on being an aunt

i am certain that every single article of clothing i took to germany, in one way or another, obtained slobber, tears, snot, and/or various food spills from the kiddos. as the youngest in the family, i never understood loving someone from the moment they were born.

until i became an aunt.

i remember holding my nephew for the first time-- a warm fresh bundle, too precious and sweet to fathom. and i knew it-- that i loved him. that i always would love him. almost 6 years later, i am lucky enough to have 2 nephews and a niece.

germany was marvelous. the countryside, the shopping, the people. i fell in love. seeing the neuschwanstein castle was magically magnificent, rothenburg sang with history and quaintness. but  if i had to pick my favorite thing about the trip, hands down it would be my sister and her family.

it wasn't the most relaxing vacation, per say, but i will take tickle fights and holding little hands any day over some secluded beach. their smiles are infectious, and their love is overwhelming. these little humans that my sister and brother-in-law are raising so patiently can mend a broken heart in a way nothing else can-- the baby-babble, simplicity, and giggles put everything into perspective.

so when i look at the drool stains on my shoulder, or the chocolate caked onto my jeans,
 i smile.

because i love being an aunt. 

it makes me excited to one day be a mom.

i'll take the good and bad, even the hard days, because the good is so worth it.