What does it mean to be an aunt you ask?

Being an aunt is so much more than a title. Your life as you know it forever changes when you hear those exciting words: I'm Pregnant! Not only are you excited for the new addition to your family, but you are also able to watch your sibling transform into soon-to-be motherhood. The first pregnancy is a roller coaster full of emotions. When you realize your sibling is growing up and starting their own family, your world stops just for a few moments: Man, has time really gone by this fast? It seems like yesterday we were just kids playing on the swing-set.. The late night frantic phone calls because your sister is unsure what is going on with her body or the frightening pre-term labor hospital stays were all worth that sweet little bundle of joy. Waiting for the baby to be delivered is an overwhelming experience. You worry about your sibling, about the baby, and if the doctors are doing their best with both. You want updates every chance you see a nurse. When you suddenly hear your niece or nephews first cries your heart stops right in it's track. You instantly know your heart has been taken by the little baby in the room across the hall. The first time you hold their little body and see their sweet face you can not help but cry tears of joy. You know instantly God gave you a best friend for life. Sometimes, if you are lucky enough, you are blessed with more than one niece or nephew. The same feelings you had with the first pregnancy you get to experience all over for a second time. Boy, are those feelings immense!

To be an aunt means visiting at late hours to sing your nephew his favorite lullaby so your sister can get some rest. It also means getting frightening phone calls asking you to rush over because one of the kids drank shampoo and your sister needs your reassurance that everything will be okay. The look on their faces when you first come through the door lets you know you are loved without any measure. Dance offs, funny faces, and blowing bubbles make life so much more enjoyable. Watching your nephew, who is just learning to smile, grin every time you call him by his nickname only you call him is incredibly heart-warming. These are the moments that show what it means to be an aunt. The love and bond you create is forever unshakable. It is the little things in life that take your breath away, those little things in my life just happen to be my nephews.