A Mushy, Warm and Fuzzy, Feel Good Post

Today is a good day. A really, really good day. Despite the fact that I slept a total of 3 hours last night waiting, I am on a high. A baby will do that to you. That's right, a baby. You know, their smell, soft skin, round backs. Yum. And I get to snuggle one soon because I am an Aunt again.

My "little" sister gave birth to her first child, a beautiful little girl, in the wee hours of the morning today and I couldn't be happier. I just talked to the tired and overwhelmed new mom who recounted to me the madness inducing pain and the overwhelming fatigue of labouring through the night as she sat there, nursing, with her new bundle securely in her arms. She has now officially joined the sisterhood of motherhood.

It is tough though because she is so far away. In London, England. And it is tough because my mom is still going through radiation so can't be there with her for another few weeks. But, overall, it is all good. I wish her a good night's sleep and a mellow baby.

On another note, my daughter had her 6th Birthday on the weekend and it was a huge success! Not only did she have a total blast, as did the whole group of 16, but she continued a tradition we started with my son. Instead of receiving 16 gifts at her party we asked people to donate the money they would usually put towards a gift. My daughter chose a charity based on something relevant for her – in this case she chose the Canadian Cancer Society so she can help her grandmother get better {sniff}. Half of the money went to charity and the other half she used to buy a gift of her choice. That way she isn't overwhelmed by things she doesn't need, gets one great gift, and understands that she has the ability to help others.

Thanks to all of the parents who were so incredibly generous. Her choice of charity was so personal and I wept crocodile tears as I saw her excitement about how much money she was going to give to help her Grandma.