Cousins

 Between my husband and I we have 5 nephews and 1 niece.

When we found out about BJ's deployment one of the silver linings was that Sophie would get to spend a year getting to know her family, especially her cousins.

Only 2 her around her age (our niece and 1 nephew), 2 of the older nephews are siblings and used to playing with younger children and our 2 oldest nephews are only children.

I don't point this out cause I have a problem with "only" children, in fact I firmly believe people should have as many children as they want no more no less, I say this because these 2 nephews are older, they don't have a lot in common with my 16 month old daughter, yet they are both so sweet with her.

Its not that I expected either of them to be mean, selfish or particularly impatient with Sophie, they are both really good boys, but I have been surprised by how attentive, playful and kind to my daughter they are.

 BK is at an age when his priorities are hanging with his friends, playing video games, and having Airsoft wars, yet when we are at his house rather then head to his room, or go to a friends, he plays with Sophie. He lets her play with his Ipod and actually holds her. She is crazy about him!

BF is the only other grandchild on his side of the family. There are two 2nd cousins in our pretty tight knit family that are a bit younger then him but up until Sophie he was the only grandchild. Even at his age it wouldn't be abnormal for him to not particularly like her, have a little bit of competition or even hurt feelings about having to share the attention, but no, he is so sweet with her. He gentle and patient and loves to share his old toys with her. When he's comes over, she follows him around and trys to do whatever he does.

All of our nieces and nephews have been wonderful with Sophie, and I'm certain as they spend time together I will have such wonderful tales to share. But I have been so blessed and thankful by how loving these 2 nephews have been with Sophie that I just had to brag a little about them.

Sophie getting to know her cousins is certainly a wonderful gift, them wanting to get to know her is a delight.