Auntie Jo

Reading with Auntie Jo in February

Today I was feeling a little blue as we said good-bye to one of the aunties. Joanna, Andrew's sister, is headed to Nashville for her Master's at Vanderbilt. She will be gone for one year but will be back for holidays. We are incredibly excited for her as she begins this adventure but also sad to see her leave. Joanna and Ben are equally smitten with each other. He knows her face and her voice and lights up with smiles when he sees her. He will even reach for her if I am holding him.

Ben feeling snuggly with Auntie Jo

Over the past six months, Auntie Jo has been around a lot and we saw her at least once a month while in Morgantown and at least once a week since our move to New York. She visited him shortly after his birth, hung out with Ben while we were house hunting in Fredonia and even gave up her spring break to come to Morgantown for an entire week to help watch Ben.

Ben and Joanna at Katie and Nick's wedding

Upon our arrival in Fredonia, Ben and I were both incredibly excited to see Aunt Jo as she welcomed us. Having her around has helped ease the sting of leaving friends in Fredonia. She's graciously watched Ben while I ran to to the grocery store, ran with Hilary at Camp of the Woods, and whenever else I needed her. Joanna loves to smother our little guy with kisses, sing him songs, snuggle him to sleep and read him books. She has gifted him with adorable outfits, books, and spent hours making a developmentally appropriate mobile for his crib. We've enjoyed having her nearby for walks, hang-out time and spontaneous visits. All of us will miss seeing her so much but we are excited for weekly skype dates so that Ben can show off all of his new skills.

We love you Auntie Jo!