Kids this CNY

So there I was this CNY in the midst of my old friends when I noticed that almost everyone brought a child along. These kids come in many shapes and sizes. One was running all over the house wreaking havoc everywhere she went. Another adorable curly haired kid was giving his best smiles to all the uncles and aunties in hopes of a fatter angpow.

It made me wish that I had 'borrowed' my sister's daughter to attend this reunion. At least I'd blend in better.

For some reason, my niece adores me. And likewise, I am under her spell.

"The minute she sees you, she drops everything just to be with you. Everything's forgotten, even her own mom," my sister said to me in mock despair.

I say mock because when I offered to bring her out to spend time with me, her father gave me such a grateful look. "Oh, that would really take a load off our shoulders for that afternoon, thank you so much!"

The poor sods. It must be tiring to be surrounded by kids 24/7. Even if they were your own. It makes me treasure the gift of singleness all the more while I can. And I aspire to be a better aunt to my nephews and nieces and be a positive influence in their growing years. It's easy to be positive when you don't have to bring them back home and care for them day and night. It's tough to be a parent and I think my sis and hubby are doing a great job with their kids.

I remembered having absolutely no interest in kids and such not too long ago. I can play with them, relate to them and connect with them but that's about that. But it changed just a few days ago when my niece followed me to run an errand. As we walked down the street together, her small hand firmly clasped in mine, my heart felt such love and warmth having her close to me and looking up to me with those adoring and trusting eyes. I feel so protective over her safety and wanted to give her the best I can. The worse thing was, if onlookers were to mistake her for my daughter, I would have been bursting with pride and not take offence at all!

It's such a strange feeling. Very, very odd. But very, very nice.