A little over 14 months ago, I became an aunt for the first time.  My brother Craig, and his wife, Noelle, welcomed Alexis Paige Rupiper. A new birth is always a big deal. But we Rupipers were especially anxious for the first grandbaby.  I only have one brother so we are a very close family and Alexis' arrival affected us all.

I have friends who are aunts & uncles, and before Alexis was born I would hear them talking about how much fun they had with their nieces and nephews.  I couldn't truly understand their joy until my own niece was born.  Since I am not yet a mom, I've never really had that feeling of looking into a baby's eyes and seeing your own genes staring right back at you!  Alexis looks a lot like her mother, but there are times, when she smiles, that I can see my little brother shining through. It's such a neat experience.

Alexis has also given me a new appreciation for every holiday that rolls around.  I'm a pretty festive person as it is, but now I see each occasion with a new perspective.  What cute things can I find for Alexis for Valentine's Day, Halloween, even Thanksgiving?  Of course Christmas and Birthdays are just ridiculous.  If it sounds like I spoil her, let me be the first to tell you that you are absolutely right!

The baby has made our entire family get in touch with their "children's side".  It just makes you feel better when you're around her.  She sees everything with fresh eyes and is excited by the simplest things. I think we could all take a lesson from that.  Alexis and her mom and dad live in Lincoln, Nebraska, but we make as many efforts as possible to get together.  If you were me, how could stay away from that sweet little face for long?