Family functions consist of eating, laughing, and almost losing your hearing, solely because of the volume coming from wherever the food is. Whether it’s our crazy traditions, our competitive games of charades, or even our life-changing family vacations, you know that the Kost clan is always going to bring the entertainment. My giant family is remarkable, and the best part is that it’s only getting bigger from here. As the youngest of 15 cousins, here is my list of 13 signs that you’re the baby of the family.
By the way, we all look a LOT better now than we did in that picture!
1. You get away with everything
Let's just say that I'm often the one to mess up in the family. I have spilled an incredible amount of things in my life because of pure clumsiness. I have partially flooded basements and bathrooms because I've forgotten to put the shower curtain inside of the bathtub. My personal favorite is when I threw a Wii remote into my aunt and uncle’s television, creating a crack that was there for years to follow. It amazes me how I'm still alive after all of this.
2. When things happen to you it makes the whole family go through a midlife crisis
This was most noticeable when I went to college. Most of my family are real-life adults, and seeing me graduate high school and go off to a university added on the years. It made them reminisce in their college days, and makes them want to go back and relive the glory days. However, I’m still waiting for everyone to visit.
3. You’re always everyone’s favorite
Or at least you like to think you are. Just like the oldest got special privileges growing up, so does the youngest. I like to think that the fact that I’m the baby of the family means that I’m the favorite, but my family would probably tell you otherwise.
4. Everyone tells you how much you’ve grown
I have heard the story about being bathed in my aunt’s sink a hundred times. It never gets old because it brings such a smile to her face. Whether it’s my hair, my height, or anything else that might have changed, people are constantly notifying me. I’m just thankful that I'm passed the age of getting my cheeks pinched.
5. The family is eagerly waiting for you to bring someone home and find out all of the boy news
You also always leave them disappointed. I always laugh when there’s a spot for a plus one on my wedding invitation. Bless the day that a brave soul offers to fill it.
6. You also know they’ll be uber-overprotective if you ever do bring someone
Is it bad that when I meet someone I think about whether or not my family will like them before I even think about figuring out whether or not I like them? It takes a special kind to fit in.
7. Everyone tries to set you up with people
My grandma is the best at this. She points out everyone to me including the waiter at the restaurant, the boy in church, the random person walking down the street, and even, my personal favorite, some random long-distance relative that no one really knows. The suggestion is always followed by her cute little chuckle and a stern look from my dad that tells me to not even think about it. Thanks for the effort Grams!
8. People give you random jobs to make you feel involved and important.
This has been prevalent at some of the weddings that have taken place in the family. I’m too old to be a flower girl, so the next best thing has become the greeter. I am incredibly good at passing out pamphlets and bubbles. Who knew I could be so talented?
9. Everyone finds it completely acceptable to make fun of you and share the stories that you might not want to remember.
Whether it’s old nicknames, a past speech impediment, an inability to whistle, or an irrational fear of a wooden carving on a wall, no one ever seems to let me forget about anything. I love the memories, but it’s funny how no one else’s embarrassing stories get brought up. The only other person that comes close is my cousin, who left her retainer at home on the way to the airport, and almost caused World War III.
10. You always get the worst sleeping spots
I kid you not, once I had to sleep on two chairs put together. It was fine at the beginning, but the chairs would slide apart throughout the night and my butt would end up on the floor while the rest of my body was still on the chairs. Whether it’s these sleeping positions or literally ALWAYS having to sit on the floor, I automatically get dibs on the worst spot out there.
11. When the next generation started, you were getting emotional
My cousin had the first baby of the next generation this summer, and I personally didn’t know how to take it. You are no longer the baby, your title has been passed onto someone else. Who, I hate to break it to you, is a lot cuter than you. No matter how cute you are, a 20-year-old cannot beat out a newborn.
12. You have a lot of people to look up to
Whether it's school-related or life-related, there's an infinite amount of people that someone can go to for help. Being the youngest means that you have everyone in your whole family to learn from. I'm not one to ask for help, but I know where to find it if I ever need it.
13. The love is endless
I have a large family, and the love is never ending. No matter what happens in my life, or how long it’s been since I’ve seen them, I know that they will always be there. I didn’t have to be the youngest to see this.
Being the baby definitely has it’s ups and downs. One of the sad things is that we’re all growing up, and even the baby isn’t a baby anymore. There are even new, actual babies to take the spotlight now. I had a good 20-year run! No matter the distance between us, we will always be close, and always make time for each other. I’m honored to be the youngest in a group of such amazing, successful leaders, and I can’t wait to meet and see all of the young ones to come along in the future.
