Dear Iris,
 I held you for the first time.  It was one of the most precious moments of my entire life.  I have loved you since before you were born although I had never gotten to kiss your precious face or squeeze those chubby little legs.  It was a true gift from God.  I will never forget that moment.  I had just surprised your mom and dad by coming home from Tanzania.  Of course, things got pretty loud when your mommy and I finally saw each other for the first time in almost 1 year.  All of the sudden I heard a precious little cry coming from the back room (sorry about that).  "Iris", I said.  I wasn't sure if you would cry when they placed you in my arms and everything in me wanted to squeeze and hug and kiss all over you, but I didn't want to freak you out.  So, I calmed myself down and just waited to see what you would do.  The first thing I noticed as we looked each other over for the first time were your beautiful and curious eyes.  Even though you look just like your daddy, those eyes...those are your mothers eyes.  You didn't cry!  You were so happy and content, as if I wasn't even a stranger.  I also got to put right to work changing your diaper.  You were very bad!  I literally couldn't keep you still.  You chubby little body was rolling all over the place.  I loved it though.

The short 9 days that I got to spend with you were filled with wonderful memories, non-stop laugher, tearful goodbyes and many moments just stopping and staring at your sweet face and savoring every second.








Dear Caloway,

 My precious first nephew, you have officially become a BOY.  I loved getting to experience your playful and crazy ways.  I'm glad that you still know that aunt Stephy can beat you up!  Don't forget it either.  Even though I thoroughly enjoyed all of your excessive loudness, I treasured the moments where you would snuggle up to your aunt and tell me stories, share memories, talk about Kennedy, or ask me questions.  You are still that same sensitive and loving Caloway, that we are so proud of!  Your love and knowledge of birds cracks me up!  I'm so proud of you, Caloway.  I enjoyed every moment that we had together...especially sharing those bunk beds and our campout in the living room!



Norah-Bora,
 Oh how I had missed your precious hugs and that sweet little voice.  It was so precious that you couldn't believe it was me when I woke you up.  "But aunt Stephy is in Africa?"  haha, you were so confused!  I had a lot of fun the we stayed the night at mamaws together.  You still haven't lost your affection for snacks, which is a direct reflection upon the childhood of your mother.  Oh how she loved a good snack...especially anything involving cheese.  I loved hearing your beautiful songs that you would make up right on the spot.  I had missed your pretty voice!  I also loved getting to see all the interesting outfits that you would pick out for yourself every day!  You have such...unique style!  Thank you for all the wonderful hugs and kisses and how often your reminded me how much you love me.  I love you, too sweet Norah!


Winston
 Oh my word.  What can I even say about how much you have changed.  You are a bulldozer.  I can't believe that such a tough little guy can also be so sweet and loving and snuggly!  Also, those glasses make it absolutely impossible to get mad at you!  I loved wrestling with you and Caloway!  You are so strong that it kinda scares me...so much strength from such a tiny little body.  It was so cute how much you loved your Tanzanian soccer uniform.  You kept grunting and pretending to kick as hard as you could.  I loved it.  You do have quite the temper, which I thoroughly enjoyed watching your mother suffer through on several occasions.  You are also very funny, so I loved watching your mom trying to hold back laughter when you were in trouble.  I love you so much, my little Winston.  Thank you for all the hugs and kisses/licks. :)

proof of your deep love for me 

Leighton
  Oh, Leighton.  You and I had our moments! haha.  I tried everything I could do to get you to remember me when I first got back.  I so badly wanted you to like me that I may have overdone it a little.  I even told you that I would buy you a toy, in which you raised your little finger and replied "I buy me own toy."  haha!  You are hilarious just like your mom!  I know she is sweet now, but she was NOT at your age.  I loved how snippy you were to me at times because it was like a flashback to how mean your mommy was to me when she was little.  Despite your hilarious and mildly rude attitude at times, you were so much fun and so sweet to be around.  I loved to see how much you have learned and how much you love your family.  Thank you for giving me hugs and kisses and telling me that you love me.  I meant so much to me to hear those words.  When I left last year you were only saying a couple of words and now you can VERY clearly communicate your feelings and your desires.  I loved hearing all of the funny things that you would come up with to say!  You are loved by so many, Leighton and you give so much love back...just like your mommy!  I'm so proud of you.  You are also so incredibly beautiful so don't ever go down the hairstyle path of your mom...the Dorothy Hamill was meant for no child...ever.


I love you Caloway, Norah, Winston, Leighton and Iris!  Thank you for all the wonderful memories!