Welcoming a new cousin-friend ...

A couple years ago, Cate would confuse which kids were her cousins and which ones were her friends. She'd call friends cousins and cousins friends. I would clear up the difference, and then tell her cousins can be friends and friends can be like family.

And, you know, truth is, I'm really grateful we have friends who my kids already consider family and family they think of as friends. 

My two have known Jaclyn's three for all their little lives. Other than Cate, who was born in Indiana, they all met each other the day they were born. They didn't know it at the time, but they're just part of each other's lives. Ben doesn't know life without Davey, who is Sarah's first born. They were born 3 1/2 weeks apart and have shared many meals and toys since.

They have six cousins on the Taylor side and two on the Hill side. And they all get excited to be together. Cate is looking forward to most of the girl cousins coming to her birthday party this weekend. She is in the top middle of the pack and especially adores 9-year-old Milla and 7-year-old Ethne.

Well, the newest cousin just arrived! Charlie Gunter Taylor was born at 10:42 p.m. Wednesday, April 24. He weighed 8 lbs. Just after meeting him Thursday, my kids asked questions about babies and births and I loved sharing some of their stories with them.

Cate was all about holding Charlie. Ben was distracted by the documentary about alligators on the TV at the hospital, but he finally decided holding his new cousin wasn't so bad. Although that documentary was really interesting, especially if Uncle Charles would hold his baby ...

So, yes, my kids have a new cousin, but I'm guessing in the long run they'll have a new friend too. Perhaps Ben can tell him about alligators one day.

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Speaking of babies, did you read my adoption story over at Gindi's blog? God really does hear the desires of our hearts. Gindi's shared her story about becoming a mom here. It's a wonderful reminder that God protects us and really does know what is best for us. 

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