"Oh Darling, Don't You Ever Grow Up, Just Stay This Little."

Title: Taylor Swift - "Never Grow Up"

Anyone who knows me/has ever really talked to me/has read my blog for awhile will know one very important fact about me.

My favorite thing in the entire world is being an aunt.  

I literally cannot think of anything on this earth I love more.

I take the title of "Aunt" very seriously and I truly believe the close relationship I have continued to share with my niece is proof.

As an aunt, I try to go out of my way to spend extra time with her.  You never know how long you have until hanging out with your aunt isn't cool anymore and isn't worth bragging about in school to all your friends.  I'd like to think this time will never come.  Then again, she once told me I could call her Pookie Princess for the rest of her life.  Even proudly announced to her Nana "MY Essa calls me her Pookie Princess and I love her!"

My heart swells.

Now? I am hushed if I threaten to call her it in public.

It has been awhile since we did something one-on-one so last week, I decided we needed some time out and about.  So last Wednesday I picked her up and we had a dinner and froyo date. Dinner at McD's for her choice because she wanted chicken nuggets and froyo as my choice because she had yet to experience it.  Needless to say, she thought it was the coolest thing ever.

While talking over dinner and froyo, because 9 year olds have a lot to say, we started discussing the future for her.
I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up.
She proceeded to tell me, very seriously, about the three things she has narrowed it down to.

1. A Babysitter.

"Because I just really love kids and babies. But I don't want my own.  I just want to watch them and play with them."
She's clearly my niece, what can I say?

2. Work with Animals.

"I love animals so much.  I'd really love to help them.  But not operate on them so I couldn't be an animal doctor. So maybe I could just help train them or something?"

3. A Hairdresser.

"I love playing with hair.  And I have a fun time doing a girl's hair at the baby-sitter's."

I just love the thought process for contemplating her future.
My thoughts?
That girl can be anything she wants, as long as she is happy.

I feel like it was just yesterday that she was born.
Yet today she is conquering the 4th grade.

And tomorrow?
She'll be conquering the world; one puppy, baby, or hair cut at a time.
And I couldn't be more proud.