Baby clothes and baby bellies

So, I guess it's time to end the suspense. The baby clothes - why were they out?

First, let me just say it was so much fun to read all your comments with veiled and not-so-veiled hints at another baby in my future.

And it's true! There will be an addition to the family!

But, she won't be my daughter. She'll be my niece.

You're not too disappointed, are you??

I will admit, I feel a bit badly about the tease now. I did it purposely, just to see how you all would respond - and you all responded exactly how I expected. And it was all fun and games, until I realized I had to dash the hopes expressed in all those eager remarks. Sorry!

Alright, so am I forgiven?? Good, then let's get on with this little niece of mine.

I told you a while back that my brother has a little one on the way, and her baby shower was Sunday. And that is why we had the bags of baby clothes out. I wanted to pull out some of my favorite little outfits from Nadia's baby days to pass along to her little cousin.

Nadia was fascinated by all big box of tiny clothes, and when I asked if she'd like to share a few with Uncle Tim's baby she was delighted. Bless her heart, she is a sweet, generous little soul! The"to give" pile grew rapidly as she declared that every single item she touched was for "my Tim's tiny little baby." She adores her Uncle Tim and she adores babies - combining the two is almost more joy than her little self can handle.

But I soon realized we had a bit of a misunderstanding. "Honey," I explained, "The baby won't be at the party tomorrow. She's still growing and growing in her mommy's tummy." Nadia didn't even pause before declaring "she will be born at the party then, and we will see her and kiss her."

Thankfully this did not happen, seeing as we're still 3 months from D-Day. But that tiny gal did come away from her first party with a trunk full of gifts.

When it was time to open presents, all 5 girls lined up on the ground for the seat in the house. And they did. not. move. until after the final gift was unwrapped and oohed and ahhhed over. I couldn't believe how fascinated they were!



The cake might have been even better than the presents, tho. Look at those faces of longing!



Little L - soon to be replaced as the youngest in the family - is becoming quite the cheesy little ham at 15 months. She came over to me and kept pulling at the camera and scrunching her face into an irresistibly cute grin until I raised it to my eye and snapped a picture. Then she pointed at it until I turned it around for her to admire herself. Yay for willing and cute models!



And one of the oldest granddaughter.



And one of my own girl.



Did you notice that these pictures are from a baby shower and yet there's not a single one of the mommy-to-be? Yeah, I know - I'm kicking myself for that. I barely took any pictures, and none of MaryAnne or Tim. Her Grandma was snapping pictures of her nonstop, tho, so at least there are pictures!

Before I end this, I have to say how proud I am of my brother. Becoming a father at this point in his life was most unexpected, but he has embraced the idea and gone above and beyond. He has changed his life plans. He has spent untold hours stripping and refinishing a crib for his little daughter. This baby will be one lucky little lady to have him as a Daddy. Tim, I love you and I'm proud of the man you've become.