the all-time best title in the world!

I cannot explain the joy that is exuding from my heart today. I have been an aunt since June 16, 2008 and it has been the greatest experience of my life. There is absolutely nothing better than loving on and being loved on by my best girl, my little, my M. Madeline Mary Swope introduced me to this incredible role and I will forever love her for that. However, yesterday Charlotte Rose Swope made me aunt to nieces squared - the all time best title in the world.

My dear sister-in-law had a challenging pregnancy with C. At 33 weeks she began having amniotic fluid level issues and was put on strict bed rest. Bed rest is a virtually impossible feat when you have a 4.5 year old and your husband is away at Officer Candidate School with the US Army. She gave it her best and was able to carry Charlotte to 37.5 weeks. I got the call on Sunday afternoon that she was being admitted and sweet C would be here within two days. I immediately packed my bags and headed to San Diego – I was NOT going to miss this. I drove straight to my parent’s house, spent some time snuggling with my first love – M, and then headed to the hospital to wait it out with Jamie. It was my honor to stand beside my sweet sister as she anticipated delivery. I got to brush her hair and hold her hand and pray over her without ceasing, it was an event that has rooted deep in my heart. And then as sweet Charlotte made her way into this world, I got to hold the phone with my brother on the other end and try to give him a glimpse of the amazingly beautiful thing occurring in his life at that very moment.

Charlotte Rose Swope was born November 18 at 10:50pm weighing in at 6lbs. 11oz. and measuring 20in. long. She is healthy and absolutely gorgeous. She is tiny and petite just like her big sister was. She has Jamie’s nose and somehow ended up with blonde hair! She’s the perfect little bundle you can stare at all day and never get bored. I’m in love.