child

my extended family is small. father is an only child, mother has an elder brother. uncle has three daughters so we've grown up close to our three cousins. they're such lovely people and they married equally lovely partners so it's all very happy families when we meet, and i say that without a hint of irony. people joke about how friends are the family we choose? well i like to think we'd all be good friends even if we weren't related. cousin#1 has the most adorable little boy (and now little girl too!) who is the apple of all our eyes. he's a sweet skirt-chaser (must've gotten that from our grandfather...) and only likes pretty girls! naturally i'm immensely flattered that he's taken a shine to me, despite not being around much. he remembers me! and is the biggest manja pup wanting cuddles, much to sister's chargrin because she sees him almost every week and lavishes him with attention but even after all that relationship cultivation he prefers me to her -smug smile- jokes. sure it's only because i'm a novelty and he'll tire of me soon after. it's no secret that i'm not a huge fan of children and like them subjectively. i love S because he's my cousin's son, and there are a few other little things i feel. the game-changer is without a doubt little L who i formed an instant emotional connection with (can't explain why) and of course my godson (!!! someone trusts me with their offspring !!!) E. but other random kiddos? hmm. less convinced.