We're getting a new nephew!

There is an odd/amazing pattern in our family with cousins. It is always a boy/girl cousin best friendship. 

First, there was the Shannon (Aunt Paula's daughter) and my brother, Zack duo. Close in age and BFF. 

Then, there was the Melissa, Me, Keith and Michael (Aunt Paula's sons) gang. We were obsessed with Keith and Michael growing up. I vividly remember asking Mom on a daily basis, "Are we seeing Keith and Michael today?" Since, they literally lived NEXT door (the amazingness in my life IS ridiculous, I know), the answer was usually Yes. There were countless kickball games in our front yards, awkward Christmas pajama pictures (why are we NOT in pajamas in that above picture?!?!), annual trick-or-treating together, Christmas Eve on the hotel blanket, eating fudge striped shortbread cookies at Aunt Paula's and Hostess Cupcakes at our house, etc... Keith and Michael were an integral part of our childhood.

Next up are Jacob (Shannon's son) and Morgan (Michael's daughter); they are 4 months apart and are ADORABLE and PRECIOUS and SO MUCH FUN together. More BFF boy/girl cousins. 

I love their partnership and spunkiness. Check our their adventures at Shannon's blog. 

OF COURSE, there is the inseparable pair of Lily and Anderson (9 months apart). Lily constantly tells me and anyone who will ever listen about "My best friend, Aerson." There is nothing quite as heart-warming as watching them reunite when they haven't seen each other in a few weeks... or a few hours. Lily is constantly, painstakingly, lovingly making Anderson green, sticker-covered crafts to give him as surprises. "Anderson will LOVE this." I hear over and over. Anderson, who is ALL BOY and would rather play/throw/run around with dinosaurs and firetrucks steps it up every time Lily reveals his handmade prize. He calmly, gently, excitedly raves and praises: "Oh, Yilly, I just love it."

I am talking OBSESSED with each other. Let's not pretend like they don't fight and drive each other crazy, but that makes it even more fun in a way; real relationships must include shoving, yelling, spitting, and snatching the Thomas train away from your cousin and running away, shrieking. 

Now, there are these two cousins, who will be (hopefully) a little less than 3 months apart. Of course, we are having a little girl, so it is only fitting that...

Melissa is having a BOY!

This is my new little nephew. He looks perfect, already.  Check out more on Melissa's blog.

Cousins are basically bonus siblings. Love it.