to pretend he was ours. He's all grown up now and graduating from college this year!

During one of his overnight visits with us, we loaded him up in our car at an hour well-past his bedtime, in his jammies, and took him for ice cream. He thought this late-night adventure was terribly exciting. He sat in the backseat of the car, grinning from ear to ear, and licking his ice cream cone with sprinkles on top. Between licks, he exclaimed, "It's like we're... we're... we're havin' a party, or sumpthin!" Just thinking about that memory makes me laugh out loud!

To this day, whenever we have some fun events happening, one of us is sure to say, "It's like we're havin' a party, or sumpthin!"

Starting tonight and continuing through the weekend we have homecoming celebrations, the football game, a sleepover, a band competition and a birthday. A very special birthday! (Details about that on Sunday.)

People, it's like we're havin' a party, or sumpthin!

Happy Birthday to my favorite 16-year-old nephew!!!

Today is Nephew’s 16th birthday. He’s my only sister’s only kiddo. And, he was born a year before I had any kiddos of my own. He was my “practice kiddo.” Special. Super special.

Nephew,

It was love at first sight when I held you for the first time. A love so powerful that I wondered if I would love my own kiddos that much some day. (I do!) You were so tiny. So sweet.

Our first night there, you cried and cried. You were only a week old and your mama was so exhausted. (Kiddos are hard work at that age, you know!) I slipped out of my bed and into the room you were sharing with her. You had already been fed and diapered so I knew you didn’t need her at that moment. So, I picked you up, swaddled you snuggly in a soft blanket and rocked you. I whispered to you while we rocked. Do you remember what I told you? Don’t worry, I don’t remember all of it either! I do remember telling you what a special person you are and how much I love you. And, I kissed your beautiful face. Yes, that embarrassing ritual started all the way back then.

Sixteen years have flown by. Look at you! Almost grown up and way taller than me now. You are still just as special to me and I am so proud of the man you are becoming!

Have I embarrassed you here? Good! I’m your Aunt and that’s just one of my duties. And, I’ll be kissing your face just as soon as you get here in July. Yep, right in the middle of the airport for everyone to witness!!!

‘Cause I love you! XO

Happy 16th Birthday!!!

P.S. – Just be thankful I don’t have the naked baby pictures in digital format. I could always scan a few…