Let's get one thing straight, I am an only child. I never thought I would understand the feeling of becoming an aunt to a little girl or boy.
I just thought the family love I shared for my family members would be on the same, consistent level. Boy, was I wrong. My best friend coincidentally found out that she was pregnant on my birthday (it's cute, I know). Now, nine months later, it's finally hitting us... How real this is becoming. While we are not related, I consider her my sister. I knew that I would love her baby with my whole heart, but I underestimated the true, heartwarming, moment of becoming an "aunt." On June 4th, mid-afternoon, my 5 lb. 2 oz niece, Marleigh Morgan was born.
1. You become a second care-giver
Becoming an aunt makes you want to do everything in your power to love this child, to support this child, and to be there for this child. You begin to feel "mother-like instincts" that see a small child and want to hold and and care for it forever. You will eventually become the person who this child turns to when they are fighting with their mom, you'll be the person who they run to for a fun, movie-weekend (with extra candy). You will always be their go-to person (second to parents/grandparents).
2. You begin to learn how to be a parent yourself
I am NOT ready to have a child, nor do I believe my boyfriend is either. But, this child will teach us how to parent when that time comes. We will learn how to change diapers, how to tell the difference between cries, and how to soothe an upset baby. While Marleigh, by any means, is not a "tester" baby for my relationship, she is going to teach me how to become a great mother myself... While not only caring for her, but watching my best friend learn to become a mother as well. We will do this together. Marleigh, you will teach me how to care for my own children someday.
3. You become insanely protective
As soon as you meet this little child, all you want to do is make sure nothing bad ever happens to them. You see in their little face and how perfect they are, and you know that one day you're not going to be able to protect them and it breaks you a little bit. I know that right now, you're small. But one day you won't be small enough for me to hold in my arms anymore. You'll be this amazing, wonderful woman. But, for right now, let me always hold and care for you. Let me protect you from all that is bad in this world.
4. They become your main priority
When I first met Marleigh, there were a bunch of other things I needed to deal with at that moment, but they all vanished as soon as I met you. I lost track of all the negative things in my life, and kept focusing on how incredibly small and perfect one little human being can be. I forgot about everything I needed to do by the end of the day, I forgot who I was for a second, because all I needed to know was that you were my niece and I loved you so much.
5. You completely fall in love
I knew I would love you, Marleigh, no question about it. However, the level of love that I currently am feeling for you, I didn't think I could ever understand. You're the perfect little nugget and all I want to do is hold you forever.
This little girl changed my whole world. The only person I will ever love as much as I love you is my own children someday. Thank you, Marleigh, for showing me what it's like to be an aunt. I am so grateful to have you and your family in my life. You are already such a strong little girl, and you will grow up to be an amazing, strong, woman. I can already see it.
