I am the youngest child in my family. I have three older brothers and an older sister, so naturally I would become an aunt sooner or later. I’ve been A.K (Aunt Kelli) for three years, and it is my favorite thing to be.

My niece will be three years old in a few months, my New York nephew will be one year old and my Denver nephew is just a few months old. I have known love before, but I have not known love like this. Sometimes I feel like my heart can’t handle all the love I have for these precious children.

I always thought I would be the cool and fun aunt just like Kate Hudson at the beginning of "Raising Helen." She helped her teenage niece get a fake ID and took her to cool parties. She probably gave her her first taste of alcohol. Yeah, that was going to be me, until that tiny human now known as my niece smiled at me for the first time.

I took a self-vow that day to not be the Kate Hudson-in-Raising-Helen type aunt, but to be my own version of cool and fun instead. Knowing their parents as well as I do, they may need an escape or a confidant. They may need ice cream and junk food during their mom’s health kick. I will be here, always.

I love them so stinkin’ much that I will not put them in harm’s way. I will not promote partying. I will encourage them to have fun. I will not promote sex. I will promise them that they’re more valuable than the smooth athlete makes them feel. You bet your ass that if they need a shoulder to cry on and someone to talk to without judgment, I will be here.

If my niece or nephew wants dirt on his or her parents to use as blackmail, I will give it to them. #youngestsistergetsback

Introducing a precious life to the harsh realities of this world (i.e alcohol, sex, drugs) is not cool or fun. It’s heartbreaking and it’s not my job. The aunt is around for love, for candy and for movies past their bedtimes.

Love you to the moon and back a million times more.

A.K