They grow up so fast!

Would you believe that the little fellow on the right is graduating high school and will be off to college next fall?  I remember holding him in my arms when he was a month old!    I remember his first birthday party!  I remember making up silly songs for him. I remember when he graduated from nursery school.  And now he's a young man!

It has impressed on me once again of enjoying and savoring the moments with one's nephews and nieces while you can, before they grow up and have their own nieces and nephews.

They get older

A few days ago I visited my godson in Vermont. I can remember him when he was an infant strapped to him mother's chest. A little bit of a thing who cried when I tried to babysit him. Now he's a teenager with a deep voice! It's strange, almost as if there were two different people: the little one of my memory and the young man of reality.

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.

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!

Aunts are Kind of Sidelined sometimes

If you're like me, you've got a nephew or niece whom you love to pieces, but don't see nearly often enough.

Sometimes, it's hard to be an aunt. You see your brother or sister-in-law messing up their kid's psyche and you think "No, I can't interfere! It's their child, not mine!" Am I right?

On the other hand, you get to be the good guy. You can spend your money on toys and cute outfits, without having to buy the underwear or socks. When you get your nephew or niece for the weekend, you can devote all your attention and spoil her (or him) completely.

So, this is a place to share your feelings and observations about aunt-hood. Feel free to jump in with your own experiences.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Aunt Reenee