To be an aunticorn!

I have a niece!

At long last, I'm officially an aunt. I'm thrilled and terrified at the same time.

What kind of aunt will I be? I want to be the world's greatest aunt. That's the goal. But how does one go about that?

The thing is she lives far away, makes it challenging to be the aunt of my dreams. At 750+ miles away, I can't just pop over after school with cookies, or babysit on a Saturday afternoon, or just hug her whenever I want.

How do I be the world's greatest aunt? Perhaps I can transform into an aunticorn! Part aunt, part unicorn. Granted, becoming an aunticorn is taking things a bit far, especially since (as far as I know) there is no way to genetically fuse myself with a fantastical creature. Darn.

It is nice to have some time when she and I can be goofy together. Silly faces and peekaboo are the current favorites. I can be the world's coolest aunt!

I've got the love. That was easy. One look at her bright, intelligent blue eyes and cute dimpled face, and I was hooked. She is amazing. I am completely, 100% in love with her already.

I sent her ultra-soft, natural clothes, a song, and voice recordings for a toy she can listen to anytime she wants. I check in often with her parents to see how they are doing and to hear all the latest updates on her growth, milestones, and new developments.

And I am going to visit. As often as I can. Because I want to be the aunt who teaches her how to be brave when she is afraid, creative when she is stuck, and joyful when life gets hard.

Perhaps I can transform into an aunticorn! Part aunt, part unicorn. I found it on the internet when I was googling mileage to her house. Yes, this is apparently a thing.

Granted, becoming an aunticorn is taking things a bit far, especially since (as far as I know) there is no way to genetically fuse myself with a fantastical creature. Darn.

But if I could — for my smart, talented, beautiful niece — I certainly would.