Hug your babies.

It's been one year since my sweet baby cousin was taken from this earth at just 3 years old.

Gone, in an instant.

Since that day, that phone call, that funeral I have thought of her at least once every single day. She is a constant reminder to me that life is short, it's precious, and it needs to be LIVED. I find myself getting frustrated with my almost 2 year old who is rolling around in the aisle at Target, SCREAMING, because she wanted two big girl backpacks instead of one. Or, my 9 week old who still has no real schedule to speak of because the kid eats and eats and eats and my control freak type A personality is getting thrown a curve ball. Before I even have the chance to truly lose my patience my mind always goes to my Aunt and Uncle who would give anything in the world to have these 'frustrations'. They don't have them anymore, just toys on a shelf, little red boots, and books that don't get read.

It's important that we hug our babies every single day. We will be tired, overwhelmed, and in need of an adult beverage now and then but we have been given a life that is blessed beyond measure.

Live it. Love it. Cherish it.

Thank you Lena for reminding me every day to do just that. We miss you.