We all have people we care about, people we love, people we cherish and people who light up our lives. For most that may be parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, etc.. But for us individuals lucky enough to have nieces or nephews, life is a whole lot brighter.
From the moment I first found out I was going to be an aunt, my whole life changed. Soon, I would get to meet this little person who I would love and cherish as if they were my own. I would get to watch them grow, learn, develop, smile, laugh, cry, love, live and become their own person.
My nephew was born August 1, 2012, and I didn't know I could love a person so much until he arrived. From the minute I laid eyes on him I couldn't get enough. His little nose, adorable grin tiny fingers and toes melted my heart and suckered me right in. Soon my phone had more pictures of him than anything else and I showed him off to anyone that would listen.
In the past three and a half years I have been able to watch my nephew become the most loving, goofy, smart, handsome, ornery, wonderful little man I have ever known. I got to see him roll over, learn to crawl and walk, start talking and develop this personality I wouldn't change for the world.
Last year on April 21, 2015, my brother and his wife welcomed a beautiful baby girl, not only giving me a niece, but my nephew a sister. She has been the happiest, funniest, most adorable little girl and I am blessed to be able to witness her grow up. I get to hear her giggle when her daddy tickles her, I get to see her face light up when she sees food, I get to hold her and snuggle her to my heart's content. She has the spunkiest personality and I can't wait to see the person she becomes.
I do not have kids of my own yet, so being an aunt gives me some practice. Changing diapers, feeding them, playing with them, putting them down for naps, etc., helps me prepare for the future. One of the best things about nieces and nephews is, when they start fussing or crying, you get to give them back to their parents.
By being an aunt, you get to watch your siblings grow into terrific parents, which gives you guidance for the future. You will have more than just your parents to look to for parental advice, knowing your brother and/or sister is right there to help as well.
So thank you to my brother and his wife, for not only giving me the two most precious people in my life, but thank you for being good role models for my future.
Who knows what the future has in store for my niece and nephew and who knows if I'll get more nieces and nephews but I can't wait to watch them become the amazing and wonderful people I know they will be.
