Baby James (said in an English Accent)

Or not - 

because my sister had a beautiful baby girl. 

And though this newborn has a very lovely feminine title - the name, Baby James, as she was called throughout the whole pregnancy, is pretty hard to say farewell to.

I was the lucky duck who was blessed to be able to go and help out for a week after this beautiful little specimen was born. 

The Baby (my baby) and I left our awesome men for six days - which was rough on our hearts - but were welcomed into such a loving home by my sister's family.

She now has a whopping number of seven little humans running about her abode.

We chatted, chatted, chatted, had a b-day party, makeover time, played Uno galore, ate super tasty food, I worked a bit, went jogging with my nephews and eldest niece, colored, went on walks, did homework, watched movies, and played tricks regarding "branch finger".

(Okay - I'm not proud of this confession but while in D.C. I saw a man with a snarly extra finger (resembling a small branch) growing out of the middle of his pinkie. I felt sad it was there. I wondered why it was still there. Why? Why? He appeared as if he had funds enough to cover a removal of some sort. I wasn't trying to be judgmental or unkind I just kind of became obsessed with this additional appendage and couldn't get the image out of my mind. It was kind of terrifying to me - which I know is ridiculous and rude. 

Anyway, my sister's family knowing my fear helped me overcome it by secretly taping a similar "branch finger" image above my bed. So naughty but a trick I could appreciate :)

I truly left their home feeling uplifted and overjoyed with the relationships strengthened.

And Baby James - what a sweet bundle of perfection! I love all these peeps!

Eldest sibling snoozing with new baby.

This little human had a bit of a cold so she had a little assistance in germ containment.

The Baby with her sweet, older, make me truly laugh out loud cousin.

This adorable niece called me so many new nicknames - the two favorites being Camster and Camel. I called her Kettle Corn.
We bonded for sure.

We are trying to take a picture of my hair which she colored pink with hair chalk - it doesn't show up very well in the photo but she was really pleased with the outcome. Funny kid. I named this skinny bean pole the Michelin Man.She embraced it.

Sister bonding with the new baby.

It was Michelin Man's B-day! Party Time! Kettle Corn helped me make the cake.

Family picture!

Being goofy.
They have way bigger lips than me - I kind of look like I'm performing a balancing seal trick.

The three eldest girls giving their Mama a makeover. 

My turn. :)

After Shots. We look pretty awesome.

I put makeup on this one. Never again.
She's way too pretty.
p.s. she's the "branch finger" trickster. :)

Welcome home sign for Mama and "Baby James"

 After a crazy flight home where I tested positive for handling explosives and had to receive a "pat down"  - all while holding my baby -

they finally decided I wasn't a terrorist  and I was able to return to home to this beautiful sight. 

Heavenly. 

Props to The Beloved for manning the fort while I was away.

You are exceptional.

Even amidst a whooping cough diagnosis for Moo - you kept your game face on. 

Thanks for taking such great care of our babies.