I'm an Aunt!!

On December 29th, our niece was born!!! She was a week early and we were out of town so I didn't get to go to the hospital to see her. I've been visiting a couple times since we've been back to see her. She is just the smallest little thing when I hold her and she is extremely entertaining with her amazingly creative and silly faces. There are so many loving people in her life...Lilly's parents and great aunt are visiting from Colombia in addition to tons of friends. Here is my extended plan for Gabriela...watch out little one!
1. Be her cool aunt. When it's time for Lilly and Ciro to get out of the dang house for a change, Gabriela will ASK to come to my house.
2. Teach her to do the stuff girls aren't normally encouraged to do...like climb trees, dig for earthworms, play outside and get really dirty.
3. Be an influence. I'm going to be the strong voice of English as her parents wish her to be completely bilingual. Later we'll also see if she has an affinity for the piano :) lessons anyone?
4. Crafts! My poor sister and brother in law...you won't be able to see the surface of the fridge!
5. Faith. Here is the most important thing; to be another adult who will assure her that God is with her and loves her in everything she is and everything she isn't. More than anything in this world, she will need God's guidance as we all do in loving Gabriela.
Yeah for babies!!!

Go tinkle - get a sticker

This morning I had a play date with two of my favorite little boys. A good friend had me over for coffee, reading and playing time with her twin boys. We had lots of fun singing, playing trains, wrestling, laughing and just being silly which is their specialty. They are amazing and I just love them to death! Just before I left for the church I announced that I had to go to the bathroom first. As I closed the door (and locked it cuz I knew I would have visitors if I didn't) I heard them running through the house yelling, "Mommy, mommy, Miss Rachel needs a sticker!!!!" Apparently at their house going to the bathroom all by yourself means you get a sticker. Actually I got two stickers - one from each cutie pie.

When I'm visiting with these two boys, I cannot get over the wonder in which they see everything. Everything seems to be analyzed as they go through the day. A comment is made about everything that happens. Seems to me that most children I encounter aren't impressed with much. They have so many toys that beep and buzz that nothing is 'amazing' to them anymore. It's as refreshing as a glass of lemonade in Houston in August to see two children so enthralled with everything around them.

I think of all the children I know and the joy they are in our lives. We should all spend time with children to remind ourselves of the wonder we may have lost in our daily lives. We should all make mental comments about what we experience.