This post was originally intended for this past Saturday, but finals have stolen all of my time and energy the past few days, so today will have to do. I have much to say, but with my last final looming over my head I’ll keep this short and sweet.

Seven years ago Saturday, we lost my mother’s sister, whom we all affectionately called Aunt T.T. Her passing was sudden and painful, leaving a gaping void in our family that could never be filled. For years, May 5th was a dreaded day, a day of remembering her life and all we had lost. Until last year. On May 5th, 2011, my nephew Ayden Parker came into the world. He has been blessing my life with love and laughter ever since. I am so thankful that God chose to bring him to us on this day. T.T would have wanted it that way, to give us an occasion to be joyful for rather than continue to have a day of mourning year after year.

Here are some special moments of the day.

Kylie Ann’s first flower from a fellow.

“Here ya go, Kiki! This one’s for you!”

And of course, birthday presents.

Play me a song, Piano Man.

We also learned that Ayden and Kylie have something in common other than their genetic makeup. They both loathe the song, Happy Birthday to You.

Can’t say I blame them. Have you ever heard my family sing? When you combine the sounds of our voices, we’re slightly off key, off pitch, off kilter.

And then, of course, there was cake.

I love seeing chubby baby fingers gently exploring cake for the first time. The moment the sweetness meets their taste buds for the first time is priceless. Their lips pucker, their eyes glow. It’s glorious.

“Kiki, no more pictures, please!”

A very quick rendition of Things I Fancy:

1) Summer’s quick approach, and all things glorious that she brings with her, this year especially.

2) Ephesians 4:26 “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” This was the marriage advice given to us on Sunday at family dinner by Thomas and Julia, and then again last night at our pre-marital counseling session. Good advice coming directly from the word twice in one day’s time, I think I’ll take it to heart.

3) Sweet Sister Time this week as both Jennifer and I are finished with finals. A trip to Yorktown Beach is in our near future. If only Sissy could escape work on Thursday to join us. Maybe a sister-napping is in order…