Aunt Erin

This weekend my oldest friend in the world came to visit. We joke that we've been friends since before we were born because our mothers met when they were pregnant with us. We hadn't seen each other for six years - not since her wedding day - and yet somehow it felt like no time at all had passed. Oh, except that I had two people that I really wanted her to meet (how is it possible that I had two kids since we last saw each other!)

It was wonderful to see both Leo and Zoe take to her immediately. Leo, who can often be skeptical of new people, was totally smitten with her and was declaring his love for "Aunt Erin" before her short visit was over. Zoe was totally comfortable in her arms - which gave me opportunity to cook and shower more than usual! Hopefully I didn't take advantage of her willingness to hang out with them *too* much. I never get tired of watching my kids fall in love with people I love.

As for me - it was super fun to reconnect and I got to indulge in some too-rare adult time. There was talking late into the night, tipsy-ness, a kid-free Indian buffet dinner, and even a mid-day coffee outing. I hadn't really realized how much I'd missed her. And I couldn't believe how quickly we fell right back into giggling and reminiscing.

It's pretty special to have a lifelong friend. I think it's lucky and amazing that we like each other so much as adults even though we didn't really initially choose each other as friends. I'm so glad Leo and Zoe finally got to meet this person that has had such a big role in my life. I'm so glad they seem to adore her as much as I do. And I really hope we don't let another six years go by before we do this again!