Throwback Thursday- Niece and Nephew Edition...

Before Zack and I became parents ourselves, we were "Auntie and Uncle" for 10 years. We loved our role as Auntie and Uncle! We soaked up every minute of it, thankful that we could send them home and not have the parental responsibilities to deal with. Every time a niece or nephew was born, I would take pictures to friends and coworkers and brag, brag, brag. When coworkers would tell stories about their own children, I would tell stories about my nieces and nephews. I still love my nieces and nephews dearly, but know that my role as "Aunt Amy" will never be the same now that I have my own child. So, this "Throwback Thursday" is dedicated to my eight WONDERFUL nieces and nephews. I love you all!!
FYI: Niece-ew = niece and/or nephew

Then: This is Paxton Charles Rush as a newborn. He was born December 31, 1996. He was my first niece-ew, and I felt like I took a major role in raising him the first few years of his life. (I claim to be the one who taught him how to walk. :) I remember working with him DAILY, trying to teach him to walk.)

Paxton (2) and Aunt Amy (16)

Now: Paxton is now 10 years old. I am so proud of the young man he is becoming. He is very respectful, polite and sweet. He is also an all-around awesome athlete, excelling in every sport: soccer, baseball, football, basketball. I remember crying at one of his coach-pitch baseball games, because he was growing up so fast. He'll be having his own kids all too soon!

Then: This is Cayden Asher Lewis at 13 months. He was born May 7, 2000, and was my second niece-ew. I was so proud of Cayden! I remember helping my sister a few nights, staying up all night with him. He was not a good sleeper, so I took care of him to let my sister sleep.

Cayden (1-1/2) and Aunt Amy (19)

Now: Cayden is now 7 years old. He is the cutest boy ever! He is all boy and loves to climb trees, stand on his hands, read and play video games. He is the comedian in the family, always being silly and trying to make us laugh. He has such a sweet, sensitive spirit and is growing up to be an awesome young man.

Then: This is Addye Paige Lewis as a newborn. She was born April 11, 2003, and was my third niece-ew. She was the first baby girl in the family. I have loved watching her grow up, and think to myself many times, "If I have a girl, I want her to be just like Addye."

Addye (2) and Aunt Amy (23)

Now: Addye is now 4 years old, and she is ALL girl! She is the sweetest, prissy-ist little thing you will ever meet. She wants to wear a dress or skirt just about everyday and has the softest, sweetest voice ever. She is very smart, learning all of her letters and even some letter sounds! She adores babies and loves to play with Zayde when she sees him. He just loves Addye, too!

Then: This is Cleveland "Tyler" Sanders at several months old. He was born July 11, 2003, and was my forth niece-ew, but my first on Zack's side of the family. His mom has been my best friend since high school, and I was soooo excited when she had Tyler. Secretly, I was a little jealous, because she was starting her family and we just weren't ready to start ours, yet. In high school, I dreamed that we would get married around the same time, plan our pregnancies together and live next door to one another. We did get married within two weeks of each other, and our kids are only a few years apart. Now, I am glad the way things turned out, because Zack and I got to enjoy their kids before having our own.

Zayde (2 weeks) and Cousin Tyler (4)

Now: Tyler is now 4 years old. He is the sweetest little boy! He has such a sweet, gentle spirit for a boy and will one day make a wonderful husband. He is very smart and musically inclined. He is the only 4 year old I know that can recognize pitches and stay on beat when clapping, singing, dancing. I have no doubt that he will one day be an amazing musician of some sort.

Then: This is Chloe Elaine Sanders at one month. She was born July 13, 2005, and was my fifth niece-ew. I remember rushing to Russellville with my other sister-in-law to see her the day she was born. She was such a beautiful baby and looked just like her mommy.


Chloe (newborn) and Aunt Amy (23)

Now: Chloe is now 2 years old and defines a 2 year old! She is such a sweet girl and soooo much fun. She is the most active little girl I've ever seen, climbing, jumping and running around everywhere. She is very independent and loves to do things all by herself. She has such a fun-loving, playful spirit and is so full of life. She is such a joy to be around!!


Then: This is Mia Joann Roy at 3 months old. She was born on September 6, 2005, and was my sixth niece-ew. Her birth was probably the most anticipated of all my nieces and nephews. Her parents, Tommy and Christa, were so ready to have her and made the pregnancy so much fun for the rest of us. There were never ending stories and laughter while my sister was pregnant, and I will never forget the party we had when it was revealed to the family that they were having a girl!


Zayde (7 months) and Cousin Mia (2)


Now: Mia is now 2 years old and also defines a two year old. She is the diva of the family and her smile will make your heart melt! She loves being the center of attention and will entertain you all day. She is extremely smart and athletic. She can kick a soccer ball and knows how to get into the 3-point stance (a football move.) However, with her girlish attitude and actions, I have high hopes of her one day becoming a cheerleader.


Now: This is Kynzie Lasha Lewis at 4 months old. She was born on January 4, 2007, and was my seventh niece-ew. My sister and I were pregnant at the same time, so Kynzie is only 4 weeks older than Zayde. Being pregnant with my sister was so very special and I will always remember it. Zayde and Kynzie are starting to be aware of each other, and it is so fun watching them play together! I hope that Kynzie and Zayde will one day be best friends.


Cousin Kynzie (8 months) and Zayde (7 months)


Now: This is Eli Victor Mathis at 5 months old. He was born on February 2007, and was my eighth niece-ew. He is our family miracle baby. He was born with many medical complications and has already had 2 surgeries. His doctor's have been very impressed at how well he has recovered and developed. He is a strong little guy and an inspiration to all of us. Eli and Zayde are only a few weeks apart, and I am so excited about the fun (and trouble) they're going to have growing up together!


Zayde (6 months) and Cousin Eli (5 months)