“Is that your new favorite word?” I ask and tickle beneath his armpit. He giggles, then nods profusely. More baby giggles, until he settles down and munches into the fruit. “I love strawberries, Awnie Loonie.” I eat a goldfish cracker. “What else do you love?” “Cars!” He makes a vroom noise. “Doggies.” He wipes his mouth with his hand. “Daddy. Papa. You.” He suddenly flings his soft arms around my waist, and my clenched heart untwists. I hug my baby nephew back. “I love you too.”
