How very odd

The other day my niece sent me a picture of my great nephew. I dug up some photos of his dad at that age, and, yes, they look a lot alike. But I do find it odd that a nephew who was an adorable little baby just a few years ago is now a grown man.

I'm not saying it's bad. I enjoy getting to know my nephews and nieces all over again as adults. It's just a bit strange to look at these grown up men and women and think: "Wow! I remember you when you were still a toddler!"

Nephews are people too.

I just had my grown nephew visit for the weekend and we had some long talks. The last time I really talked to him, he was about twelve. Now that he's an adult, it's a joy to share interests, witticisms and life experiences.

I just wish I'd had the opportunity for a few more heart to heart chats in the past.

Sometimes a friend's kid can be as dear as a nephew

Some kids just get under your skin, you know? You just love them to death, whether they're related or not.

Our neighbor has a little boy who's just precious to us. Is it because he seems to enjoy coming to visit us? Is it because he's so bright? Or perhaps it's that impish smile he gets every once in a while?

Ah, what greater joy is there than a child? We gave this little guy a small windup toy and he just shreiked with delight every time it popped over. You don't see that abandonment to joy among grownups.

Guilt

Well, I forgot my niece's birthday, even though care2.com kindly sent me a reminder. (BTW, care 2 is a great website. Free ecards, and lots of pro-environment petitions to sign.)

Am I a bad aunt? I've tried, but it just gets away from me sometimes. Well, I guess better late than never. Instead of creating a blog entry, I'll go send her a card!

Sorry, Emily!

He got the job!

This weekend we attended my nephew's graduation (cum laude!!!). The first thing he said to me when he saw me was "I GOT THE JOB!"

I'm thrilled. It's so great to know I had a small part in helping this fine young man succeed in life.

My nephew asked me for help!

My nephew Kevin, who is graduating soon from college, stayed over for his very first job interview near where we live.

I was thrilled when he actually asked for, and listened to, advice on how to interview! My goodness! He's so young! It was such a pleasure to be able to impart some of my experience to him!

And I remember him when he was a cute faced little kid...

It's a two way street

When I went to visit my great nephew a couple of weeks ago, I was amazed to hear feedback that I had "been a great help" when cuddling the little sweetie pie for an hour or so.

Bottom line: aunthood can be a mutually beneficial relationship. What is an all-too-rare treat for me is a moment of respite for mom and dad.

How nice.

My Aunt Selma

I've had some kind and affectionate aunts, but the one I hold the warmest spot in my heart for is my Aunt Selma. She was actually married to my uncle, so she wasn't related by blood. But that didn't matter. She was the most warm, welcoming, affectionate aunt in the world. She made me feel loved. When I became an aunt, I tried to emulate her in my treatment of my nephews and nieces. I hope I succeeded.

Being a great aunt is like being a grandma

A great aunt is a lot more like a grandma than an aunt is like a mom. Sort of evens out as the generations spread. I can give my grown nephew advice, and can goo-goo-goo at the baby, where I'd never have given advice to his mom!

Does the word aunt conjure up "warm and fuzzy"?

I was just googling the word "aunt" and noticed that most of the references were to sites like "Aunt So-and-so's cookies". It seems to me that a lot of people associate aunts with warm, kindly, advice giving older women.

That's good isn't it?

Just met my new great nephew.

Isn't it amazing that a completely new life can come into this world? Ben didn't exist four months ago, and now he's a distinct person with his own personality.

Since my nephew lives quite far from me, I just got a chance to meet the new baby this past week. And what a joy it was! Even more exciting, surprisingly, was to see my nephew, his dad, all grown up and a successful writer! Very strange to remember a person as a baby, and see him simultaneously as a functioning adult!

My nephew is getting married!

They grow up so quickly! I still have my nephew Dustin's baby pictures on the fridge, and now he's getting married! The exciting part of having a niece or nephew marry is you get GREAT nieces and nephews. Still, I wish I'd had more time with Dustin when he was growing up...