On Being a First-Time Aunt

About two and a half weeks ago, I became an aunt for the very first time. It's also one of the reasons why I have been a little quiet on the blog. I was preparing myself to meet our new niece. And it's suddenly all feeling very real. You know, many of my friends have children, you'd think I'd be used to it by now, but this is totally different! This is my sister. A family. Now she has embarked on a very different road from me and it has brought up a lot of stuff. 

I was truly overjoyed when my sister got pregnant as I knew that was what she wanted. At this stage, I can't help but look at my own life and compare it — I don't know if I will ever have children. Honestly, I don't even know if I wanted one. The urge comes and goes. I don't know if motherhood is something I truly want.

All in all, being an aunt is wonderful enough. It feels like a little gift to be given. And guys, my whole life has always been about me and I couldn't even believe this is where I started to think less about myself first. Everything I wanted to do from this point forward would be for her. And I am not even her mom! Who am I!?

With that being said, in the past 2.5 weeks, I have learned a lot about what it's like to be a first-time aunt. I will be sharing my experience on the blog so that I can forever cherish this moment. 

meeting my niece

My sister checked into the hospital around 9 pm, on May 28th because she thought she had false contractions. So to the hospital, we went and whaddya know she was already 3cm dilated! No wonder she was having this sort of period cramp all day. 

While she was in the labour room, we waited outside and eventually had to go home as only a limited number of caretakers was allowed. My mom and I went home with a heavy heart leaving my brother-in-law at the hospital to wait for my sister. I was feeling lots of emotions at this point. I had barely slept because I was so keyed up in anticipation. 

On May 29th, at dawn, my sweet baby niece, Yara Sofea was born <3

I was so relieved the moment I heard my niece was born and my sister was doing okay after her vaginal delivery. Maybe she was a little bit sleep-deprived because as soon as my niece had entered the world safely, she responded with "can I get some sleep now?" to one of the nurses there. I think that was funny.

A couple of days after, my sister was discharged from the hospital and she can go home with her baby! We all had a teary moment when she reached home carrying her little baby. During her pregnancy, I frequently imagined what it would be like to meet my niece, but actually seeing her for the first time is definitely a memory that will forever be engraved in my heart.

My baby niece was so tiny! Her hair was so thick and super soft! Her eyes were sparkling! And she definitely had some high-pitched cry. Oh, she's absolutely going to be my karaoke buddy! Not to be cliché, but I legit loved her from the moment I met her. I already knew I was going to be obsessed with my niece. 

how does it feel to be a first-time aunt?

As soon as I met my first niece, I was so excited to have a baby to hold in the house. I felt comfortable around her. She was immediately part of the family — I had no fear whatsoever of how to hold her or interact with her. Since her birth, it has been so natural for me to hold her in my arms, burp her and smother her with my kisses!

Being in this new chapter is definitely one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I have found a new joy in spending time with my family. I'd be lying if I said the house wasn't a little more chaotic than usual because it definitely did HOWEVER this is a part of how my family is now and the interactions in the house have never been more fruitful.

She completely changed the whole family dynamic and I am looking forward to how she will enhance it.

On the flip side, I was a little worried that my cat would get neglected as we were obsessing over my niece and a lot of attention has shifted to her since her arrival. I do try to make time to play with my cat though so maybe he won't feel left out. He hasn't shown any signs of unhappiness or depression so all is well.

At the end of the day, I like to think that my niece has already made me a more compassionate and selfless person than ever. If she needs her diaper changed, I am up and sprinting to her changing area. If she's uncomfortable, I am whizzing to get her, scoop her up in my arms and make it cosy again for her.

 

life — now — as an aunt

Being an aunt changed my life for the better. I know they say a parent's love is like no other, but the day I learned that an aunt's is too. 

When I go home after running errands and dropping off customers' parcels, I know I will be greeted by a tiny bundle of joy that is so much more than just a baby to hold. Those ten tiny little fingers. Ten tiny little toes. The sweet little smile. I am in love. 

I know my niece can't even talk yet but as much as I tried to provide whatever wisdom I have, she has taught me more, I think. About how to be a better person, how to be patient and kind. How to see the beauty in every littlest thing. By taking care of her, I learned to take better care of myself as well. What is this baby magic?

And so, being in this position has been so sweet and rewarding thus far. Babies really are such a blessing! I have come to see how a family is so essential in life by watching my family be there for one another as they have struggles or just a hard night of no rest or sleep. I get how it takes a village to support a mother in raising a child.

Ah, long story short, what it's like to be a first-time aunt is INCREDIBLE.

I can't wait to watch her grow and I get to spend time with her more communicatively and interactively <3

Are you a first-time aunt? Or a many-time aunt? I would love to know more about your journey as an aunt! I am welcoming any advice and tips on how to be a great first-time aunt. Thank you so much for reading! *brb about to smother lots of kisses to my niece!*