I started my first job as a highschool senior working in childcare. Now, I knew it would be challenging, but I was prepared because I love children and babies. I had a love/hate relationship with childcare, but nothing would ever compare to the moment when I became an aunt. I got attached to the babies that came through the daycare, and I still miss them everyday and cry when I think about how much they have grown. But the love I had for each of those babies is absolutely nothing compared to the way I feel about my niece.

Scarlett Olivia McLain was born on October 2nd in 2017, and she is the meanest little eight month old baby I have ever met, but I wouldn't ever trade her for any other baby. She is so unique and full of her own sassy personality at such a young age already. I am amazed at how fast she began crawling and how quickly she became a couch potato. She gets hangry to the point of scary and ridiculous simultaneously.

I have learned that EVERY. SINGLE. BABY. is not the same as the next one. My bitty niece, Scarlett, is spoiled rotten. She is set in her ways, and the only smile that will crack on her face is from the entertainment industry (Boss Baby, Emoji Movie, Finding Nemo). While most babies will cackle so hard at crazy faces and noises, our bitty Scarlett will just stare at you, highly uninterested, and will not budge at all. You have to literally break a sweat with this rare breed.

I have learned joy, regardless of what mood she is in, she is here and alive and she is so full of energy. I cannot wait to see her grow and learn all sorts of things. I can't wait to see the small differences in four short months when she turns one. I will still be the annoying aunt who kisses all over her sweet little face, makes jokes that her small, chubby hands resemble baby starfish.

Scarlett, you teach me how to be patient, and how to adapt to your environment because this is ultimately your world. You teach me to grab the bottle as fast as I can, and to hold you while you face the TV because if not... then you'll watch the TV in the reflection of the picture. You teach me to be carefree because you are... it's your way or the highway. You are growing far too fast, and I can't take it. You are so loved, and your mom and dad are the best little parents you could ever ask for. Everyone just eats you up, because you're so different from all of the other babies.

Scarlett, I love you more than you will ever know.