Mom-like-ish

I was given the opportunity to watch my nephew Lincoln today, I have to admit I was a little hesitant as I thought about how I would entertain a 2 year old for eight hours but I was quickly reminded of how often I don't get to see the little guy so I said yes.
   Things went a whole lot better than I thought. We played with the toys for a bit, Colby made him eggs and a banana and he ate every bite, then it was off to feed the dog. As we were finishing our adventure with Steve, Linc's fingers for slammed in the door. He sobbed and screamed. Had I played this situation out in my head, I probably would have freaked out. My imagination tends to go a little overboard. However, that didn't happen. I scooped him up and tried to distract him. He cried for a few minutes but let me hold him. with his sippy cup in one hand and his blanket in the other, he whimpered himself to sleep in my arms. There he laid for hours. I have to admit that I was thankful that the tv was already on a channel I'd normally watch but it was those few hours that I was truly grateful for the chance I had to watch him. Not once did I think about all the things I should or could be getting done. The Christmas shopping that should already be complete, or the mess I had left in the kitchen from earlier in the day. I soaked up every second I had with his warm little body and almost cried as he said my name, asking for me when he finally woke up. His little voice melts my heart.
  On the drive down to meet his Mom at the airport, I realized just how much I love these kids. I wasn't texting, or listening to the radio to loud, I wasn't worried about getting somewhere in a hurry or passing annoying drivers. I was worried about the precious cargo in the backseat telling me about the froggies at Grandma's house.
  Someday I'll have this same love for our own kids. I'm not quite ready for that, but it is nice to know that through the little ones that are already here, I'm learning and preparing for that someday.