There are a lot of different titles I have had in my life: daughter, sister, niece, cousin, student, friend, lover, teacher, etc. But the most important title I have had in my entire life is "aunt." Growing up as the youngest of three girls, I never really dreamed of having little siblings. In fact, I loved being the baby of the family because mom and dad never disciplined me as harshly as my siblings. But when I found out I was going to be an aunt for the first time, I realized something I really did want: someone to look up to me.
When my niece Olivia was born, I was only fifteen; still a kid myself. But the moment I met her, her small eyes were wide and alert, and met mine instantly. It was like I had known her my entire life. My family always jokes that Olivia and I argue and act like siblings, rather than aunt and niece. But I swear our souls have known each other for years and years but just now in the last five years had the chance to meet. During the first two years of her life, I practically lived with my sister so I could be with her. I spent the entire summer she was first born holding her and rocking her while listening to One Direction so my sister could get housework done. She slowly evolved into my partner in crime, and mini me.
Sometimes, she gives me better advice =than any of my friends could, without trying because I mean she is only four. Every time I leave for school, she tells me to be safe and she will miss me at college. Being the aunt to such a wise and funny child is seriously the coolest thing I am able to do. One day, when she is famous worldwide, I will get to take partial credit on that one!
But everything was turned up a notch when my sister told me she was pregnant the May before I left for college. I sobbed in front of everyone and their brother, because I knew this time would be different. I would not be there for the entire pregnancy like I was with Olivia and I was terrified that this baby would not know me. My entire first semester of college, I stressed about the relationship I would have with this baby.
Trevor was born during my Christmas break; the entire dynamic of our family changed when a boy was added into the mix of all females. The hospital was crammed full with our family, but I was the very first person to hold this fresh human. I looked into his face, and unlike Olivia, he was peacefully asleep. Not a worry in the world, so calm and comfortable in my arms. I was so overwhelmed with love for this tiny human that I started to cry as I stared at him. I spent that entire break helping my sister out, meaning I would take the baby from his bassinet and hold him all night. I wanted to ensure that this baby would love me, even if I was leaving in a few weeks to return to school. And I did. One of the first words Trevor said was my name! MINE! I even tell people he is actually my son, until my sister gets mad and tells them it is not true.
Moral of the story, having two small humans who light up when I come home, who run to give me hugs, who trust me with their life, and love me so genuinely is the best ever. Being an aunt is the most rewarding job ever, and I am not just saying that because I can send them to their mommy when they throw fits.
