Babies, Babies, Everywhere!

Growing up, I was always the kid who played house. I played with my Cabbage Patch dolls until it was no longer cool. My cousin, Jaclyn, and I would have sleep overs and trade our doll clothes. I've loved babies from the very beginning of time. For as long as I can remember, my Mom has always said: "Oh that Becca. She would even love a baby snake as long as it is a baby." Okay, I disagree with her on that statement - but it's true. I absolutely love everything about babies! Call me a freak if you will, but I set my DVR everyday for TLC to record The Baby Story. When it comes time to watch it, I cry. Why? Because I'm sensitive, that's why!

Right out of high school, I landed a job at a local preschool. I started off as just a floater, but over time found myself full-time (while going to school) in the baby room. It was the perfect job for me. I held babies literally all day long. Rocked them to sleep, changed them, fed them, etc. I stayed at that job for about 5 yrs when I went to school full time. Through the years, I've babysat probably over 100 children (I counted at one point), and my heart has always belonged to those itty bitty babies. I've seen so many children grow up through the years, and it honestly melts my heart.

This year, it has been the year of babies for many people that I know. Not only are people I know having their first (or second, or third, or forth) babies, but they are all people who I love. Whether it is a relative, or a friend - each baby is so special in their own way.

My cousin Chris, and wonderful wife Janette recently expanded their little family into a family of 4. Miss Riley Mae made her debut last week, and is absolutely precious in every way! Big sister Kalie is going to have so much fun with her little sister through the years, I can only hope she enjoys her little sister as I do mine! (They are lots of fun to pick on!) Aunt Jaclyn is just as proud as if Riley was her own. Taking about her two wonderful nieces, makes her smile ear to ear!

Miss Riley will grow up at Warren family functions with my cousin Rhiannon's soon to be born baby. Baby Boy Brovold will be born mid-December. You can bet that come beginning of December, I will await for the text/call that the little guy is on his way. This baby comes with a whole lot of people who love him, and are waiting to meet him. Rhiannon and Kenny mean the absolute world to me - and I couldn't be thrilled to watch them expand their little family into three. I have no doubt that they will provide for their new little guy, and will be the best parents out there. This little boy is so lucky to be born to such two amazing people. Most exciting part: I will be traveling back to Seattle in January to meet this new little guy in person and be able to squeeze him like silly!

My dear friend, Joanna, who I have been friends with from working at Cardinal is also expecting. Baby Boy Jutte will be born mid-January. This is another baby who is coming into a fantastic family. Joanna comes from a very strong British family, and I cannot wait to hear the little accent that this little guy will adapt to through life! The fun thing about this baby, I'll actually get to see and hold him since he is local to me!

Where I am so very excited for all of these new or expectant mothers, not being able to meet Miss Riley and being there to see newborn Baby Boy tugs at my heart. We moved away from Seattle back in 1990, and since then we have not had the feeling of "family" functions or participating in all of these family events. Thinking about possibly having a real family Christmas, Thanksgiving or birth of a family member makes me want to pack up my bags and move back to the area tomorrow. As an adult, you begin to realize just how important these events are. As a child, Christmas is about presents. Today, I sit here and realize it is the time spent with loved ones which is truly the most important gift.

Babies are such a blessing, and I wish nothing but happiness for my dear friends and family. Though I have not been able to experience these emotions; I am so very excited for each and everyone who has had the opportunity. Everyone needs to have more babies, so I have more to hold and more to have fun with!

**Sorry to make so sappy, totally had a thought on my mind and had to talk about it. :)**