grace in new life

Sure do love those little fingers!

this entry has been a long time coming.  excuse the delay!  on saturday, september 29, 2012 (my parents' anniversary), a beautiful little being entered the world and it will never be the same.  odette vivian made me an aunt (tante in dutch), and i will never be the same.  on sunday, december 16 after an excruciatingly long wait, i finally got to hold her in my arms.  my heart has never been so full, nor my smile so wide!  the two weeks i got to spend with her were nothing short of sacred.  it may have partially been so very special because i had waited so long to meet her, and partially because i don't know when i'll see her again, but mostly it was because she is just the sweetest, most lovable, snuggly little person.  i am serious when i say that i miss the smell of her spit-up on my shoulder.

dear odette,
your mommy and daddy don't want your picture posted all over the internet and although i would love to share your sweet smile with all 7 of my readers, i respect their wishes and will refrain.  let me just say that this world is a better place because you are in it.  our family is better because you are in it!  you are a beautiful little creature, my little chunky monkey and snugglebum.  i absolutely hate being so far away, but am very grateful for skype and face time so i can at least virtually watch you grow.  you are four months old and have already flown across the atlantic ocean, left your parents to play with your friends at day care, begun to roll over and eat solid food.  you are amazing!  don't grow up too fast - your parents want to cherish every moment!  you have a strong name, shared by strong women, and i have no doubt you will someday be a strong woman yourself.  you are already a strong-willed little lady!  continue to learn and grow, but take your time, and all the while, know that you are very, very loved.
love and mooches,
tante caitlin

And those little toes!

you aunts out there know what i'm talking about.  it is truly amazing.  and seeing your sister as a mother, having brought life into this world?  mind-blowing!  such a beautiful thing.  i am just in awe of this great responsibility she now holds for the rest of her life!  i am so very excited for future visits as this little one makes her way through each phase of life!  wishing my sister, her husband, and their little lady all the grace in the world as their adventure continues!