Monday, May 24, 2010

spaghetti arms

I'm here. I'm not lost. I'm in Denver playing auntie to a 2 year old! I'm not playing actually, I'm doing it for real.  It's been such a great experience and although I only was "in charge" along with hubs, for a weekend, I feel like I am learning so much.

For instance, sometimes it's totally fine that she gets to wear her plastic high heels while we go for a walk. Even though it slows things down, it makes life more fun for her to "go to her meeting" or "take her baby out" or just pretend that she is fabulous and beautiful. Oh no, wait! It's not pretend and it's not her shoes that make her fabulous and beautiful!

I've also learned to appreciate a tea party which quickly turns into the nearby Starbucks drive thru.  Even though no double shots of talls or grandes or caramel macchiatos aren't actually on their way. It's still fun to have her repeat my order and ask, "Would you like pumpkin loaf with that?"

And then when I make bread and serve it to her, she gets a twinkle in her eye and says, "It looks just like pumpkin loaf" and I know I've found the key to her stomach.

It's been a blast to see the world through her eyes and to answer the "why?" and "how come?" and "what are you doing aunt jo?"

I've learned that sad faces can be turned into laughter when you swoop my little niece up and play airplane.  And even though my arms feel like spaghetti I know that her laughter is worth it.

I have learned that my nephew prefers to play guitar left-handed like a rock star... or Paul McCartney. That he acts shy but what he really wants is for someone to pick him up and smother him with kisses.  He loves his sunglasses and loves petting Banjo the golden.

Sometimes I don't want to brush her teeth because truth be known, she doesn't want me to and I don't want to argue.  This makes me a little concerned because I have yet to spend longer with a child than this weekend. If I can't stay strong for even a weekend, how am I supposed to be strong for my own kiddos when I have to convince them for a lifetime?

I also have a hard time not laughing when something is funny but "wrong".  I walked into the living area and found her shoving "pumpkin loaf" aka my bread into the baby doll's mouth.  I knew I should scold but it just looked so funny to see a baby doll's open mouth stuffed full of friendship bread.

Oh man, being an auntie is rewarding.  It's precious to be an aunt and I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

3 comments:

Jer said...

great read. =) thanks for sharing!

The Schupbachs said...

Like.

Alissa said...

You're such a good aunt!