Feeling Blessed

Of all the familial titles that I retain I have to say that being an Auntie is definitely my favourite one.

On my dad’s side of the family most of my cousins are quite a bit older than me and so in effect I grew up with their kids who were a lot closer to my age. However, they were also technically classed as my nephews and nieces- so I’ve pretty much had the ‘Auntie’ title going since day one! I clearly remember one Summer, begging and pleading with my elder cousin to let me take her four kids out on a trip to McDonald’s, by myself, when they were all under six and I was only ten, because I had it in my head that that’s what Aunties were supposed to do… what a nutter!

But it’s a whole different ball-game when one of your siblings pops out a baby; life as you know it completely changes. You get to witness the crazy parenting experience up close and personal (because they practically move into your house!) and you learn SO much. My three year old nephew has definitely taught me a lot in the last few years. He’s tested and strengthened my skills in patience and bargaining on more than one occasion. He single-handedly revived the trend of afternoon naps in our household, which I was forced to abandon post-student life, so of course I’m eternally grateful to him for that. 😛 Plus he’s woken up a fiercely protective side of my character; there’s absolutely nothing on this earth that I wouldn’t do for that little man. But most importantly, he makes me smile without even trying. Seeing his squishy little face, the dimple in his left cheek when he grins, and getting a tight squeeze and a sloppy kiss for absolutely no reason, makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside; I just can’t compare that feeling to anything else in the world.

However, I won’t overdo it and sugar-coat things TOO much. As much as I love my nephew to the moon and back, I also let out a MAHOOSIVE sigh of relief whenever he’s channeling his inner toddler Hulk and I get the option to hand him right back to my sister and brother-in-law and call it a night! Such is the beauty of being an Auntie :P. And as of a few hours ago, I now have a beautiful baby niece to add to my roster! Happy weekend everybody, stay blessed. 🙂