I had just started working at the Baby Cafe on post and met Roman during play group. He was the chunkiest, sweetest, and smiliest little boy I had ever seen.  Just looking at him made your day brighter . 

Sam I will never forget sitting on the floor of the baby cafe with you and Roman before you were to PCS talking to you about all things post partum and motherhood. 

I will cherish the memories I have of Roman and am so blessed to have known such a beautiful little boy💕

For a long time this has felt too private and personal to share, but it’s been a year since this memory and I’ve treasured it more as time passes.

Sweet boy. Let me tell you about my favorite day with you. Almost a year ago, your aunties, grandma, and I came to visit you and your mama in Italy. We had lots planned and you joined us on so many outings. Everywhere we went, you were adored. From the streets of fair Verona to the rocky shores of Lake Garda, people stopped us in the streets to admire you. Waiters asked to hold you and kissed your face 😬 people tickled your feet and patted your cheeks. We never sat in one place without an Italian trilling over you.

My last day there was just an ordinary day for you, but is a day now so treasured by me. I pretended I was tired, but really I knew I would not get a day like this for a long time, so I stayed behind with you and mama. There was never a day before or a day after that I didn’t have my arms full with your cousins, or have to compete with aunts, uncles, grandparents who wanted to hold you too. That day, I didn’t have to share you or you me (except with your mom, but she didn’t mind).

We had breakfast in the heart of Vicenza at a little cafe. We had eggs and a parfait, and toast. You were covered. We changed your outfit. And like anywhere, you were adored.

We stopped at a grocery store, we went to our AirBnB for a break and so I could pack. And we played. I held you and played with you for the first and only time, uninterrupted.

And my snapshot ends. I didn’t get 100 of these days or even 2, but I am endlessly grateful for that 1. I am so grateful to your mom for that simple, ordinary day, that has become so special to me. I treasure it. I won’t see you for a long time and that feels unbearable most days, but then most days I can remember your egg covered face, your warm chubby hand on my arm, and your smile that made everyone feel undeniably loved. And it simultaneously makes me miss you terribly and makes me glad that I got to be just Roman’s aunt for one whole day.