In 1998, when I was 17 years old, my big sister gave birth to a baby girl, my darling niece Lauren. I had never before loved a baby like I did that girl. From the time she was born, she was KK's girl. Watching her grow, being a part of all the milestones she's had so far, has been one of the highlights of my life. She is funny, so loving, smart, and has always been much like an adult in a little girl's (tweens :) body. She is, without a doubt, one of my favorite people in this world. That baby girl will be 13 years old tomorrow.
In August of 2001, I flew back from spending the summer as a missionary in Southeast Asia. I came back pretty sick. That same day, as my sister and I were laying in bed, she told me about the man she had started dating over the summer while I was gone, and his two and a half year old son. I met that that blond, chubby-cheeked, little boy the next week. It didn't take long for us all to fall in love with Gregory. She married that man a few years later, and I can't imagine life without Greg now. He is hilarious and has a precious sensitive heart. And he has the best hair of any boy in Junior High. Seriously.
On August 8th of this year, my sister gave birth again. She is now the mother of three kids, and they are a family of FIVE. Baby Richard (or Little Richard as we often call him :), has brought a whole new dimension to their family and is absolutely adored by both his parents and his older brother and sister. And by this aunt too :)
I never imagined that we would end up with kids so close in age, but here we are. Two little guys less than 10 months apart. I can't wait for the thousands of times that Richard will spend the night here, for all the messes and mischief he and Bennett will get into. I can't wait for these two to experience every stage of life together. My prayer for them has been that they are close like brothers, that the Lord would do something so incredible in their relationship.
Richard cried through most of his newborn session, but I'm pretty sure he just wanted his Aunt KK to hold him (which I totally did NOT mind doing). When he wasn't crying, he was a great model. Good thing, since he was born into a family that appreciates pictures!
KK loves you Richard Alexander. I can't wait to experience every stage of your precious little life.
