I never imagined that the moment my sister's oldest child was born, I would forever have to explain to strangers that these little creatures hovering around me are not actually my children, and love every minute of it. I enjoy many things about my life, but being an auntie takes the cake. It is seriously the best job ever because you get to do all of the fun stuff, and then give them back to their parents. And on top of that, I have so many fun stories about my nieces and nephews that I do not hesitate to tell people. So, here are 10 things that happen when you're a doting aunt.
1. You will probably get asked if they're your kids
I am to the point where I don't even fight it anymore when I'm sitting in line at Kroger with a toddler on my hip and some nice old woman comes up and tells me my 3-year-old "daughter" is adorable. I just smile and say thank you, because she isn't lying, my niece is adorable.
2. You hang out with them practically every day
Free babysitter, that is all I can say.
3. You boast about them as much as their parents do
You know that grandma at parties who whips out pictures of her grandkids she keeps in her purse? That's me. I am not shy about whipping my iPhone out and showing everyone and anyone pictures of my sister's kids because I think they are the most interesting and gorgeous children in the world. I'm biased, but still.
4. They like you more than their parents
Sorry sis, they do love you, they just love me more. It's not your fault, I'm just more fun.
5. You get to give them back
As much as I love my little barbarians, they are still barbarians. Kids are hard and exhausting. So when they become a little too much for me, I can just hand them back.
6. They make you value waiting until you're ready for kids
My sister having children is the best birth control ever. I have her children for three hours and I'm whipped. I love them and I know I want kids some day, but definitely not in the near future. They make me realize that you have to be good and ready for them, and I am not. So, until I am, I'll just enjoy this aunt thing for awhile.
7. They appreciate you
I don't have to do much for them to be grateful and love me, and it is great.
8. You're The "Cool" Aunt
At least someone thinks I'm cool.
9. They laugh at your jokes
Not only am I cool, I'm hilarious, too. I mean, it isn't hard to make a 6-year-old laugh, but that isn't the point.
10. Your heart will explode
And it is the most amazing feeling in the world and you will thank your lucky stars every day that your wonderful sibling decided to reproduce.
