One of the GREATEST joys of my life was being present for three of my nieces', my nephew's and my best friend's son's birth. I never became a mom, so those experiences meant the world to me. I remember when my sister had first told me she was pregnant. She was so overjoyed and so was I. I couldn't wait to be an aunt. My sister always made pregnancy look so easy, sometimes too easy. When she would get sick, she'd pull the car over, puke and keep on going. She was a trooper and I was so proud of her. I had the opportunity to go to her baby check ups and got to see my babies grow. Because of my sister's weight they would tell her that her babies were gonna be eight pounds and it was time to induce. When my niece was born the waiting room was packed. She was our families first grandchild. Unfortunately, I was camped out in the waiting room too, because for some reason my sister wanted her husband and my mom in there with her instead of me. I couldn't figure out why! Our baby showed up a little over 6 pounds. She was a peanut and she was perfect! To this day she is so much like me and that's scary. We both share the love of animals and the gift of gab. When my nephew was born, I had the honor of being by my sister's side in the delivery room. My nephew also was predicted to be an 8 pound baby, so we were headed to the hospital for a scheduled induction. He was to be induced on my parents anniversary. Luckily they went away for their anniversary so I was happy to take my mom's spot. "Put me in coach, I'm ready!" My sister thought otherwise. When the contractions started she told me I sucked and she wanted my mom! Probably because me and her hubby were enjoying ourselves and laughing and she wasn't feeling the joy. When my nephew arrived, it was absolutely amazing! To watch a baby be born is one of the most amazing life experiences you will ever be part of and even more amazing when you love them before you even see them. He too was only a little over 6 pounds and a little peanut. One push and our little guy fell out. My sister made giving birth look so easy. I had the honor to cut the umbilical cord as well and that made it so much more. When I agreed to be in there, I never thought it would be life changing. Tho, my brother in law had me thinking it would be a blood bath, there wasn't blood splattered all over the walls and floor like I had imagined. My nephew was the most kind hearted little boy and now he is a very hard worker. Both of their births I cried happy tears! My first two babies called me Aunt Sa Sa because my niece struggled with my name and it stuck. To this day I am still Aunt Sa Sa to them. When my best friend told me she was pregnant I was surprised and very happy. Her and her other half are only children, so I always figured they would have one child and be done, as long as it was a boy. I would tell her all the time how easy my sister made delivery look. I would tell her, "you got this!" Well, the day her son entered this world I had to eat my words. She definitely did a wonderful job, but her experience wasn't as easy as my sisters was. She was in labor for many excruciating hours and I sat outside listening and praying it was over soon for her. Our boy showed up at almost 10 pounds! She did a fantastic job, but her journey was probably why she never had another child. When my other niece came along, I was daddy. I went to almost all of her appointments. She's my little Bean. She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. Her beautiful dark skin, big eyes and dark wavy hair made up for the hours we waited for her. She was a little stubborn and didn't want to come out. Her poor momma pushed until she couldn't and ended up having a C-section. I loved her baby stretches and little grunts. She was such a smart little girl. She was the sweetest baby and still is the sweetest teenager! When my youngest niece was born, we didn't know what we were having. We were hoping for a boy, but healthy was all we cared about. My sister in law is a Type 1 diabetic too and we worried about her health. When our girl made her way into the world we were so happy! She received my mom's maiden name as her first name and she also has my sister's middle name. I think the only thing she received from me is her orneriness and maybe my attitude. Our girl is a little of her mom and her dad. She will definitely be a leader and stand her ground. She will always keep her parents on their toes and that is why we love her! I have more nieces and a nephew and I love them all so very much. The five babies I have written about I had the luxury of being part of their births which makes the bond a little different and stronger. When you share a moment with each of these babies it makes an imprint on your heart. You remember the little moments you shared and will never forget their entrance in to the world. I will forever be grateful for my sister, sister in law and best friend for allowing me to be part of their life journey. I love you all! Just another daily dose of T.