My sister-in-law stayed with us in Frankfurt for five weeks to help with the boys. The term "help" doesn't do all that she did justice. With my husband out of town for a week, my needing to watch on-line videos for my professional license, etc., she devoted every ounce of herself to the boys (and her furry niece and nephew, too), all with a smile. We cannot thank her or express our appreciation enough. Hopefully, she enjoyed her time with the boys and seeing a bit of Frankfurt, Germany, and France. Below is her guest post:
I’ve been lucky enough to be an aunt for almost eight years, since I was 13. Over the years, I’ve babysat my nieces and attended plenty of their birthday parties but these past five weeks I’ve entered something like a submergence course in being an aunt. Most aunts get to see their nieces or nephews in small increments: a few hours or a sleepover at most. This summer I was in Frankfurt, Germany for five weeks helping with my (now 10 months old!) nephews for what felt like almost 24/7. When dealing with the little guys I learn a lot quickly. So here are a few lessons I’ve learned, in general and specific to Jack and Will, while being an aunt in Frankfurt:
- Don’t be afraid to be silly. As long as the kids think it’s funny, don’t worry if you look ridiculous or can’t quite explain the game you just made up to the other adults
- Leave your vanity at the door. My adorable nephews don’t allow much time to work on personally hygiene or to even bother too much that you might have some bodily fluids/solids on your clothes.
- Will is an adrenaline junky. Jack is not.
- Embrace caffeine. You will rarely get as much sleep as you’d like.
- Learn some lullabies, make one up or quickly adapt a top 40s song. In desperation, I once attempted to lull Will to sleep with “Call Me Maybe”. He didn’t seem to appreciate Carly Rae Jepson’s particle brand of genius.
- Take lots of pictures. I took tons of pictures of the boys but not nearly enough of me with them.
- While babies act as miniature wingmen for men, women with babies don’t seem get the same positive attention. I have to agree with my cousin Erin’s observation that men who may look like they are starting to check you out suddenly lose interest when they spot that baby, stroller or carrier your toting.
- You can be as careful as you’d like and kids will still manage to find trouble (so try not to beat up yourself about it too much). See #9.
- Couches are unexpected hazard zones. Anyone who has been around Jack and Will can testify to this.
- Give lots of hugs and gifts. The gifts part will be easier when I have a disposable income, but that didn’t stop me from picking up lots of souvenirs in Germany for my nieces.
Perhaps a lot of these lessons may be good for baby care-givers in general but unlike babysitters and nannies who will come and go, as an aunt, I get to continue to show up year after year. Being an aunt (or uncle) is really the best job because you get to have all the fun. Taking them to the park, playing games, buying them presents, eventually doling out life advice, and taking them to Six Flags (even if to a certain parent's dismay). And at the end of the day, I can give them back to their parents to worry about potty training, discipline, grades or girls.
I can’t believe it’s been a week since I left Frankfurt, my nephews, brother, sister-in-law, and cousin. Leaving was the definition of bittersweet. I was ready for the break but it was hard to leave knowing I won’t get see them for at least six more months! I told the boys not to forget me and requested that they stop growing in my absence but life goes on. Not sure they were listening but I’ll forgive them. I miss them like crazy, not to mention my brother and sister-in-law who I got to spend a lot of quality time with, but I’ll be here when they all get back to give lots of hugs and presents and to take lots of pictures… should I be worried that description sounds like my mom?
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In response to my sister-in-law's comment about taking pictures with her and the boys together, I have posted some of my favorites below. (Hopefully, she won't object too much to them.) I think they show just how hands-on she was and the special bond that she developed with the boys.
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