the anti-mom

I haven't wanted to be a mom since high school, but that doesn't take away from the fact that for three years I filled that role to some extent. There are four of them, and they are beautiful. They've lived with me since August 2006 and have changed my life in a profound way; allowing me the privilege to be a part of something I otherwise would have never experienced. I always said that being an Aunt was the best...I got all of the spoiling rights and none of the bullsh*t. What I didn't realize were all of the little things I wouldn't get to be a part of.

Mother's day tea at kindergarten...with tea-biscuits slathered in butter and jam (more butter than jam, and not so tasty - deserve an Oscar for faking their deliciousness). Award ceremonies at school, and the bragging rights that go along with having kids chosen by their teachers for things like honesty, fairness and courage. Handwritten notes welcoming me back from a weekend away. Hugs before bed and after school and sometimes even for no real reason. A hero's welcome upon arriving home from work. Handcrafted Christmas decorations, with more glue than actual paper or glitter. Performing minor surgery and playing tricks to soothe the sting of antiseptic (let me hear you count backwards from 10...louder!). Bearing witness to their reading skills evolving from basic ABC's to chapter books. Having them crawl into bed, looking for refuge after a scary dream, cozying up under the duvet. Watching them overcome the wobbles after asking for their training wheels to be taken off. Dancing the 'parent-kid' dance at a Grade 8 graduation.


These are the moments that I don't take for granted - and while I know that three years are only a snapshot into their little lives, they are three years I won't forget. They are the three years of my own life that I will remember I got to be an Auntie-Mom.

Thank you babies, I love love love you!!
xoxo