Not many people become an Aunt before they’ve started Kindergarten. Even fewer are blessed with the most amazing, beautiful, and smart nieces and nephew a girl could ask for. Being an Aunt has pretty much always been a part of my life, and I honestly couldn’t picture it any other way. Seeing the world through the eyes of my nieces and nephew has taught me so much more than I could ever attempt to convey. Seeing them appreciate and marvel at life’s simple treasures and seemingly insignificant objects really puts things into perspective for me. They have a beautiful innocence about them that makes me smile. They don’t run around worrying and fretting. They only know this moment; right here, right now. They have a firm trust that anything they want to do is possible and easy to accomplish because they haven’t been weighed down by limitations and impossibilities. They are all so special to me and I love them more than anything.
Jess is my oldest niece. I was only 4 ½ when she was born, so in a lot of ways she’s more like my little sister. We’re very close, but we never fight or argue. We have this amazing compatibility that I just love. We laugh and appreciate the same things, we share stories and talk about life and give each other advice. I think she knows me better than just about anyone. Jess is awesome because she is incredibly driven and focused. She wants to attend UW for college and I know she’s more than capable. She’s maternal and gentle, sweet and caring. Jess is also awesome because she is a high fashion diva extraordinaire. I’m fairly certain she’s going to be the next editor-in-chief of Vogue. Sometimes it irks me because I’ll see her wearing an old shirt of mine and think, ‘Damn her, why couldn’t I get it to look like that?
Claire Christine
Of all my nieces, Claire definitely reminds me of myself the most. We have a lot of the same personality traits and we process thoughts in similar ways. It’s adorable because I’m pretty sure that at least half of the clothes she wears once belonged to me. Claire is wise beyond her years. She’s incredibly mature for her age and sometimes I feel like she wants to grow up too quickly. She’s quirky, sensitive and very dramatic. This girl is hilarious and has the best sense of humor. Also, she’s possibly the biggest air-head I know. She forgets things she shouldn’t forget and asks incredibly silly questions all the time. Air-headedness aside, though, Claire is a very talented child. She’s been endowed with these natural gifts and abilities that are sometimes difficult to comprehend. She’s basically good at everything she does. She’s a spirited dancer, amazing actress and has a beautiful voice. She will probably perform on Broadway someday.
Kayla is going to be president someday. Some of the ideas and adventures she comes up with and executes are remarkable and revolutionizing. Ever since she was little, she’s had the greatest personality and wildest imagination. I love to hang out with Kayla because she has some amazing stories to tell and is always finding ways make me laugh. She probably has the most energy out of anyone I know. During the summertime she wakes up, goes outside to play and doesn’t come home until it’s dark. Kayla is the mastermind behind some incredible schemes and thoughts. I always look forward to seeing my sister’s status updates on Facebook because they often include a brilliant piece of insight from Kayla or a naughty situation she’s gotten herself into. I have so much respect for Kayla because she's strong-willed and sticks up for herself and what she believes in. She will chase her dreams and accomplish great things one day.
My one and only nephew. I was so happy the day I found out I was getting a nephew. And he has definitely exceeded all my expectations. He is an all-American kid. He’s only almost three years old and can pretty much do any athletic related skill. Baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, you name it, he does it. And he does it with gusto. His other favorite things include watching Elmo, listening to music, dancing, swimming, reading books, motorcycles, animals and watching the Mariners, Seahawks and Lutes. One of my favorite things about Cam is that he is incredibly loving. It warms my heart to know that in his short little life, he’s been raised in such a way that he feels love and feels comfortable showing affection and telling people he loves them. Cam is doing preschool this Fall all by himself which I think it’s pretty impressive. He has an amazing vocabulary and can carry on a conversation. He knows how to sing the alphabet, identify colors, count, and locate places on maps.
Sawyer is my youngest niece. Although she hasn’t been around for all that long, I’m already so in love with this little girl. For one, she looks a lot like me when I was a baby. She has such a loving and sweet disposition that just warms my heart. One of her favorite activities is being read to. She will pick out a book, lug it around, plop down in your lap and open it up. She loves trying to keep up with her older brother. She loves to explore. She loves to smile and giggle and laugh. She loves to snuggle and give hugs. She’s learning to mimic behavior and repeat words and she knows animal sounds. Her brain is developing and growing every single day, and it’s awesome to watch. I predict that Sawyer is going to be an awesome athlete, and I can’t wait.
Being an Aunt and caring about my nieces and nephew the way I do has taught me that there are more important things in life than myself and what I have going on. They have taught me to focus on why and how something can be achieved rather than why it cannot. I think we would all benefit from this type of attitude. I feel like we spend too much time and effort trying to grow up and be responsible that sometimes we lose sight of some of the most important things in life. We are too weighed down because we anticipate life’s obstacles and challenges.
That is the sweetest thing I have ever read! It is amazing to hear you say all those things about the girls, they are so lucky to have you...it brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much! I love you!
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