Here is where I am living now. Forward my mail, please.

Utah is innard-dessicatingly dry, and Scott could never find work here, and my family would weep forever if we were to move here, and also all our stuff is in New Jersey. Nonetheless, I cannot leave Utah, ever. Because Utah has this.

This is my two-year-old niece, whom I want to eat whole. Perhaps on a baguette, with some horseradish sauce to offset the sweetness. I haven't seen her in a year. Now she's talking and toddling and asking me how I'm doing and whether I like apple juice and I AM NEVER LEAVING.

Scott and Henry are not yet aware of my plans for us to remain here forever, but I suspect they won't put up too much of a fight.

I mean, come ON. Tell me you could walk away from THAT.

Comments

[Big Momma Pimpalishisness]

I wouldn't be able to walk away from that carpet...before taking a nap on it.

[amy]

That age is completely irresistible and she is delish. Maybe you could just stay until she hits her tweens... ;)

[amy]

I have two nieces and a nephew in Utah. I wish my daughter was growing up around them. It's the hardest part about leaving each time we visit. But life must go on in Jersey...

[Therese]

Nope, sorry, can't. Can't tell you that. Can't lie.

[sara]

awww i love her little pigtails!

[The Cheap Chick]

I have the solution - take her with you when you go. Maybe they'll (her parents) will never notice. It could work! With enough subterfuge and drugs, I bet you could sneak her home in your suitcase.

[Jen]

I tried to think of a way to convince you to leave her behind, but looking at the picture? You're screwed.(You can always forward your animals with the mail, right?)

[Jan]

Oh Dear! Not ANOTHER Blog I am going to become addicted to. When will I ever leave the house? I do have friends here, where I live, and someone asked me... how do you keep up with all of your friends and all of your favorite blogs? I don't know, but Heather Armstrong's blog sent me here because Leta fell in love with Henry: (http://dooce.com/daily-photo/2008/07/14/heart-breaking-violently.) I would too! Little niece is precious and I agree... she looks like Leta's sister.

Living in the west isn't all bad... One can't blow one's nose, one's skin is full of wrinkles and feels like sandpaper, but OH... the lovely people! I encourage you to move out here where the people are luscious and juicy, even if the air isn't! Henry needs to grow up along side this precious little girl. Cousins are the best!!!

[Dee]

She is a cutie pie. It'[s obvious from the photos. There are adorable little girls about her age available for adoption in Russia and Kazakhstan, where my kids are from. I can give you more information if you'd like...

[Kelsey]

What adorable photos!

[dana]

Gawd, Henry's gorgeouser than ever! He looks so much like you Alice. Your niece is a peach too. You should try her with a soy sauce marinade.

[Jaime]

Oh I don't know..Henry is pretty cute himself. I do think she would make a lovely carry-on though...Who needs matched LV luggage when you can have her? :)

[katrin]

Is it any wonder third children are spoiled rotten? I have two big ones, 14 and 12, and my 9-year old is still delectable... and I can't help but cling to her innocence and beauty.

Isn't it great how at the end of a long exhausting day you can get such pure joy from just looking at a precious little person. It's almost enough to make me want more.

Almost.

Katrinco-author Mothers Need Time Outs, Toowww.momstimeouts.com

[Kia]

Oh man, those eyes, those braided pigtails, that saucy mouth. She's a doll! Looks like a perfect combo of sweet and sassy! Could you please carbon copy her and send me one?

[sunny]

AwWWW!They look like brother and sister:-)Cute overload.

[Kimmers]

Ohhhhhh she is adorable. They both are. And if you stay, then can grow up together and you can see her cuteness all the time. :)

Have a great trip!

[Ally]

We see our niece and nephew twice a year and it hurts my heart because we love them so.

[liz]

I object.

[the new girl]

No, no. I could not.

[Ali B.]

cousins are the greatest. Pigtails are the greatest. Tiny toddling NASA engineers are the greatest.

And that carpet? Looks like the greatest. Although if it were in my house, it would smell like stinky dog.

[Cara]

That is painfully cute. I wouldn't want to leave either.

[Lauren]

Outrageously adorable. More importantly, What is your opinion on Apple Juice? Personally, I'm all for it most days, but other days, I could take it or leave it. Other days still, I could drink it nearly boiling with some cinnamon, and still yet on other days, I could only have it ice cold.

[Christian Bruce]

She is definitely a beauty!

[Shannon]

I just got that you said "innard-desiccatingly dry" - what a line! Fantastic!

[Midwest Mommy]

That is just the cutest pic and no I couldn't leave that either.