My Little Niece: Fantasia!

Yesterday, my children and I took my niece home to her new apartment. I can hardly believe that she'll be 20-years old in April. My late brother's first born is all grown up and stepping out into the world on her own.

I remember being 13-years old when I found out that I had become an aunt. It was so exciting for our family anticipating the arrival of my mother's first grandchild. I learned a whole lot about parenting having my niece around.

She was like a first child to me. A few of my friends were teen parents and shamefully, I wanted to be one. So when she was born I felt like I had my own little baby. I too, shared similar responsibilities caring for my niece as a mother would by feeding her, changing diapers, bathing, dressing, teaching some of her first lessons, amongst other miscellaneous parental duties.  

I will admit, that I've had some difficulty adjusting to her adulthood. She laughs at me because we both know that I still treat her like she's my eldest daughter's age sometimes. I'm just a bit over protective of her and I want to maintain the loving respect between us. No matter how much older she gets I'll still be her elder and want to help her make righteous decisions for her life.

I am proud of her and I LOVE her very much!!!