photo by me

I was racing around yesterday. I had last minute gifts to get, a salad to make, Dakota to feed and take care of, and I had to remember things.

I’m typically the early one to family gatherings. In fact, my brother often tells me that it’s okay for me to show up early and hang out with the kids if I want.

Last night I got there after everyone else and they commented on it. My sister said she was afraid to go in to my brother’s house since I wasn’t already there. Everyone had commented on it and wondered where I was. I’m never late.

I walk in and I’m attacked by little people. Willow flings herself at me and hugs me. “Dawn!” Kooper runs over and puts his arms around my leg. Justice plays the huggy game with me that we often play (we open our arms wide and then stalk each other for hugs and kisses). Lillynn even toddled her way over to me.

I was surrounded by love and softness and giggles and kisses.

Is there anything better?

Yeah…it only gets better.

I’m down on the floor (a place you often find me when kids are around) playing with Lillynn. She had climbed into my lap and was loving on me and hugging me. She leaned into kiss me and all of a sudden, my arms are filled with Justice, too. He leans in to kiss me. We have a three-way kiss going on and then giggles.

And then more kisses.

Hugs.

Kisses.

Giggles.

I think I was in baby heaven. I was getting so much love and it was awesome.

The best, though, was when Kooper, who has a speech disability, said my name. And then moments later, Justice, who is learning how to pronounce words, said my name.

My beautiful boys know who I am by name.

My heart filled to exploding.