Piper met her soulmate a few days after her first birthday.  His name is Augie.

They picked each other out in the toddler room at the university daycare.  Piper knew immediately that he was something special.  Augie has one of those full bellied old man laughs. What more could a girl want? Piper then called every other boy she met “Audie” for a full two years. She really just hoped they’d all be him. Augie’s parents had to bribe him to go to daycare every day with a game they called “What is Piper wearing today?” It probably wasn’t that hard to guess since Piper really only wears the tutu or the rainbow dress, but it was enough to get Augie out the door and reunited with Piper.

Watching your kids make friends is a bonus I didn’t anticipate about parenting.  It feels good when someone likes them.  It’s a gut punch when they don’t. Your kids pick these other people to bring into your little world. It’s a risk. Piper brought us an Augie. We fell in love, too.

Piper is Augie’s personal laxative. He laughs so hard when they are together he…well, you know.  Every single play date. Every outing. Every time. Sometimes he has to come visit just for the cleanse.

When Piper and Augie are together, the rest of us disappear:

Their first official date was to the Longbranch Coffeehouse for Augie’s third birthday. He had his parents drive over in the Subaru to pick her up.  Piper was waiting by the door in the rainbow dress. At dinner, Augie had his standard back beans and rice. Piper ordered the quesidillas and a round of apple juice. She gave him a Mr. Potato Head for his present. Friends know what you like.

We don’t live in the same town as Augie anymore, but they send video messages to each other and say things like “I miss you. You’re my best friend. I need to see you soon.  I love you. I love you. I love you.” When Augie and his family recently visited us, Piper couldn’t sleep because of the anticipation. She waited by the door like a puppy, running back and forth watching the sidewalk for a glimpse of his blond head. After three days of giggling, Augie was empty (see above note regarding laxatives) and Piper was all filled up with love. Saying good-bye got a little rough.

How can you resist your soul mate?  You can’t.  The force is too strong. Even when you meet them before you can walk.

The other day Piper asked, “When Augie and I get married can we live with you guys?”  Of course you can.  I have videos of them bathing together I can’t wait to show their adult selves. Soulmates are forever.