Teething Bling Blog

My name is Natalie and since that's a bit hard to roll off a little one's tongue, my nieces call me Aunt Nana.  My life revolves around my sister's two beautiful blonde haired girls, my nieces Gabriella and Sophia.  Myself, Grandma (our mother) & my sister (Amanda) all live in the Pittsburgh region.  I have recently married and enjoy the company of my husbands nieces and nephew, too.  Those children live in other states, though; NY and NH, so we don't get to see them as often, but I do try to keep up with their activities as much as I can.  (Sophie 3 1/2 yrs (NH) & Charlotte/Derek 3 1/2 yrs Twins (NY)) 

Gabriella was born in May 2007 and Sophia was born in June 2011.

When my sister was expecting Ella I was going through rough times in my life and my doctor told me I should move from my Central PA location to Pittsburgh where I could have a more active role in my nieces lives and be a helping hand to my sister.  Grandma and I made the move and I am so glad we did!

What a warm little bundle Ella was and it was actually kind of scarry to hold her at first, she was so small and delicate.  My sister would bring Ella to my apartment where Grandma & I would watch her since my sister had to work.  I own a little beagle named Allie McBeagle.  Allie was such a good little mommy to Miss Ella. Allie would get all excited when it was time for Ella to come to our house (or even if you said to "Allie, where's Ella?." she would look to the steps and wag her tail) Allie would lick and kiss Ella in her car seat.  But just like Aunt Nana ~ Allie hid when there was the smell of a stinky diaper around!  

By the time Ella was up and walking, we were off on adventures and having  a great time.  Anywhere from taking a walk with baby doll in the stroller, learning to kick a ball to wild blackberry and dandy weed picking! Aaachoo.  When you're with Aunt Nana, it's always a good time and non-stop fun. (I am blessed with a child like heart/spirit and lots of energy at 39)  

Right around the time when Ella was born, Tickle Me Elmo had come out so now, I always ask her, "did you bring Tickle Me Ella with you today?  and then I commence in tickling her tummy and she just laughs and laughs!  Now that Ella is older - I like to buy toys for her that my sister and I had when we were growing up. I just happened to make 1 of those "mistakes" the other day when I purchased the little warbling water bird whistle.  My sister and I had them growing up - you fill the plastic bird with some water, you blow and it "tweets".  I do not remember it making such a racket!  Ella got the toy to tweet and tweet loud it did! She asked to take it home, of course I didn't say no!  I asked her about it the other day and unfortunately it has gone "missing" .....hmmm.  Never fear though Aunt Nana has a couple "back ups" in the toy drawer for just this sort of situation.  You can't imagine how fun it is to play all day, be silly and not be judged and then take a time out and send them home.   

Ella came to visit me at my house in the city one day. (I usually care for them at Grandma's house.)  She told me that my house was boring that I needed some more toys.  I found some grown up toys she might like.  She was extremely excited to hear that Aunt Nana bought a cotton candy maker.  I did buy a spinner wheel for making painted splatter pictures too!  My sister was quick to tell Miss Ella that those "toys" will be staying at Aunt Nana's!  

The worst day of being an Aunt was the day I took Ella to the doctor's office.  My sister was meeting us there.  For a little while Ella had become fearful of the doctor because it is always an unpleasant experience.  At that time, we didn't tell her where she was going, I just took her to meet up with her mother.  As soon as we pulled into the doctor's office, Miss Ella knew and started to get upset.  We went inside, checked in and the fear of the doctor was lost as she started to play on the play center complete with slide that they had in the office.  The nurse came and called for Ella, they went back and I remained in the waiting room.  A little while later I heard screams from my niece, "I want Aunt Nana!"  Over and over she cried and called for me.  I felt trapped.  It wasn't my place to go back to her,  but on the other hand it was breaking my heart to know that she was scared, hurt and wanted comforted.  I won't lie -  there was a tear in my eye that day.  I don't know how my sister handles the kids needing shots, I am a wimp and can barely take my dogs to the vet! 

The best time being an Aunt was my wedding and being able to share the stage with my beautiful princess flower girl Ella. Ella came with Nana to try on wedding dresses and she isn't shy to tell you what looks good and what doesn't.  Ella tagged along with my sister who was my wedding planner to most of our meetings.  I think the most fun was when we went to try cake combinations, the baker gave her a big cookie sandwich w/ vanilla icing and sprinkles on top and when the florist gave her a butterfly pic to play with.  Ella practiced her walking down the isle at home and it paid off  she did a super job! Ella was 3 years old and she had the most fun playing with the other children (the other nieces and nephew were there as well) and she liked dancing, eating candy from the candy bar and cookies from the cookie table!  

I asked Ella who are you going to marry?  Ella replied, "I am going to marry my daddy."   My wedding was more than a year ago and Ella still loves to look at our pictures.  "That is me, that is me" she will exclaim.  My niece was shy around my husband when we were dating, but after our wedding she has accepted him and gives him special Uncle hugs and kisses when she sees him.  That warms my heart, because I know he loves her too. 

Unfortunately with Sophia, I missed being at the hospital when she was first born, as my husband and I were on a 3,000 mile road trip through the midwest & southern parts of the United States. Sophia has come to stay with me a few times and I am much more seasoned to taking care of a little girl now.  It is a challenge to care for both girls at the same time especially when Sophia wakes up and needs attention.  Ella just like Aunt Nana is a big sister and is quite helpful with Sophia.  I am no longer afraid to change a stinky baby diapers and Sophia has had quite a few crazy messy diapers for Nana to tackle.  I think I will still run and hide though from diaper changes when Sophia gets older and they grow stinkier. Excited to see Sophia start to grow and am looking forward to both of them being mobile - Oh the fun and the trouble we shall have then!

My philosophy with my nieces is to share everything.  Experiences, knowledge, time and most importantly, love.