The way that Riley says Paizley's name is so damn cute! It's been awhile since I talked to him about her. The other night we were cuddling on the couch and he pointed to my necklace, as he does a lot, and says, "There's my sister," but this time he said, "Paiz-ee." I almost lost it for a moment, tearing up. I had to smile and look away. I don't want him to think of her with saddness. When he is older and he can understand, I want him to be happy she existed in our lives, even if for just a short while.
Having Riley in my life has been such a blessing. I am growing more and more as a person by being around him and helping to raise him. I love to spend time with him and love to have that one-on-one time. It's times like those where I truly see how lucky we are to have such an amazing kid.
The best thing about Riley is that he is such a sweetheart. He's so caring and loving and he truly makes me proud for that. On top of it all, he's funny and smart and... just amazing.
Seeing Riley around his friends really cracks me up. He's got these little girlfriends that he adores and he is so good with them. One little girl, Penny, is younger by about a year and a half and he is so gentle and caring with her. Penny and Riley clicked right off the bat. Even when she was barely walking, he tried to be a good friend to her. Goodbyes were always so precious. Riley and Penny would hold onto eachother with a giant hug and neither would let go. Coming back from the park the other day, they rode in the stroller together. Riley sat behind Penny and hugged her around the waist the whole way back. She would lean back and put her head on his shoulder and whisper in his ear. It was the cutest thing in the world.
His friend Hannah is older and it doens't make any difference to him. He still watches out for her. He shares all his toys without any complaint. And he trys to hold on to her when they are going down the slide at the park. He's such a good boy.
Although I want these moments with Riley to slow down so we can truly enjoy them, I can't wait to see the wonderful man he will surely become. I can't wait for him to eventually become that amazing older brother that he was to be for our Paizley. I know after watching him with Penny and Hannah, that he will be the best older brother in the world. He will be caring and loving. He will protect and share. He will be a good friend. And that is everything you could ask for in a sibling. I know Paizley is watching down wishing she was here to be his little sister. The important thing is he knows she was a part of our lives and when he points out his sister "Paiz-ee", I know he does.
