The day you become an aunt is one of the greatest and oddest days of your life. Before this day, you never thought you could have so much love for someone who just came into your life. It is then that you realize you would do anything and everything to make this new addition to the family happy and safe. You do not remember what life was like before this perfect, wonderful human being arrived.
As the end of the spring semester comes to an end and it is almost time to head home for the summer, I find myself thinking about the things I've missed the most while I was away. The first thing that comes to mind is my nephew. Being eight hours away from him makes me feel as if I'm missing out on all of the milestones he is reaching as he is growing up. Although I wonder how much I am really missing out on, I reflect on all the reasons why I am proud to be his aunt as well.
1. It is an endless amount of joy when I am in his presence.
Do you ever have an awful day and believe that nothing could make you feel better? If you are an aunt, like myself, you need to go hang out with your niece or nephew for the day. My nephew's smile, laugh, and sassy attitude will change my mood instantly. The way he's so carefree and enjoys your presence as much as you enjoy his, makes everything better.
2. I am the coolest person in his opinion.
No matter how goofy and weird others might think you are, your niece/nephew believes you are the coolest person to walk this planet. You've never felt so wanted and accepted until you become an aunt. But maybe you're the coolest because you allow them to eat all of the junk food that their parents wouldn't let them have.
3. I get to teach him all of the things that his parents would never.
I can't tell you how many times I've told my nephew to be sassy towards his mom (my sister) just because I think it's the funniest thing. It's like you have a little partner in crime that is always on your side. You get to teach them to jump on their bed and to sneak snacks after their parents told them no already.
4. It isn't my responsibility when he is misbehaving.
Although he is so sweet and well-behaved most of the time. there are days when he is just in a rambunctious mood. When these days occur, I get to sit back and gain amusement from his bad actions. The responsibility for reprimanding him is all on his parents, not on me. I am always the one who plays good cop, while his parents are the bad cops.
5. I get to spoil him.
Every time I go shopping for myself, I end up going shopping for him as well. There isn't a time where I am in a store and don't have to attempt to resist the urge to buy something that I think he would love. Of course, this urge always wins and I buy him something that he most definitely doesn't need. He has so many toys and clothes that are unnecessary all because I cannot help but to spoil him.
