Being the youngest child, I had always wanted a younger sibling. But doesn't every youngest child? I always wanted someone to help me gang up on my older sisters, or force them to be the dog when we played house. However, after having me, my mom swore that "three kids is perfect!" So I was left being ganged up on and playing the dog. As my sisters and I grew older, I got the greatest presents of my life in January 2011 and July 2012.
To be completely honest, I was a little intimidated by having babies in my household. All I had ever know was being the baby. Now, I had first one than two little children that would look up to me and I would help care for. I think we all might've crapped our pants at some point along the way.
But, man was I underestimating. I know how people always say: "You'll never understand a mother's love for a child until you have your own."
But listen to this world, you'll never understand an aunt's love for her nieces/nephews. So here are a few things I have been so grateful to experience in my five short years as an aunt.
1. You gain a life-long best friend.
There are days where I just wished I could be at home playing with my nieces. Sometimes I would love coming home to them because I knew they were always excited to see me! And guess what? They can't abandon you because you're related by blood (mwahahahaha)!
2. They help you find yourself.
I can say after these few years, I have found out more about myself than anyone has ever taught me. With family, you can't be fake. They have helped me figure out what I'm truly passionate about and what makes me angry.
3. They force you to be the best person you can be.
All (little) eyes are constantly on you. The youngins are watching your every move because they want to be just like you. Oh, you need to go to the bathroom? It's a group effort because you'll have little feet crawling behind you. You need to go to work? Initiate meltdown because "I misses you already!"
4. You are never alone (even when you want to be).
There will always be someone in your shadow whether you like it or not. Need a distraction? They are just a few inches away. Need to get something done in the next five-minutes? They are always there to keep you from doing what you need to do. But they are also always there when you have a bad day and need to snuggle. Or you just need a laugh, wait five-minutes and they will do something humorous.
5. "Mine" and "ours" is given a new meaning.
Mine will now equal ours. Personal space is our personal space. My makeup is now our makeup. We use makeup on our face, but they think it's a lollipop and eat it. They don't care if it was expensive concealer. It looked yummy. They say mothers don't have personal space when they have children. What about us aunts?
6. They are a blessing in life.
Even though they are the little sisters I never asked for, I wouldn't trade them for the world. Many aunts don't have the privilege of living with their nieces, but now I wouldn't want to have it any other way.
Finally my babies, boogers, and sugars: Aunt Ayah loves you more than you know!
