My Babies

I've had the privilege the last several days to spend some good time with Simeon, Lydia and Elias Bouchard while their parents have been out picking bathroom fixtures for their new house. I cannot even begin to describe how much I have missed these kids this semester. And Elias (born May 16th) is the coolest little addition to the family. I pulled out my camera as we were playing the other day and got some fun shots.

Sims and Lydie love their new brother. We were playing in their room while he slept one day, and he started to cry. They both jumped up and started asking me, "Can the dumplin' join the fun?!" That's what they call him: the dumplin'. It's absolutely precious. Lydie turns on the maternal instinct when she's around him, saying things like, "It's okay. You're big sister is here," when he cries. And Sims seems to get a kick out of him, too, trying to make him laugh.

I've been soaking in some precious moments with them, which are all the sweeter since I'm leaving in a couple of months. We were playing out in the backyard the other day, and I went and sat on the hammock with Elias in my lap. Sims and Lydie came and sat on either side of me, and we all laid back, snuggled up together, and looked at the clouds. It strikes me that such an inconsequential moment could be so invaluable at the same time.

I love these children. I'm not sure what it is...maybe the fact that I absolutely love their parents. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I've gotten to watch them from before they were born...celebrating with Bryce and Susan that "Baby B", and then "Babycakes", and then "The Dumplin' in Momma's Oven" were on their way. Maybe it's just that I've spent more time with them than other kids.

You see, I love babies, but I'm not the one who is always immediately drawn to the kids in the room. When there's a baby around, I'm not the first one who is asking to hold him. But there's something about getting a "kiss, hug, and nugawug" from the Bouchard kids that pierces straight to my heart. When I think about leaving them for San Diego, it brings tears to my eyes. I'm serious. In fact, I'm crying this very moment. Go figure.

Well, I suppose that's enough sap for one day. But I warn you, as the time for me to leave draws more and more near, I just can't help the emotions that will come with it. I'm sure there will be a lot more sap to come.