From Baby Whisperer to Aunt Kitty

The baby whisperer:

Babies bring me so much joy. I love everything about them, from the sweet snuggles to the way they warm my heart. I have loved babies ever since I was little. I always had a baby doll with me, either pushing her in a stroller or carrying her in my pretend baby carrier everywhere I went. Then, when I was 11, my baby brother was born, and he was like my real-life baby doll. I loved everything about having a baby brother. I wanted to hold him, help take care of him, and be around him all the time. My love for babies had always been strong, but now I finally had a real baby to love and help care for. I love the snuggles, that sweet and distinct baby smell, caring for them, and their pure, sweet innocence. When a baby settles into my arms or falls asleep on me, I feel like I’m in heaven. Having a baby asleep on my chest is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world. I notice their soft breathing, their warmth, the sweet little coos they make, and their soft skin, but most of all, I feel completely calm. When I have a baby in my arms, the rest of the world fades away, and I feel completely blissful and at peace. When a baby cries, I instinctively start rocking, swaying, patting their back, and talking softly. More often than not, they calm down in my arms. I guess I really do have that magical baby whisperer touch. I may not be able to see a baby clearly, but that’s okay. For me, truly experiencing a baby has never been about sight alone. I love using my other senses to “see” them- the warmth of a tiny body, the softness of baby skin, the sound of little coos, and the comfort of soft breathing. I couldn’t pick just one favorite kind of baby moment because I love it all from the sleepy snuggles and tiny coos to the smiles and sweet giggles. Babies bring me such a deep sense of comfort and joy. Having a baby in my arms is incredibly calming to me. Babies remind me that the simplest things in life often bring the greatest joy and that every moment is precious. Babies are still a big part of my life through volunteering in the nursery at church and spending time with my younger cousins. The nickname “The Baby Whisperer” fits me because babies seem naturally drawn to me, and I’m just as naturally drawn to them. Babies have always held a very special place in my heart; give me a baby to snuggle and I’m in heaven.

Becoming aunt Kitty:

And becoming an aunt… a dream come true! Baby girl, you already have such a special place in my heart, and I haven’t even met you yet. Happy doesn’t even come close to describing how I feel. I am ecstatic, over the moon, and full of joy. I can’t wait to hold and nurture my niece. I can’t wait for all the cuddles, giggles, and happy-heart moments we’ll share. I don’t know exactly what being Aunt Kitty will look like yet, but I already know I’ll love her with my whole heart.

A collision of grief and joy:

I was having a hard time missing Mak and Russ when my brother called to tell us the baby was on the way…  I lost it. I couldn’t stop sobbing. I was overcome with emotion, overwhelmed with sadness and total elation at the same time. All the emotions came crashing together- the grief, the joy, the sadness, the excitement. I was completely overwhelmed. This moment has reminded me that grief and elation can coexist.  I haven’t even met her yet and the love I have for her is already uncontainable.

Officially aunt Kitty:

Getting to be an aunt already feels like one of the greatest joys of my life. Oh my goodness…  meeting my niece- what a special moment. My heart melted as soon as I saw baby girl. She’s perfect. Tears of joy filled my eyes, and my cheeks started hurting from how much I was smiling. Holding her for the first time felt surreal. I could feel myself smiling from the inside out. I’m finally an aunt!  It’s a dream come true and I’m literally on cloud nine. Holding my niece is simply blissful.

Being aunt Kitty means so much to me, it’s hard to put into words. Looking at my newborn niece, I still can’t believe she’s finally here. I already love her so much and can’t wait to spoil her, hold her, and just be aunt Kitty. I’ve always dreamed of being an aunt, and now I am… pinch me!