Four years since I got a daughter...

July 17, 2022

My niece will be celebrating her fourth birthday tomorrow. Here I am again contemplating how time flies so fast. I was in my last year at the uni when she was born. We were rehearsing for a stage drama that night when my mom called me to inform me that my sister would probably undergo a caesarian section. She was crying on the other end of the line, afraid that my sister won't be able to make it.

My mother made sure that my sister will be on good terms with my father and the rest of the family members before she gave birth so she won't be having a hard time while she labor. That is part of the tradition. She even bought my dad's t-shirt and place it on my sister's belly so would give birth easily. That practice is believed to be a sign that my father has forgiven my sister and is not holding anger and frustrations with her anymore. It was the advice given by my grandma that we should all forgive her and support her as she give birth so everything would just be easy-peasy.

Truth be told, my sister delivered my niece via normal delivery. My mom was able to breathe well when she heard my niece crying. She instantly informed me that my niece is out and it is via normal delivery. She can't thank God enough for the strength He bestowed upon my sister. It was an answered prayer. Had my sister undergone C-section my parents would be the ones to shoulder the expenses.

After a few days, my father finally held my niece in his arms. The moment my sister stepped on our door, she handed my niece to my father. My father instantly held my niece too. She's so little and delicate then. She's like a cat. Her eyes were closed yet she seems to be sucking something. My father even joked with my sister if my niece is her award that she gives back to my dad.

It can be recalled that my sister got pregnant at a not-so-perfect time resulting in trouble in the family. But everything disappeared when my niece came. She's loved by everybody and she's a Lolo's girl. Nothing fears her as she knows that she has a granddad on her side no matter what.

It's been four years since I got a daughter without having to give birth. Being an aunt is by far the coolest job I've ever had. Dealing with a toddler every day reduces and causes stress at the same time but everything is worth it including the tantrums and the never-ending cries and pleas to borrow a phone.

God knows how I love being an aunt. You can have someone to play with and have fun with. She clings to me like she is my own and I love her too like she is my own. The best part of being an aunt is it's like you have your daughter but you can always give her back to her mom whenever you felt like she is already overwhelming and whenever you feel like she is hard to handle.

We can't wait for her to go to school and have the time of her life enjoying every phase of life. We will just be right by her side supporting and guiding her.

All I ask from the heavens is that shell grow up life-smart, God-fearing and everything else will just be wonderful additions to the character she needs to develop along the journey.

Thanks for reading. Until the next read!