KDunn’s Weblog

Recently, there has been a new addition to the Dunn Family. The phrase “new addition” is such an understatement when referring to this precious new life we, as a family, have the privledge of watching evolve and grow. I never knew the arrival of my nephew was going make me feel all these amazing emotions that have been unknown to me throughout my years.

Timothy John Dunn, III. A 6 pound, 5 ounce, bundle of joy and perfection. Was I excited to become an Auntie when I heard he was on his way? Absolutely. But, nothing compares to the feeling of reality when I held him for the first time, at just 5 hours old.

I turned the corner of the hospital corridor in a rush I cannot explain when I heard the words, “Hi Auntie Katie. Your nephew wants to meet you”. Not typically an over-emotional person, my eyes filled up with tears as I stared at this brand new life my big brother created. I hugged my brother and softly congratulated him. I couldn’t believe my eyes. My brother was a Daddy, and the proudest of them all, as he adoringly glanced at his son.

I walked into the hospital room and excitedly gave my Mom and Dad hugs. Then, I witnessed the first time MiMi Moe and Papa laid eyes on their very first grandchild. They remained humbled as they welcomed him to the world. Then laughed together as they welcomed him to the craziness we call “the family”. I thanked little Timmy for being punctual (for Mommy’s sake), and I thanked him for being the perfect gift for my parents on their 29th wedding anniversary. If this little boy isn’t a gift from above, I’m really not sure what is.

I couldn’t wait to hold him. I couldn’t wait for him to hear my voice. I couldn’t wait until he could smell me. Deep down, I want so much to be a comforting presence to him for the rest if his life. I wanted him to know me, right now. Auntie Katie wants to be the one to hush him when he cries, to snuggle him to sleep, to help him learn to walk and talk, to help him with homework, to pick him up from school, to take him to the movies, to talk to him about bullys and crushes on girls, to help him shop for tuxes for his prom, and to be a sounding board for things he does not want to tell Mom and Dad. I want to be all of that, from day one. I heard once that you don’t really understand unconditional love until you are older. I can say now that I truly and wholly understand. I already love this little boy more than words could ever begin to express.