(Entry 8) Being an Uncle

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Being an uncle is new to me. My sister gave birth to my beautiful niece only slightly over a month ago. And while my other sister, Angelina, insisted we were too young to be aunts and uncles, I was unaffected by the knowledge. I was fine driving to the hospital, walking through the delivery halls, and to her room. But as soon as I saw Theresa in the hospital bed holding her daughter, I started crying. 

Taking care of a baby is a lot of work. They eat every couple of hours. Many diapers are used throughout the day. And it seems nearly impossible to put them to sleep. Ensure their heads are supported until your wrists and hands hurt because they can't calm down unless you're walking around. They must be burped after eating so they aren't uncomfortable and gassy. 

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But while babies are a lot of work, they also bring much joy and love. While helping my sister, I've stayed up nights, changed diapers, learned to swaddle, and learned to soothe her. I've found joy in buying her clothes and caring for her. Whenever someone holds her for the first time, anxiety pings in my stomach, scared that they'll drop her. She isn't mine, but my love for her has no bounds.