I'm the oldest kid out of my immediate family. I'm 21 and I have a cousin (Megan) who is 17. We were actually born a day apart, 4 years apart. Up until September 26th, 2012, it was always just the two of us. We argued like we were sisters and couldn't ever be alone together for too long.

Almost 4 years ago, we were blessed with James Anthony; my cousin and her brother. This was the closest family member to me with a baby. When JJ was born, I started to grow up a lot. I wanted to spend every minute with this cute boy. Documenting his first sounds, his first words, his first steps, his potty training. He was my little angel.

On October 9th, 2014; we were blessed all over again with Allegan Lucille. JJ was now an older brother and a younger brother. My heart was bursting all over again. I documented her every move just like I had previously done with JJ. The greatest part of it all, is that she looks just like I did at her age. People are even fooled into thinking she is my own kid.

When I was 4, I wasn't able to appreciate the gift God gave me in having a cousin. I just wanted to argue with her. Granted, we still bicker to this day but I can't imagine life without her. I live to watch her play sports and succeed in everything she does. She's a beautiful human being and my best friend.

I'll be much older when JJ and Ally reach the age of 17, but it won't change the love I have for them. I'm happy, I'm significantly older than them because it makes coming home from college that much better. The first thing I do is go see them. I attempt at spending all my free time with those two little babies. My babies. It is the most amazing thing to watch them grow day by day. It honestly makes me excited to one day have my own little bundles of joy (ONE DAY FAR FROM NOW). Nothing makes me happier to hear than "I love you emmy."

It's easy to take things and your family for granted when you don't live around them. But, I look forward to the FaceTime's and the hugs and kisses I'll get when I walk through the door when I come home. Thank you Meggy, JJ, and Ally for showing me so much love. You guys are the best things in my life and I can't wait to watch each one of you do amazing things.