On February 19th I've became an aunt for the third time. After two girls, we finally welcomed a baby boy to our family! And in May we are expecting another boy! So this post is obviously inspired by them! :)
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*Image source:* https://goo.gl/images/1eCxWr

Growing up with two big brother, I've always wanted to have a younger sibling. That wish of mine never came true, but when I became an aunt, I finally had someone younger than me who I could spoil. And soon there will be four of them in my little squad:

__*Jana*__ - June 2012
__*Sara*__ - November 2015
__*Danilo*__ - February 2017
__*Baby boy*__ - May 2017 :) (there's two potential names - Stefan and Petar)

One of my brothers lives in Switzerland (__*Sara's*__ and __*Baby Boy's*__ dad) and the other one (__*Jana's*__ and __*Danilo's*__ dad) lives with me and our parents. So I was there, watching my niece Jana growing up since day one. And now, after almost 5 years, these are some of the lessons I've learned:

**Patience and tolerance** - These two kind of go together. Your patience will be tested since the moment you find out you will become an aunt/uncle. You will be patiently waiting for the little one to arrive. Then all those nights when their cry wakes you up, when you can't listen to music too loud because it's their nap time, when they ask you one million questions before your first morning coffee, and the list goes on... :)

**Understanding and accepting other people and yourself** - I'm always trying to let my niece express herself, either if it's a silly story she made up, funny drawing, dancing or even playing with toys that are "meant" for the boys... Kids are creative and smart and they love to explore and have no limits. They love you and accept you as you are, with their heart and mind wide open. So I'm trying to do the same, just let other people *be*. This also helped me understand even more that we are all unique and that it's okay if you are different. 

![IMG_4927.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTZiYhmVLGVMD4uqZzKJnfeQGMoDZRbhe1r8Y7JktL8na/IMG_4927.JPG)

**You're not only their aunt/uncle, you are their role model** - For them, there is no one as cool, smart, pretty, funny and awesome as you. They love you unconditionally and they look up to you. A lot of times this made me question myself, because I feel like I could always be a better auntie a.k.a role model. 

![IMG_7987.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmc9Gj9nE2fk3bBz3Ha5BZA3qWzwhTnij1WnxfVdnBsNs6/IMG_7987.JPG)

**You have an excuse to act like a child** - You get to play with toys, dress up dolls, get into a role of being a teacher, doctor or hairdresser... Some of my favorite things to do with my niece are puzzles and coloring books. Not to forget silly dance parties we have in my room! 

![IMG_5472.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmNsj5pbNXRa9DkZMLvAXtjX7eWjmZw98hkLVcqcPq4VTj/IMG_5472.JPG)

**Kids are honest and they will tell the truth to your face** - A lot of times adults make things very complicated. A lot of times adults lie. A lot of times adults will cause so much unnecessary drama. Kids are simple. Kids are humble. And honest. I remember one time, after taking my glasses off (which is very rare) my niece looked at me and told me "You are prettier without glasses." and moved on with her day. Simple as that. 

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**They will test your knowledge** - I wasn't ready for this one! All of a sudden, my niece was in that phase when she was questioning *EVERYTHING*. Why? Where? When? And I was surprised how hard it can be to explain some things or you just get caught with no proper explanation. 

![IMG_2414.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZsWwchbXHs9k6njwMc7zjZCjeVQ8CYUMkkpnd7NynrEM/IMG_2414.JPG)

**There's no such thing as personal space** - If you live with your niece/nephew chances are your private space is no longer existing. My private space was my room. Until my niece decided to take over. :) She likes to sneak into my room and my bed, loves to take a look at my makeup and nail polishes... Sometimes I let her be the boss but sometimes I tell her to come later. :)

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**You're witnessing their little miracles and big days** - Imagine how many stories you will have to tell them when they get bigger. From the day they were born, their first steps, birthday celebrations, first day at kindergarten, first time you built a snowman together and put up a Christmas tree, what was their favorite song...

![IMG_5856.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdDdCVist2MacLUbAPBPxSxvDYqbWADcipFgX8wabJf1g/IMG_5856.JPG)

![IMG_8822.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWwaYPH9kbs49xzE3M4ZLoNcmLHaRpAExbw6PZFocnhgm/IMG_8822.JPG)

**You realize that raising a child is a lot harder than you thought** - This is maybe just me, but when I was younger I thought "Oh, babies are so cute and fun!" And I still think they are, but only when I got to live with one, I realized it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There's a lot of worries and sleepless nights that comes with it. There's a lot of responsibility and sacrifice. But it's all worth it. 

![IMG_5428.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVRbdwamr2N5t2w1y4bkaV3vTHqwjtTDiKQWihLNPGbxV/IMG_5428.JPG)

*Are you an aunt/uncle? If so, how did that role changed you? I would like to hear from you.*

**Thank you for reading!**

Nikolina