I am the youngest of six children, and the separation from oldest to youngest is nine years. Though I see pictures and home videos, I never experienced a household that had babies around, for as I aged, “the baby” simply became a relative term. It is odd to think of myself as the youngest of my family of six, as I recently married my sister off and still live in my childhood home with my four brothers. My siblings and I treat each other as equals and although we are all in different stages of our lives, we all seemed to grow up together. However, as I moved into my adolescent and very recently into my adult years I have been itching to have an addition to my growing and changing process. I have been wanting to have kids---around.
I specify here for a reason. I am newly 21 years of age, hold two jobs, am a full-time student-athlete in the fall and have maintained Dean’s List standing for the entirety of my college career. In short, I am a busy girl. However, the idea of spending time with babies and looking after kids does seem so appealing to me. Whether it be their innocence or their tendencies to be brutally honest and candid, I simply love spending time with children.
My mother nannies for three little girls, a 3-year old and 2-year old twins who are my cousin’s children. I visit them often and each time I do, I get the itch: the baby fever. I know, though, that I am not ready for kids of my own. The thought of learning how to change a diaper, or staying up all night covered in mystery baby fluids and not knowing when the last time I showered was entirely unappealing. When the girls throw tantrums and scream and can’t express themselves, I experience their frustration. However, the convenience of spending time with the little ones that never fail to put a smile on my face, or know exactly the right thing to say or do to brighten my day certainly does. Despite being related to “the girls” as we call them, I want kids of my own. I’m ready to be an auntie, that is.
The thought came to me when I was looking over my memorabilia from my sister’s wedding and I packed away any unnecessary items. One thing that I stumbled across was the bottle of wine that she used to ask me to be her bridesmaid, and it read: “Jennifer, as I prepare for the day I am to be a bride, I need you sipping by my side, will you be my Maid of Honor?” Now almost a year later, and having the big day finally behind us I wish to inform my sister of one thing: “Despite my crazy schedule and hectic availability, I’m waiting for the day that you and Matt make me an auntie. I’m not ready for a baby full time, but as you taught me so well as a big sister, what’s yours, always has been and forever will be mine. There is a piece of my growing up that currently can’t be found, I think I’m ready, Amanda, to have kids (around).”
