How-To: Prep for Your Sibling’s Offspring

Brother and sister-in-law are expecting their first child, a girl, and she could arrive ANY. DAY. NOW.

I won’t even attempt to understand the range of emotions they’re experiencing.

Instead, I’ve got an incredibly helpful how-to guide for us aunts- and uncles-to-be — you’re welcome in advance.

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Step 1: Get a Kick-Ass Shower Gift

Thanks to Pinterest, this one is pretty easy to execute. Good thing, since it’s one of your first tests as an Aunt or Uncle. No pressure.

I used a combination of my friends’ creativity and my knack for rhyming one-syllable words to give Brother and SIL a clothesline of onesies, bibs and pacifiers.

They passed it around the room for everyone to see. Each clothespin had a verse that coordinated with its attached item, and the clothespins together formed this poem:

 She’ll steal your heart,
she’ll make a splash,
add sunshine to your days
& take Daddy’s cash!

You’ll both be suckers
for this precious child,
& she’ll always love you …
even when she’s wild! 

When life gets messy,
you know who to call.
I’m just a plane ride away —
parenthood will be a ball!

Oh, and don’t forget to remind your sibling how great you are with some aunt- or uncle-specific onesies. My favorite? That little number from Francesca’s.

Step 2: Learn How to Babysit

I discovered these Six Guaranteed Low-Effort Toddler Games just a few weeks before I found out about my SIL’s pregnancy. While I still have a couple years to practice, I feel a little bit better knowing I can entertain my niece with a piece of toast. No, really.

Step 3: Study Up!

My blogger friend from the kuhniverse is a founder of this awesome magazine for nannies. It has tons of tips and tricks for caretakers (read: Aunt or Uncle YOU), and it validates that there is not one right way to raise a kid.

I can’t wait for their first hardcopy issue to come out in January. Till then, Like them on Facebook for entertaining updates.

Step 4: Pray. A Lot.

To be completely honest, I am terrified for my niece to come into this world. I really, really, really don’t want to screw her up.

What if I bump her fragile elbows into furniture? What if she hates visiting me in New York? What if — God forbid — she CRIES during my watch?

I’m leaving a lot of it up to faith on the good ol’ trial and error method. And, I’m eternally grateful that I can give her back after any traumatic time with me.

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So, there you have it. Just a few simple steps to ensure you get Aunt/Uncle of the Year and totally keep your family from questioning how you’ve made it this far in life without a helmet.

Please, hold your applause.