Today is a big day, a really big day. Today marks the first of the month. A really, big month. This month, I will no longer be just any lobbyist, or writer, or daughter, or chocolate fanatic. I will still be all these things but with an added bonus of a brand new shiny title. This month, I’ll become a first-time Aunt. And I want to shout it to the rooftops!!
We don’t have any babies in our family. I’ve been the youngest for years, and my extended family with babies live on the other side of the world so there hasn’t been much play time available to us. Babies are actually a very foreign element to my daily life, with the wonderful exception of my best friend’s sisters and their (many) kiddos. In fact, I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to have kids of my own until a couple of years ago. I’ve always been a daydreamer, a traveler, career obsessed yet free spirit and the first to admit that my selfish ways told me having kids wasn’t the hobby that would make me a better version of myself. Everyone else told me that I would change my mind – that as soon as I fell in love with ‘the right person’ or as soon as I spent a lot of time with nieces or nephews, or that just the thought of dying alone – I’d immediately want children of my own. Well, to all you people – the reason I now want kids actually has nothing to do with these top three most over inundated explanations which you tried to convince me. I’m not in love, or even dating anyone. And my decision was made years before my sister-in-law fell pregnant. The reason I want to have children (although not any time soon) is because I want to raise well rounded, beautiful-souled, solid and good people in a world who can share light in an often dark world. It is as simple as that.
Needless to say, I am ecstatic that my brother and sister-in-law will bring Baby Hewer into the world in a matter of a week (or two). This little boy is already loved more than he’ll ever know. I can’t wait to see his face and get to know his personality, and see my brother give love and attention in a way that I’ve never seen before. My parents will officially be grandparents and our family name will continue. Today is a really exciting day to start a very wonderful month.
Not only am I blessed to become Auntie Chianne to Baby Hewer, but I also get to be an unofficial Aunt to a few other very special babies. The world will without a doubt be a better place with the birth of Baby Cronin this month, Baby Cottle at the end of the year, and Baby Singleton (#4) early next year. They say when it rains, it pours! Boy, am I about to get this Aunt thing down pat.
My friends who already have the Auntie title tell me to say EVERYTHING I’ve ever needed to say NOW, because once the baby is here my family will no longer care about the daily happenings in my life, no longer care to hear about my awful dating stories, or suggest a picture without a baby in it. Family vacations will have to look different. I won’t pretend to think that I’ll handle it perfectly – I’m sure I won’t. I will take my Aunt title very seriously, but try not to fill your social media feed with every little movement that MY NEPHEW makes or make EVERY blog post about being an Aunt.
But the truth is, things are about to change. Part of the miracle of seeing new life is a reminder that we were all also just as innocent, happy, amazed, loved, reliant, loyal, and pure as a brand new baby. As adults, it can be so difficult to forget the bad, forgive the hurt, and remember the good. But every day is a chance to be renewed. 
So I hope you’ll celebrate with me in this magical first day of the month. Something about the beginning of a new season and change in weather makes it a great day to stop and think about change. When was the last time something changed your life forever? When was the last time you experienced the joys of being renewed?
Today I challenge you to have optimism of a brand new baby, love like a brand new aunt, and respect each other and relationships in your life like parents do – together we can build a beautiful world that these little ones will grow up in.
Mostly, I challenge you to just, love life.
Love,
Chianne
PS:
to baby Singleton: God made your Mom and Dad so good at being parents, He couldn’t resist but to make you, too. Be the light, the rebel, the fun, and the hope. May you always be grateful for your brother and sisters and your do-it-all parents.
to baby Cronin: May you have the strength, calmness, skill and leadership of your Dad’s; may you have the thoughtfulness, curiosity, adoration, and heart of your Mom’s. Recognize the beauty of the love that bonds your parents; it’s rare.
to baby Cottle: A miracle baby, without a doubt, as God saved your Dad in a world of war and spared him to inspire millions. Your parents are beautiful and remarkable people. Live fearlessly, boldly, and charmingly, just as they teach you.
to baby Hewer: The places you’ll go, the things you’ll do, and the person you’ll become is already inspiring to me. May you stretch to your very own potential, yet stay close to the principles of the people who brought you into this world. Live every second to the fullest, and be grounded to recognize beauty in the little things. You’ll be such a wonderful man, if you’re even half the man your Dad is.
‘For every good and perfect gift comes from above’ – James 1:17
Just, Love Life 