At 19 years old, I have six nieces and nephews (three boys, three girls). I first became an aunt when I was three and from there, between my two sisters, they just kept coming. At first it was a little of a shock—I was no longer the youngest and lost my prestigious spot at the center of attention—but, regardless, I loved being an aunt.

Being so young, I always got bragging rights in school about how I was already an aunt and loved the confused expressions I got in return (my sisters are half sisters and thus, the age gap between us is huge). "Oh your mom's cousin's cousin had a baby? Well I'm already an aunt so I'm obviously better than you". At least that's how I imagine I was like in the second grade.

I take being an aunt very seriously.

A little over a year ago, the most recent of them was born. I was 18 and already away at college, and that opened my eyes to something foreign to me. I'm not a kid anymore and they are. The dynamic between me and the youngest, Grant, is totally different than that of me and the rest of them. Now, instead of being able to simply build blanket forts and take them to the park or to ice cream, I actually have to try my hand at acting like an adult around him.

Because I am vain, I have to maintain my image of being the "cool" aunt. So know this: I am fully committing to this. I love all of you so much and I couldn't imagine a life without you guys.

Ethan, you were always my partner in crime and I miss you so much. Sorry I wanted to name you "Chicken-bug" when I was three.

Grace, as weird as this sounds, I wish you were a little kid again just for the purpose of hearing all the crazy stories about things you did! It's just not the same as when you had to have that tambourine cut off your head. Regardless, I love you so much as you are now.

Danielle, you were the little sister I never asked for. I suppose you're great and all and give me an excuse to go get ice cream on like, a weekly basis. Love you, weirdo.

Miles, thank you for being our designated "snake-scarer-awayer" this summer. Surely we would have all perished without you.

Jia, thanks for letting me play with your doll, Julie, when we're together. She's pretty cool (and so are you).

Grant, you are a baby and don't care about this. Still, I'm so sorry I'm away at college and actually an adult while you're a kid. I'll try to be there for you as much as I can. Additionally, for future reference, if you have recurring nightmares about the phrase "Aunt Laura is cooler than Aunt Sarah" being whispered in your ear, that's because I spend a good 10 minutes whispering that into your ear each time I see you (sorry Sarah).