My entire life, even when "dad" was in the picture, it has always been my mom, my sisters, and I. We didn't need anyone else, and we were perfectly content with having it that way. My friends soon became their friends and their friends soon became mine. Blood kept us family, but our hearts made us the best of friends. Like most families, we've all butted our heads a few times now and then, but we've managed to set aside all our differences. My mom is the most stubborn woman in the world, and it definitely shows in her children. Considering I am the middle of two of the most awesome sisters, I played both little and big brother roles. Let me just be the first to say, it's hard being a professional nail polisher and hair/makeup do-over. (I can see my mom laughing and rolling her eyes now thinking "whaaatever!") But seriously, over the course of 19 years, I have really bonded with these crazy girls.

Since it has always been just the four of us, I never, ever thought of adding anyone else to our "clique". (Are kids still saying that?) Even the relationships we had been in over the time, I was completely selfish when it came to sharing MY sisters and OUR mom. They were mine! No one else was allowed to have them the way I had them. After all, these were my best friends! (Not yours, think again!)

As I grew older, I became to understand that they would eventually move on and find someone else to grow older with. I knew that one day, they would start families of their own and have their own children who, hopefully, will share that same bond that I have with my sisters. (And you, Mom.) I never was prepared for the effect it would have on me, but let me tell you.

September 28th, 2015, my sister, one of my best friends, had my breathtakingly handsome nephew. He was the most beautiful baby I had ever laid my eyes on, and in an instant, I fell completely in love with him. After the severe shock, (I say severe because I am still in mild shock) I began to think about the severe impact this kid will have on my life. I wanted to influence this little guy to know that he deserved the best life possible. I started dating differently and heavily started thinking about future career options to make sure this guy NEVER has to go without. (Don't worry because my mom won't allow that to happen either.) I never believed at love at first sight until I held this oh-so beautiful baby for the first time. It is impossible to believe that something so small started a huge impact on me and the rest of my family. He is such a delight to have in our family, and I would reach to the end of this world for him.

It's easy to say that it wasn't just a clique of four anymore. This little guy shows a little of all our personalities combined which makes him the perfect candidate for our gang. He has quickly made his way into our hearts, and I know without a doubt that he will always be protected and loved by us. It seems like I blinked, and our favorite Mickey-Mouse loving, tongue out, "boinga boinging" little man is almost a year old. Just when I thought our family was complete, this little boy has set a major effect on my life as well as my mom's and sisters', and we definitely wouldn't have it any other way! (Unless, of course, I have more nephews and nieces!)