Their Idol - Uncle Billy

While I have been away this week, my brother has been helping Wayne hold down the fort. My kids idolize their aunts and uncles, but Uncle Billy receives the most adoration. He is the one who showers them with the gifts of newly released movies (and some not yet released). He takes them to the park and gives them piggy back rides. He cajoles them into eating all of their dinner and promises ice cream treats. Uncle Billy coaxes them into a good mood when a temper tantrum is imminent.  

My brother is a doting uncle.  He is gentle and tender with Aisling, and boisterous with Devlin. But nothing is more evident in his love for his nieces and nephew than his ability to put aside his germ phobias and change a dirty diaper or wipe a bum without freaking out.

 All three have been enjoying the treat of having Uncle Billy at home.  Devlin was over the moon as he excitedly told me about all that he had done with his uncle. Most importantly, Uncle Billy had helped him put together all the Lego he had received for his birthday - an activity which mommy had neither the time nor talent. More than once, Devlin has professed that Uncle Billy is his best friend. 

Aisling took naps with her uncle and woke him up by "gently" sticking her curious fingers into his ears and nose. 

And Ceilidh? Well, she's learning how to take advantage of her uncle's generosity and naivete. Bill had taken on the role of chauffeur and ferried her to gymnastics.  I asked him how that went.

Bill: She did great. She really listened well to the instructors. And I got her the treat too.

Me: What treat?

Bill: You know, the jelly beans she gets after class.

Me: Uh...no. She doesn't get jelly beans. Did she say she got jellybeans?

Bill: She told me "Mommy always buys her jelly beans from the machines after class." You don't?

Me: You've been had!