My Niece, Camille

When I was 15 years old I became an aunt for the first time. My brother and sister-in-law lived in Utah then and while they both worked we babysat our favorite baby, Camille.
One of my favorite things, and I'm sure many of my siblings as well, was for Camille to fall asleep on my chest. She was so peaceful that I would often fall asleep too, with her head on my shoulder.

I remember a strange incident when I was in 10th grade, theater class. The teacher had us do a relaxation technique where we all had to lay flat on our backs on the floor, relaxing our bodies, while she told a calming story. All I remember was imagining myself floating through clouds, as the teacher told us to, and the next thing I knew I was holding my niece in my arms as she slept on my chest. I could feel very distinctly her warm, little body against me and my arms around her. Then I heard the teacher snap her fingers and I opened my eyes. I was surprised to find my arms flat on the floor, by my sides, and no Camille sleeping on my chest. I'm not sure if it had been a dream, or some form of hypnosis. What ever the case, that seemed to be my "safe place", the most calming, peaceful place for my subconscious mind to go.
Since then I've had my own babies and have spent countless days and nights with them sleeping in my arms. I love them so much! But my first memories of this are of my niece, and they seem to stand out.
When she was 2 years old my brother & his family moved to Idaho and I only saw Camille and her cute siblings on holidays and special occasions.

I thought of this over the weekend while attending Camille's wedding. I was in wonder, thinking of my little snuggle buddy, and how she has grown into a beautiful young woman in just a few years.
I hadn't met her fiance, Stephen, and wasn't sure how I felt about this guy stealing my beautiful niece away. But when I saw the way he looked at her I instantly liked him. I'm so happy for them!
All I can think of now is that in a year or two there will probably be a little mini Camille or Stephen to snuggle with! They better not stay away too much, cause I'm convinced their babies will carry that Camille magic and I hope to be a witness!