My nephew Jude

This is me with my fave little nephew Jude. I have a few nieces and nephews (3 nieces, and 3 nephews actually) but Jude is the only one I truly can claim is mine. Sounds mean probably, but he is the only one from my side and I just feel the closest to him. He is really growing up and changing this summer. He is starting kindergarten this fall and is so excited to talk about it :)It's an unfortunate situation, my brother hasn't been in the picture since he was around 2 (He just turned 5) but luckily I am good friends with his mom and my kids call her aunt, so it all works out. I always have my brother in my prayers, he has been estranged from our family for years, and for awhile only let me in. I was able to be at the hospital when Jude was born. That was an awesome moment for me. To just see the look of pride and pure horror on his face and it all melt away when he picked up his son. But somewhere in his mind the thought of a regular family freaks him out, so when things got too homey with his situation, he got out.

Just recently since my dad has gotten a divorce, he has been coming around him again. He shut him out first, so maybe since progress is being made there, he will come around again. All I can do in the meantime is pray for him and be present as much as possible for the little man.
I was hoping to get him so much more this summer, but as our schedule kept getting ever so busy so was his. His momma just became a momma again and now Jude is a big brother to a beautiful baby sister, Gabriella. She is so sweet. My Natalie loves to love on her! We were able to get him this weekend for a bit and that was great, love every bit that we get to spend with him.