You know moments pass in life...you forget after a week, month or year. But there are those moments, good and bad, that will forever be like a picture that was taken in your brain. I think everyone knows just where they were when they found out about the 9/11 attacks, or where their spouse propsed to them. Certain memories never leave our minds. That moment means so much to you that you can't forget even if you tried.
My memory...I was sitting at home when my sister-in-law, Kristen, called. She asked if I could come out to visit them in October to help them paint a room. I told her no problem and asked what room we would be painting...she said, "The Nursery". I was so excited. I was going to be an Aunt!!!!! The next nine months seemed to take FOREVER!!!
Adam and Kristen decided to wait to find out what they were having....so the sex of the baby was a surprise until the day he was born. In my family, if my brother did not have boys...the family name would end. Even though I would have been happy no matter what the baby was, I was REALLY hoping for a boy.
The day came...it was St Patty's Day. AWESOME, we would have a baby in the family born on St Patricks Day...but Cooper had other plans. He did come but after a very long night of labor for poor Kristen. I could not sleep that night, kept looking at my phone hoping it would ring with the good news that the baby had arrived. I finally got that call the next day at work....Cooper Frederick Hess was born on March 18 :). I cried...at that moment I knew that I loved that baby more than he would ever know. I have wondered in the past how people say that they loved a family member the moment they saw them. Well, I then understood what they meant. I had not met Cooper but was already in love with the little man.
I finally flew out to see him a month later...wow...he was even more amazing in person than I imagined.
He was so long and small...so sweet and cuddly. Adam and Kristen were nautral parents....and I loved watching them with Cooper as well.
Cooper turns 3 on Friday. It's hard to believe that he is getting so big so fast. I love watching him grow and being a part of his life.
What can I say about Cooper as a person...he is smart...so smart. You can always tell that he is thinking about something and absorbing all around him. He has a mischievious side. He has a smile that would make ANYONES heart melt. (It makes mine melt all the time) He is so funny, only 3 years old and has a great sense of humor. He comes up with some of the funniest things sometimes...always keeps you on your toes and laughing.
He is a busy kid...always on the go and moving....but loves to watch Toy Story and Scooby Doo and cuddle on the couch with his chocolate milk. He loves ears...he rubs his own, or anyone close enough to him to reach. He is genuinely concerned for others...that's a quality that I think all parents want their children to nautrally have, and Cooper certainly does.
As Cooper grows and learns new things, I enjoy being a part of his life. I feel honored to be his Aunt. He is an awesome Kid...Happy 3rd birthday Cooper. I love you more everyday and can't wait to see you grow.
Now....I have Alex....sweet adorable, wide eyed Alex. Last April...on Earth Day..Adam and Kristen brought another little one into the world. Again, they did not want to find out ahead of time what the sex of the baby was. I was excited either way. My gut kept telling me that the baby was a girl, but I was going to be excited either way.
So, the moment that I found out Marica and I were on the way to Yosemite for a photo trip. Adam called and said the baby was born but wanted me to guess what I thought the baby was. I again said I thought it was a girl...but it was surprised and happy to hear that they had another boy. And BOY OH BOY did I cry. I was so happy and excited, the tears just started flowing. Again, that instant love for someone that I have never met. His name, Alexander Thomas.
My first visit with Alex was great, I could not take my eyes off of him...he was such a beautiful baby. Perfect big brown eyes, long eyelashes and beautiful dark hair. He was AMAZING!
Even though he looks like he was looking at me like, "who the heck are you?" in this picture, I think he loved me too :)
Alex has a great personlity too!!! He has an easy going way about him...he is so sweet and gives the best hugs for such a little guy.
He is going to be a knock out when he gets older. He has the most amazing eyes....they have a sparkle about them....and those long eye lashes that every girl hopes for...he has!!!!
I think that he might even want to be a photographer like his Auntie when he grows up. He is always curious about things, but careful....he puts everything in his mouth to chew and like his brother has his ear fetish, Alex loves hair. :)
We took him on the carousel when I was there this month and he laughed and squeeled the whole time. He loved it...and I loved to watch his excitment as he rode around in circles. When he feels an emotion, he really feels it and lets everyone else know too! Those are the moments that really matter in life...the moments that you will remember forever.
I can only hope that my nephews will remember the times that I share with them, that I will make enough of an impact on their lives that they will later have those long lasting memories that include me in them. I love these 2 boys more than words could ever say...I am blessed with many things in life....but the most imporant is my amazing family!!!!!
