Three years ago, I never would have believed that being an aunt would be the most special thing in the world. From the laughter to the constant hugs, each moment with my niece and nephews fills my heart with so much joy. There are many things I never expected that would come with being an aunt, the feelings, the experiences and the love are all indescribable feelings.

Being an aunt makes you realize how fast time goes. Going a month without seeing your nieces and nephews, feels like an eternity. In the first few years of their lives, they are constantly changing and growing up, when going a month or so without seeing them they start to walk and to talk. But every moment that you spend with them also feels like it goes by too quickly.

Being an aunt means talking about the little ones all the time. Every time you see them and get a new collection of photos, your conversation opener is always "do you want to see how my nephew is doing?" But along with showing everyone those photos, they always act as a reminder of the burst of sunshine in your life.

Being an aunt means understanding gibberish, or at least acting like you do. When "Go pish" becomes a typical phrase said by a cute 3-year-old you learn that when you have to go see the fish tank at grandma's house. It's understanding what they need even if their words never line up to that. It's not knowing if they know your name as Aunt MoMo, or if they just throw some random letters in a word, but you're okay with either.

Being an aunt is picking out new gifts for the little ones in every store you go in. From BGSU onesies to new outfits at Target, there is a world of possibilities for every gift that the kids deserve. Holidays and birthdays are always a struggle with trying not to spend every penny in your bank account for all three of them.

But most importantly the joy of being an aunt is the greatest feeling alive. You'll never get tired of the sound of their laughter, the small hands wrapping around your finger, the tight squeezes of their small arms giving you the best hug. These are just a few things no one told me before becoming an aunt, but the few things I will cherish forever.