Aunties - what would you do without us?

I've been an Auntie for more than seventeen years, officially to two nephews and one niece, and unofficially to all my friends little ones. I'm the one who, outside on the patio after a dinner party, is chasing the giggle-boxes and tickling them and laughing out loud at their nonsensical jokes, brushing off the apologies of my friends who think that the kids are forcing me into it. No, don't apologize for or admonish the kids - I'm the one who is egging them on, playing with their toys, listening to stories I probably told my Aunties when I was their age. It's my fault - I take full responsibility.

Ever since I saw Rosalind Russell's "Auntie Mame," in middle school, I wanted to be an Auntie. Mame was love and fun and kookiness all rolled into one fabulous, hot mess of a woman, and she showed that you didn't have to give birth to be a loving provider to children. You don't have to be a stereotypical wallflowerish school marm, a sad example of infertility, or one who has to explain her choices in life. In this day and age, more and more women are bucking the Old Maid Auntie crap and walking all over it, savoring the chances to spend time with the children they love while having a full life, when the kids aren't around.

Melanie Notkin, Founder of Savvy Auntie, has created a wonderful place for proud Aunties to share stories, gift and game ideas, and to be a part of a community of other Aunties just like themselves. CNN featured a story from Oprah.com's Tish Durkin, Aunt misbehavin' is part of the job, also celebrating the lives of Aunties. She states in her article:

"As a maiden aunt to eight nieces and seven nephews, ranging in age from 2 to 22, I am not to be pitied. I am to be worshiped."

Aunties are coming out, everywhere, and sharing their pride and love for the children in their lives, and celebrating the joy of watching their beloved nieces and nephews grow into fine human beings. They're also celebrating their own lifestyles, which probably add to the ability to be a worship-worthy Auntie.

I have so many great memories of hanging out with "my kids" - like taking one nephew out for decaf mochas once a week, dressing up in old, light and fluffy "fairy dresses" with my niece while sitting in the grass and sipping 7-Up out of champagne glasses, convincing my youngest nephew that he's just like Dash Incredible - he even calls himself Dash, now.

I also have one of the best Aunties in the world - a Mommy to my cousins who also has that Auntie magic of speaking to me in French or Spanish, enlightening me with her travel stories and her graceful ballsiness. Aunties rock.

Cheers dahling! Tell us about your fab Aunties or about how you yourself are an Auntie to be reckoned with!