Madeline Mary Swope came first. I remember EXACTLY where I was the moment she was born, the moment she made me aunt shell. I was in the Prayer Room at EvFree Fullerton - it was a Monday afternoon - and I was in an Administrative Assistant Meeting led by Kathy Buchholz, my boss. I was sitting on this green couch and a text came in with a picture of the most perfect little girl - she looked just like a little baby doll - I started crying instantly and had no idea my heart would change so quickly. She owned me from that very first picture. I held my little M a few days later and I have literally never been the same - never have I loved anyone quite so much! Mads lived in San Diego, California for the first several years of her life and I loved that - it meant I got to drive down on weekends and spend time with her, to be present for her birthday celebrations, to deliver Easter baskets, celebrate virtually any family holiday, hold her in church on a Sunday morning and watch her dance. I got to watch her grow up. It was a dream come true. In January 2013 my brother was stationed in Oahu, Hawaii so the entire family had to move, ergo things changed substantially. Now I send packages and visit as often as possible. She is undoubtedly one of my favorite little people on the planet, and my heart aches to laugh with my best girl, but I praise the Lord for FaceTime and snail mail!
Next up was Izzy Mae Sanchez, my best’s daughter. Carrie got pregnant with Iz while we were still roommates and truthfully I think some of the deepest roots of our friendship developed as little Iz grew in utero. Walking beside Carrie through that time was full of profound moments for me and my relationship with the Lord as well - I learned entirely new things about forgiveness and grace and His love for us even in our guilt and shame. He embraced Carrie and Joe fully and as they were honest and humble, He healed and restored and watching the transformation and maturity was beautiful and breathtaking. Izzy was born on December 19 - I was at the hospital early that morning as Carrie labored and got to hold her hand and pray over her as she waited to welcome her girl into this world. That evening when I came back to the hospital to hold Izzy for the first time, the tears just couldn’t be contained - as I stared into her perfection and prayed blessings over her I remember being completely captivated and wholly in awe of the good work the Lord had done. Izzy was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia when she was 2 months old and would end up getting a liver transplant before she was 8 months old. The journey with Carrie and Iz was one that cannot possibly be explained but is undoubtedly one that has forever changed me - we saw the Lord’s faithfulness in indescribable portions as He sustained us and provided hope in our desperation. He chose to give Izzy life and He allowed us to keep her here on earth. Grateful doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Charlotte Rose Swope was born very late on a Sunday night and I was blessed to be in the room and on the phone with her daddy who was in Texas at Officer Commissioning School for the entire event. I will forever cherish the memories of getting to be present with my sweet sister Jamie that day. Jamie married my big brother Kevin when I was only 20 and has been part of my life since I was probably 12 or 13. She doesn’t feel like a sister-in-law but really like a sister, she’s family and I am so thankful to have her. Charlotte has personality galore and is truthfully hilarious. She makes awesome faces and is a total spitfire. I haven’t gotten to spend nearly as much time with C as she was born only 6-weeks before the big move to Hawaii but she is endearing and I adore her nonetheless - she is my blondilocks and I can’t wait to squeeze her again soon.
Siena Rose Key was next up to call me aunt shell. Matt and Shannon were in my life group for two years and we all got super close while Izzy was sick. An experience like that really does change you and it bonded us for life. Siena belongs in a Dr. Seuss book - she looks like she lives in whooville and is so darling. I was playing with her the other day and she had us all laughing until we were in tears. She loves blueberries and willingly holds my hand and is just starting to say shell. She melts me.
Rory James Sanchez was my first nephew and I got to be in the room when he made his grand entrance as well - what a gloriously joyful experience that was. Carrie asked me to take pictures of Rory’s birthday and it was truly my honor and privilege to be beside my best that day. Because I was responsible for the photographs, I took in every single detail and it was astounding. To see Carrie’s mom tenderly holding her hand, the nerves all over Joe’s face as he waited anxiously for the pain to pass, how slowly the minutes passed on the clock as the infant bed warmed, and how quickly everything happened once it was finally time for Carrie to push. Holding Rory and loving on him in those first moments of his life was radiantly beautiful and I will forever be moved by my memories of that day. Rory is a happy little dude and makes THE BEST FACES, loves fruit snacks and gives great kisses.
