Auntie in the City

My sister and I are 13 months apart. We have been best friends since I can remember. She was my partner in crime when we were little and my maid of honor at my wedding. To say that she is an amazing sister is an understatement. Not only has she been there for me whenever I have needed it, but she has also been an amazing part of Harlan’s life as well.

When I was in labor with Harlan my sister made sure to be on the first plane down to Tampa for her arrival. She made it shortly after she was born and was with me everyday in the hospital to help out.

It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with her first niece. She would ask for me to send her pictures and videos everyday, constantly call to ask how she was doing, and try to get down to Tampa whenever possible to visit her. When we found out we were moving to New York City she was beyond thrilled. Not so much for me moving to the same city as her again, but because Harlan was moving here.

Now that we are both living in the city it is like old times again. We still talk everyday and try to see each other as much as we can. We have family game nights and will laugh together at jokes at only we think is funny. Our relationship is stronger than ever. What’s even more exciting for me is the relationship that I see with her and Harlan. Although Danielle has always been over the moon for Harlan, it was hard for Harlan to truly understand who Danielle was. Now that she sees her often, it is hard to get Harlan to stop asking for “Danni.”

Having an aunt in the city has made Harlan a little spoiled. My sister loves to video chat with Harlan when she gets home from work if she isn’t able to come over. Harlan gets a huge smile on her face when she sees Danielle on the screen. She will always ask to speak to “Danni” whenever I am on the computer {which tends to be quite a bit.} She also loves the days when my sister will come over just to take her out to the playground or to get something to eat. Danni doesn’t make Harlan ride in her stroller because she will hold her the entire time. If Har wants an extra snack, she knows who to ask if Danni is around.

It’s amazing to see the things that Danielle will teach Harlan after their days together. Just recently Harlan came up to me and asked me for a “high five.” Having no clue where she heard that from I gave her one as she giggled. I later find out that Danielle taught her that when she watched her while MacKay and I were at our spa day.

As I think about the relationship that is forming between them it has made me realize that Harlan isn’t the only one being spoiled. I am too.