This little peanut is extra special to me because he’s my newest nephew. He’s nephew number 5 and, in a strange way, I think that an aunt’s heart grows similarly to a mother’s heart: it just doesn’t matter how many there are, there’s always room to love one more. His arrival was a last-minute flurry of excitement, but, gosh, when I first laid eyes in him, I could’ve just taken him home with me. (Melanie told me yesterday that I could have him overnight if I want…haha!) After last fall’s week after week of new family heartbreak, including my grandma’s death, I finally feel like we’re officially on the uphill now with Ashton’s birth and the coming birth of my niece, Baby Whipple. It’s like God knew what He was doing all along…imagine that.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” James 1:17, NIV

I adore how he’s just staring up at his mama.

All of my brother’s kids. Every single one unique in their own way and every single one so loved. Aren’t they such a beautiful family?

Baby Ashton, you were 13 days old when I took these photos of you. I can’t believe how much bigger you’ve gotten in the 8 days since then. I’m so glad that you’re growing strong and healthy, but please let me snuggle you for a while longer. I love you! -Aunt Emily