Being an Aunt is the BEST!

I remember someone or someone’s telling me that once I become an aunt to one of my siblings’ children, things will change. The intensity in which one can love when you become an aunt or uncle is different to your biological family. I honestly didn't think that was possible as I have always loved children and have many in my life, still do. When asked if I have any children of my own, my answer is “I have so many just none of them are biologically mine.” I am blessed. Truly. I love them all, but this love didn't take me very long to realize how different it was.

This season of life right now is so sweet. I want to savory every moment, every milestone of these little peoples’ lives. I thank God for the ability to be so close in proximity that I can be in their lives often. To watch them grow and change, see their interests and personality form. From very shortly after my niece and nephews were born, I got to snuggle them and hold them and enter into their lives.

We have made many memories already at the very young ages of 2, almost 3 and 5. As I type their ages, I then think, where has time gone. They grow and change so fast.

I am forever grateful to my brother, sister-in-law, sister and brother-in-law for not only allowing for me to be part of their children’s lives, but welcoming me in. Inviting me to take part in their growing and changing. From walks around the neighborhood, to learning to ride a bike, to my nieces first dance class, to meals shared, snacks and laughs in the car, pickups and drop offs, sledding, swimming, adventures to Chick-fi-la, and shopping for Operation Christmas Child gifts. I could go on and on.

My life has purpose. I have a job. Aunt. Don’t hear me say I don’t love being a sister, daughter, friend, Realtor, and so much more, but the love I have for these littles is honestly hard to put into words. As I pray and seek the Lord asking if it is his will to give me children of my own to love, protect, care and shepherd, I plan to not wish my time away or sulk, but instead give of my time, energy and love to being the best Aunt these three deserve. Not perfect, because even as cute as they are, Aunt Andrea (Andie) can get frustrated and loose her cool every once in a while, too. But I believe that is good. They need to know and see the real me.

This makes my heart so full to write and brag a little about how wonderful and adorable my niece and nephews are. I’m not entirely sure why God pressed this on my heart to write, but I’m being obedient to get my thoughts and words out. He too has purpose in everything. I pray for each and every one of you reading, that whether a parent, an aunt, an uncle, a neighbor, a grandparent, and for myself that we would all take responsibility and be intentional about the children God puts in our paths, the next generation. They need us and we need them. I don’t know about you, but my mood can go from super grumpy to overjoyed in about 2.5 seconds after being in the presence of children, young and old. We have so much to learn from them and they from us.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” -Proverbs 22:6

Special celebration this past month celebrating Grandma Jean's heavenly birthday. Licking every last drop of ice cream out of their bowls. Grandma Jean would definitely approve!