Lessons Learned From Our Niece

Last weekend Tyler and I took Marley to the beach for the day, I cherish the times we have with her, just the three of us.  As we get closer to the arrival of our own child, I have thought about how things will change in our relationship with Marley.  My hope is that we can always have special time with just her.

Marley will always have a special place in mine and Tyler's hearts and we are so grateful to be her Aunt and Uncle.  Marley has taught Tyler and I some great lessons, she allowed us to have a little taste of what it would be like to have a child (even though I am perfectly aware that it is not the same as having your own because you can't send them home at the end of the day).  She taught us about patience, that children are like sponges and we need to be more aware of ourselves around them and most of all, she is always reminding us to have fun and not take life too seriously.

Of all the lessons we have learned from our little niece, I think remembering to just have fun sometimes is the most valuable. I hope that we remember to always have fun with our own child.  That we are always willing to get buried in the sand, go for a bear hunt in the back field and just play pretend.

We of course have to also thank Marley's awesome mom and dad for trusting us to take Marley on adventures without them.  I can see how their ability to allow Marley to spend time with her family members without them being present, has helped her to become independent and comfortable in different situations.  I hope that I can apply this parenting skill with our child as well.

Being an Aunt is one of my life's greatest experiences so far and I am excited to continue to grow my relationship with Marley and any other nieces and nephews that may come along.