I will readily admit I was a little nervous to be totally on my own with both of them. I didn’t grow up babysitting and I was an only child – so I feel kinda handicapped. But I love those two kiddos with all my heart and I love to spend time with them, so the nerves were just hurdles.

Livi wanted to watch their Hi-5 video. I am pretty sure it is the first time I have seen Hi-5. It is kinda odd but it captivated both Livi and Jackson. Jackson hung out in the floor playing with some toys and Livi danced and set on the couch (where Kaya joined her). After the DVD was over, Livi wanted me to play it again…so I did.

Jackson had been doing laps on my living room but he crawled over to me so I picked him up and had him in my lap. We were just chilling when Kaya just up in my lap as well. She took her normal place of laying on the footrest with her head on my leg. A few minutes later Livi turned around and realized everyone was curled up with me, so she came running over and snuggled up on the other side of my lap. Kaya got up (and without prompting) turned around and laid her head in Livi’s lap.

As we all sat there, I melted inside and out. I wanted a picture so bad but my arms were a little full. It was such a perfect little moment. Aunt Cindy was a giant ole puddle of awww.

we took a break from the tv and went and sat out on the front porch. I am not too sure why but all of the sudden Jackson started cracking up at Livi. It was that little baby/kid laughter that penetrates through you and makes you crack up too. Livi being the ham that she is, started making faces and jumping up and down to make Jackson laugh harder and harder. It was too cute and funny.

Well Livi wanted to go back inside for a bit, so we went and watched some Dora. I about fell off the couch when Livi was able to pick out the stethoscope from Dora’s backpack. She even knew it was used for listening.

Later we all were out in the back yard playing. Livi and Kaya were chasing each other and I had Jackson in my arms and we were spinning in circles. Both Livi and Jackson were laughing while playing and it was then that Livi ran up to me – put her arms around my legs to give me a hug and said “I love you Aunt Cindy.” MELT…of course I told her I loved her too and tried like heck to not break down into tears.

I may not be their “real” Aunt but I will do everything in my power to make sure they know I love them and that I am here for them.

Olivia – Aunt Cindy loves you!  May you always know that I am for you.

Here are some of my favorite pictures of us together….

Livi and Jackson may you always know that Aunt Cindy is for you.  I will always cheer for you and I believe you can conquer the world.

At any rate, I thought Saturday would be a good time.  After some prodding by Stephanie, I asked Katie if I could take Livi to Build-A-Bear.  Katie said yes and off we went.  I’m not sure who was more excited – me or Livi.

(If you want to see all the pictures from the experience go here.)

Livi picked the black dog. While we were waiting in line I snuck off (Stephanie was there with Livi) to record a special message to go into Livi’s dog.  The message is “Hey Olivia, Aunt Cindy loves you!” I came out and bent down and played it for Livi, this was her reaction.

The next step was to pick a heart, give it a kiss and insert it into the dog.  Livi took out her pacifier and gave it a kiss.  Much to my surprise she turned around and had Aunt Cindy give it a kiss.  Needless to say my heart melted.

After the dog is stuffed and sewn up it is time to brush and wash (aka air fluff).  Livi liked brushing it.

After the bath you can pick out accessories, which we passed on this time, and then you go and give your animal a name and get a birth certificate.  Livi chose to name her dog, “Woof”.  She’s very happy with her Woof. Not to mention she likes the camera and is having fun.

We picked up Woof’s birth certificate and got him packed up and ready to head home.  Here is Livi, Woof (in the box), and I getting ready to head home.

And just in case you were wondering, building a Woof can take it out of you.

P.S. Baby Jack I promise to take you to Build-A-Bear too.  You are just a little to in-utero to enjoy the experience currently.