Possible Triggers: Mention of “p” and littles…
I love being an aunt, or more specifically, “Tia.” My nieces and nephews (by blood, by marriage, and simply claimed by me) are all amazing. These kids have helped fill a void. They kept my heart beating when I was just certain it would fall apart…
Our Oldest Niece
My sis-in-law got pregnant with our oldest niece before Dane and I started trying to have a baby of our own. This was the first grandbaby and we were all ecstatic. I remember waiting at the hospital for her to be born. She arrived at 7:01 PM and she made me “Tia.” She is growing up and is as tall as I am now. But I still see that little one-year-old with chubby cheeks who mimicked the silly face that Uncle Dane taught her…
Our Middle Niece
My sis-in-law got pregnant with our middle niece while Dane & I were in the midst of our infertility struggle. In fact, I prayed to God to “please, bless our family with a baby.” And my SIL got pregnant. Haha, God. You knew what I meant! It is absolutely incredible how similar we are, though. No blood relation, but that kid could be mine.
Our Youngest Niece
Our youngest niece arrived the same week I had my endometriosis surgery. By this point, my SIL was getting annoyed that she could get pregnant so easily. And so was I! (Kidding! Well, partially…. ?) I made my way to the hospital to meet our youngest, however. Not even surgery was going to keep me away.
Our Favorite Nephew
When my mom told me that my little brother was going to have a baby, my reaction was not the greatest. “No! It’s supposed to be my turn!” Yeah. That was my response to the joyous news. But once that little boy arrived… Well, he makes me laugh more than anyone and I absolutely love his sweet heart and incredible wit! He is so much like his Dad, it’s a bit scary! (Read “On Being a Childless Aunt: My Favorite Nephew” by clicking here.)
And the “adopted” nieces and nephews….
We only have three nieces and one nephew from our siblings, but I claim at least five more…. My cousin has a little girl, but I’m not a second cousin! No way. She’s my niece. And my best friends’ kids…. Yep. I’m Auntie Brandi to those littles. No one seems to mind that I “collect” nieces and nephews. Even if they did, I’d still do it!
Aunt Blogs
Honestly, the blogosphere is pretty limited when talking about the Auntie Life. The only one I’ve found is Savvy Auntie. I enjoy following them on Facebook, but their website is a bit too commercial for me. I really enjoy personal blogs, but I haven’t found an auntie one just yet. Who knows? Maybe I’ll fill that void…
On Not So Mommy…™, I not only introduce my nieces and nephews, but I give my perspective as an aunt on things like starting high school. My hope is to thank my SIL and brother for allowing me to be such a big part of my nieces’ and nephew’s lives. I also want to encourage other aunties who claim their nieces and nephews as their own. While this seems to be the norm in your twenties, I hope to show that this bond can last a lifetime….
So, I hope you’ll Join the Community and enjoy getting to know my nieces and nephews better. Visit and comment often because I’d love to get to know yours as well!
Click here to read Not So Mommy…™ Aunt (aka Tia) Blogs
6 comments
Thank you for this blog!!
All I have are my brother and sister’s kids. My significant other has an illness and is blind. I have Endometriosis. With that being said, NO chance of having kids! It’s extensively depressing (considering kids play outside my window ALL the time). Along with not having any pets (not allowed where I live unless I prove they benefit me), it’s a double whammy! I’m hanging in there but have more negative days than positive. I’ll keep reading and stay busy as not to mellow on the situation!
Keisha, despite the circumstances that brought you here, I’m grateful you found Not So Mommy… Also, thank you for trusting this community enough to bravely share your truth. I am so sorry you are having to struggle through childlessness, plus cannot have a pet where you live. I do hope reading more at Not So Mommy… will help you feel less alone, which will (hopefully) allow you to have more “positive” days than “negative.” Sending you so many hugs, fellow warrior…
I have four nieces and I love them more then they will ever know! This year I am starting a hobbit ( I call them that because they all ate second breakfasts as little kids) auntie sue/uncle lawson lunch date this Christmas. I want to give them time and listen to their stories and watch them be beautiful humans!
Oh, I love this, Susanne! My husband (Uncle Dane) and I love to spend special time with our nieces and nephews. I truly hope you enjoy your “hobbit!” HUGS, fellow warrior…
WOW! I can’t believe this blog actually exists…kind of thought I was the only one. Thank you for sharing! Maybe one day I can share my story with you.
Those “me too” moments are so validating, aren’t they?! I’d love to hear your story, Melissa! Feel free to email me (notsomommy.com@gmail.com) or if you want to share with the Not So Mommy… community, check out the “Our Stories” page on the blog. 🙂