I'm fortunate to be surrounded by some pretty amazing kids.
With them, I get to exercise "auntie-privilege" -- a very special role that means I get to play with LEGOs, read silly books in goofy accents, make cool-gross science projects, and blow zrbtts on bellies until we both fall to the floor laughing. It's awesome.
Watching these kids evolve and grow, watching their places in their respective families take root, and seeing how incredibly important it is to give them a voice and encourage their individuality has been so inspiring.
I know motherhood still isn't for me, but jeeze, am I ever lucky to love--and be loved by--these awesome little people. They have an awful lot of lessons to teach me.