I'll never forget the day my sister called me with the news, "I'm pregnant!" I'm pretty sure the first thing I said was, "Shut up." I was in disbelief. Now, two years later, my life has changed forever. From the week to week progress - the gender reveal, the baby shower, to the day she was born - I knew I wanted to be the best aunt in the world. Here are some things I've learned from the coolest 2-year-old out there.
A new type of unconditional love.
Growing up, you love plenty of things. You love your parents, your siblings, your family. You love your best friends. You love certain places, certain smells, certain songs. But once I became an aunt, I learned a new type of love. When my niece cries, my heart aches. When she smiles and laughs, I can't wipe the smile off of my own face. The second I leave, I want to go back. I have never loved someone more.
How to enjoy the little things (literally).
Ever since my niece was born, I try to soak in every moment I have with her. A week ago I was babysitting her and changing her diaper - poorly, might I add. I said, "Paige, am I gonna be a bad mom?" She giggled and said, "Yes." I couldn't contain my laughter. A moment that could have gone totally overlooked is one of my favorite moments I've ever had. Little things have become big things ever since she came into my life.
How to be a role model
Because I don't see my niece a lot, I always worried that she wouldn't really know me. I always feared I would be forgotten or that I would hold less importance than everyone else in her life. I was wrong. Now, I'll get FaceTimes from my sister, showing my niece brushing her teeth. "Look, I brush my teeth like Chaka (Chesca)." Sometimes I'll answer a FaceTime to a close-up of my niece's smiling face. It feels so good to be so appreciated.
I mean to her what she means to me.
Anyone that even remotely knows me, knows how much I love my niece. If you didn't know, any of my social media speaks for itself. I brag about the love I have for this child every opportunity I get. She truly is one of a kind and brings endless happiness to my life. It warms my heart knowing how much she loves me, and what I mean to her.
It's the most fun I've ever had.
One of my favorite shows is "The Office." In one of the episodes, a few of the characters all shout to each other "Ayyyyy" and smile and point at each other. My niece's new favorite thing to do is say, "Ayyyyy!!" and she always laughs uncontrollably afterwards. She is always down to go catch some "Pokepon" and to "pup pup boogie" from Paw Patrol. It really astounds me that the most fun I've ever had is with my 2-year-old niece, 19 years into my life.
She is the most animated, well-mannered and loving little kid I've ever met. I couldn't feel more blessed to have her in my life and I thank god every day for giving me the most amazing opportunity of being an aunt.
