cousin

we've been waiting for this....

up to this point, my girls have been the only grandchildren on either side of the family.  this, of course, has its perks.  they've been spoiled rotten by grandparents, aunts and uncles alike.

but despite the fact that we leave family gatherings dripping with sweets and attention, we're always left hungry for playmates that our girls can call cousins.

and in less than two months, that hunger will be satisfied.  we're giddy about sharing the attention of grandpas and grandmas...because it means that the wonderful gift of family is growing.

and it means that soon...very soon...we'll be welcoming another little.  hubby's sister is due in 8 short weeks.  and i'm already itching to snuggle and love up that precious person.

so...we had a little shindig at hubby's parents' home.  to celebrate the little masterpiece that is soon to grace our lives.

grandpa had tamed some wild farm kittens

and peach was over the moon when he

brought them in from the cold for a bit

meanwhile, grandma and i were busy in the kitchen

preparing the penguin party for our little

winter babe

time.out from the preparations

had to run downstairs for Peach to show

me some tricks on the trike that

was hubby's when he was a little guy

i ooohed and aaahed like a proud momma should

and then dashed back upstairs to finish the preparations

hubby's sister...she'll be a stellar momma!

the guests arrived and soon 

chatter filled the house

i couldn't help but think how lucky this little one is

...to be loved already...

by lots of people

even before he or she arrives

hubby and his cousin, holding each other's kids

wasn't that long ago they were the little ones

all the goodies

tulip trying on the penguin hat...just to make sure it worked

or because momma wanted a pic.   :)

oh the gift of a cousin!  someone who will look back on these days of littlehood and say "remember when we.....?" 

someone to spend holidays with....
celebrate with...
grow up with...

i am anxiously awaiting the day i become an aunt.  the day when i will hold this little miracle and whisper to him or her that we've been waiting....and that giving him or her a lifetime of love is something that i consider a great, great gift.