Being a young aunt, I have not always had as much time for my niece and nephew as a normal adult aunt would. I've had school, sports, extracurricular activities, and now, I am away at school. Being an aunt is the greatest thing that could ever happen to you, but I wish I had more time for the two babies I love most in the world.

I chose to go to a school that was far enough away that I could move out, but close enough to allow me to go home when I needed to. My number one reason for that? Jase and Grier, my three year old nephew and my one year old niece. I thought this was the solution to all of my "young aunt problems", but here are five things that I did not expect to happen when becoming a 'long distance aunt.'

1. You Will Be Uncharacteristically Jealous

I mean, it really sucks that the dog gets to spend time with the kids and don't. Right? When I say uncharacteristic though, I mean it. When my sister calls my and tells me that the kids spent the day with her sister-in-law, a fiery rage burns from somewhere inside of me and I have to tell myself that it's okay that their other aunt got them for the day, because I'm the cool young aunt who lets them have chocolate at midnight. Right?

2. You Will Feel Like You're Abandoning Your Children

Why? I mean I don't know about you, but I was in the hospital the moment I heard my sister was in labor (Not in the room, of course. EW!) But from the second I could hold them and tell them I loved them, I was there. I have watched these two grow and every chance I get, I'm with them. When Jase tells me he wants me to hold him, my heart melts a little. I may not be their parent, but they are my babies.

3. You Will Want to Buy Them Everything

It doesn't matter if I am at the grocery store and I see fruit snacks or at Target and see a Monster Truck that Jase doesn't have yet, I want to buy it. Everywhere I go I see outfits, food, toys, or blankets that I think Jase or Grier NEED to have. I want to buy them everything...then I check my bank account and cry a little. Being a broke college aunt is torture.

4. You Always Want to FaceTime

There are a few problems with this one. First, being a college student, your days are packed with class, naps, studying, eating, and more studying. So, by the time you feel that you've got a good grasp on the piles of homework and finally have a free second, it's eleven at night and the kids are definitely in bed. And then, I lay in bed at night and make a mental note to remember to call during lunch, just to squeeze in an 'I love you!' The second problem with always wanted to be video chatting with my favorite one and three year old, is that they are one and three. They have the attention span of a squirrel and only give you about five minutes of their time before they run off to do something much more interesting, leaving you feeling like the abandoned one.

5. Lastly, Realizing Your Joy in Not Yet Having Kids

I have to say this one, for me, was the most unexpected of them all. I am utterly obsessed with these children. I mean, sometimes I find myself crying because I love them so much. (Crazy aunt alert!) But, finding my freedom at college has been amazing and as much as I love my little babies, I am so happy that I have this freedom. I have all the time in the world to grow up and be an adult, and that's why being an aunt is the greatest.