It's always funny telling everyone the story of how I first became an aunt. I was about five or six years old when my first nephew arrived, making me probably one of the youngest aunts ever (to my knowledge anyways, don't quote me on that). I wasn't really allowed to hold him without someone being there or take care of him (except throwing out diapers...ew) because I was so young. This was also when my dad was still married to his ex-wife and I had not only my biological sister, but three older step-sisters, a step-brother and his wife (which are Jeremy's parents). It was weird, holding a baby for the first time and knowing that you were considered their elder. I mean, at six years old what can you really do? In all honesty, I was just happy to have an adorable playmate. His brother came about a year and a half after and a new brother a couple years later, adding to the adorableness. After the divorce though, I never saw them again up until recently. It had been ten years a lot had changed, my oldest nephew is taller than me which is completely unacceptable! It didn't really sink in how much I had missed all those years until I reconnected with them again.

They are not my only nephews though as my father has since been remarried and my mom is married as well. In total I have six nephews (my former step-sisters have all had children, but because I am not around I don't think that I am considered their aunt, having never met them) and I have six nieces (one is on the way and I cannot be any more excited!!!!), technically eight nieces, but one is older than me and the other is the same age...so it's kind of weird to have them refer to me as their aunt. To me, being an aunt is almost like being their best friend. You're able to take them out and have fun with them, but you're also old enough to lay down the law when it needs to be. My favorite part of being an aunt is taking them out, getting them hyped up on sugar, and then handing them back to their parents because I'm just evil that way and like being the "fun aunt".

I will never forget when my first niece was born and am still in awe at how incredibly beautiful she is as I watch her grow up. She's got a personality that just makes me laugh, her sassy-ness and constant joy always brightens my mood every time I see her.

I do not pick favorites, but I do have nieces and nephews that I see more often than others and that's just due to how close my brothers and sisters are. Although I do not have any biological nieces or nephews, they're still mine nonetheless. I love them all and want nothing but the best for them.

As of right now, I think being an aunt is as close to being a parent as I'll ever get and I really don't mind that! Especially when I have to be the responsible one, ew who wants that right? Each and every one of my nieces and nephews are just a ray of sunshine in my life and I have nothing but love for all of them. They're all crazy, funny, and unique in their own little ways. One thing for sure is they need to stop growing! I have three nephews that are taller than me and that. is. not. okay. Go back to being babies! I'm not ready for you all to grow up yet!

If any of my nieces or nephews are reading this (a few of them are on Facebook which makes me feel veryold), just know that I love you all and will always be there for you when you need me. I may not always be around, but I am just a phone call away.

To those out there reading this that don't have nieces or nephews, start harping on your siblings to have kids! Offer to babysit! That usually seals the deal (I am just kidding, don't actually bother your siblings to have kids. I am not responsible for any bodily harm that might happen to you if you do). There is nothing like having a little friend that shares a little piece of you. They're such blessings and a true joy to be around. I love all of mine with all of my heart.