Jason Edward Swope was born in September of 2014 - he’s the first Swope boy - and he is middle named after my daddy. When Jamie told me they were expecting again it was a total shock as they were definitely done, but God had other plans and life just wouldn’t be the same without baby J. I flew out to Hawaii the day after Thanksgiving to meet the new little man and loved every second of holding him tight and just soaking him in. He is the calmest and most laid back of all the Swope kids. He just sits there and watches everything happening around him. Perhaps it’s because he’s the third baby or maybe it’s because he’s a boy, but either way he is a happy and easy-going guy and he owns my heart in a way that is entirely different than his big sisters. I have a feeling he is going to have me wrapped and will be able to convince me to do ANYTHING for him - he’s a dangerous one, that’s for sure!
Liam Michael Truglio was born to my dearest friend Shalina and I met him on his very first day of life as well. He was itty bitty and so cute. Shalina was my roommate before she married Craig and praise the Lord, she is one of the few roommates I’ve remained close to and loved long after she moved out. I threw her a bridal shower, attended her bachelorette, coordinated her wedding, and got to throw a shower to welcome baby Liam as well. Through the years we’ve had many a heart talk and I am so honored to call her one of my best friends. She has seen more tears than I care to admit and loves me headaches and all. Watching her take on this new role as a mama is a beautiful and wonderful gift.
Adelynn Rae Garcia was born on December 12 to my lifelong best friend Anna. I grew up with Anna and four-year-old Shelly always envisioned having a little girl right alongside her. I think because we were best friends and had so much fun playing barbies and school, having slumber parties and getting in trouble for talking too late in the night, singing in church together on friend Sunday and vacationing in Carlsbad together I just wanted so desperately to give my little girl that same experience. Growing up with Anna was one of my very favorite things. Anticipating Adelynn meant burying some of those childhood dreams and embracing a new reality - one in which I would love Anna’s baby girl furiously and wholeheartedly, but without a little girl of my own. There were definitely mixed emotions and Anna was so gracious. I remember the day she told me she was pregnant and that very first trip to target to buy two onesies (with bicycles on them!) - one for a boy and one for a girl not knowing who she would be yet! I was SO excited for Anna and Daniel and had no doubt they would make the most amazing parents. Together with Anna’s older sister Sarah and our other childhood best friend Jenny we threw a darling “cute as a button” baby shower and then before I knew it Anna was headed to the hospital and I was driving to San Diego to meet sweet Addie Rae! Oh how I love that little girl. I can’t wait to wait to teach her the important things like how to paint her nails and where to find the best accessories. I have a feeling her mommy and I are going to take her on lots of dates and that sounds just right to me!
Jackson James Key was born just a few weeks ago and he’s the newest addition to the aunt shell crew. Jack is Siena’s little brother and he is all kinds of cute and cuddly wonderfulness. He was born on Valentines Day and definitely added some extra love to this world we live in. I’ve gotten to squeeze him twice so far and I am ready for our next swaddled staring session for sure! He fits just right in my arms and already secured a place in my heart!
Truly I cannot encapsulate the love I have for these tiny humans. On a day when the tears feel close and my heart wants to shatter, walking into Carrie’s house and having Izzy shout “IT’S AUNT SHELL” makes the world seem to stop spinning. Instantly I feel wanted and valued and needed again. When I can get out of town and escape to Hawaii, nothing is better than cuddling with Madeline or watching Charlotte run a muck or holding a sleeping Jason in my arms. A wet Rory kiss melts me and laughing with Siena while she tells me to pop helps me lose weight and simultaneously makes me just FEEL lighter. The joy cannot be contained and I am forever thankful and glad and tremendously blessed to have these glorious beams of sunshine in my life. I love being aunt shell!
No comments:
Post a Comment