"When I hold you, I hold my biggest pride in life. When I see your smile I am reminded of how blessed I truly am."

When you give a girl a niece and nephew, you give her many many things.

These things include constant emotion that overwhelms me when I see their smiles. When I hear their laughter, or see their big eyes light up, I can't help but think of how blessed I am to be their aunt. I can't help but smile. I can't help but give them everything they want like one more episode of "Bubble Guppies," or one more grape. God designed these perfect little human beings to bring my family and I happiness.

When you give a girl the title of "aunt," you give her practice. They really are the best form of birth control, and serve as an indicator of if and when you are ready to be a parent yourself. Diaper wrapping, hair brushing, sunscreen application, food choices... the list goes on and on. They have no idea that being there for them will someday make you a better parent.

When you give a girl a nephew or niece, you give her patience. They teach you to be gentle and choose your words wisely. Children remember everything, and most of the time repeat things at places you don't have control over. Hold your temper, they are learning just like you are. You do have to tell them no, but be aware that they will throw a fit. Your patience will be tested more than ever when it is bedtime.

Finally, when you give a girl a niece and nephew, you give her pride. There is no label anyone in this world could give me that would be better than "aunt".