Yesterday morning, Ellie, our seven year old had a unique opportunity to hold her four month old cousin.

I had forgotten what a big deal it was to be a “big kid” and be given the chance to sit, propped up in a chair and hold a baby (that wasn’t a sibling) for the first time.

Ellie’s whole body tightened and froze as she stared at the top of her little cousin’s head, smelled it, kissed it and blushed at the thrill of it all.

Ellie told me after her experience, “Mommy, Ryan licked my arm twelve times.”

Me: Wow, that’s pretty neat.

Ellie: My Aunt told me it means he likes me if he licks me, so twelve licks must mean he REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY likes me.

Me: I think that’s exactly what that means Ellie.

Ellie: Then when my Aunt picked him up to take him away, he barfed all over me.

Me: Oh dear.

Ellie: No Mommy, it’s fine. She told me that’s good luck.