Falling in Love

It's been a while since my last post, but things have been pretty crazy over here. Bunny is teething, and he seems to be cutting 3 teeth at the same time. It was Josh's Birthday yesterday and this last weekend I fell in love!

Her name is Aniston Catherine Jeanne, and she is 6 lbs 15 oz of perfect.

Being an Auntie is one of the greatest blessings the Lord has ever given me. This is not my first niece and I love them all equally, but I had forgotten the way this huge love just crashes over you like a tidal wave. Overwhelming, breathtaking, can't think love.

I feel like I've been waiting for her forever. It's only been 6 months since we were told that she was coming. She even decided she couldn't wait to join our family and made her appearance 3 weeks early, but they have been 6 of the most anticipation filled months. Watching my sister's belly grow, and seeing the joy on both of their faces as they felt her tiny kicks. Listening to and watching their excitement just seems to have swept me up with them.

Now that Aniston is here I couldn't be any happier, or prouder, as both an Auntie, and a sister.  A is a natural. She's so intuitive, and relaxed. Not at all what you would expect from a first time Mom. She's loving, and kind. I'm so glad that I got her as my sister. D is a big puddle of Dad. He is so proud of that little girl and I know that he will be an incredible father. Watching him with Bunny has proven this to me over and over again.

I grew up in a big Mennonite family, not the nuclear unit it's self, biological sibling wise I have 1 little sister. But I had a LOT of cousins. They were my first friends, and to this day they are the people I turn to when I need help, support, friendship, or a laugh. They support me, encourage me, and love me unconditionally. Bunny now has 3 cousins, and another one on the way. It does my heart a world of good to know that he is going to have the same love, support and encouragement I did growing up.

I have a dream for the future. A dream of big family gatherings, full of siblings, and cousins. A dream of houses full of noise, and chaos, laughter, and love. A dream where Bunny has a chance to grow up just like I did. Not being looked at any differently, but accepted and treated like a typical child.

A dream come true!

Thank you Lord for the blessing of family. Thank you for giving us dreams and hope for the future. Thank you for Aniston, and the friendship that by your will, will develop between her and Bunny. Thank you for all my nieces, bless them and their parents tonight. Please be with my sweet niece or nephew to be, as you form them healthy and wonderful in your image. Thank you for letting me be an Aunt to these special little people, help me to be a good role model, and example of your love as they grow into the people you have created them to be!



My last post on the R-word has generated quite the response! If you haven't yet please go to r-word.org  and take the pledge to never use the R word again! World Down Syndrome Day is coming up on March 21st, and i can't think of a better way to celebrate Bunny or the others like him.