I have learned the joys of being an aunt

There has recently been a new addition to my family, my gorgeous red-haired, blue-eyed nephew.

My sister, Crystal, is a proud mommy, but sometimes she reaches the end of her rope. That usually means it's Jayden and auntie time, just so mommy doesn't throw him in the trash. (She sometimes says that as a joke, trying to make light of his screams.)

This poor kid doesn't stand a chance. He was born into a family with an eccentric sense of humor. While we are responsible in our endeavors, we are constantly finding ways to make one another laugh.

Recently, Crystal and her boyfriend were cooking supper so I said I would keep an eye on Jayden. I was also going through some boxes in my room, and emptied one.

He was on my bed, mesmerized by the ceiling fan when I had a brilliant idea to entertain him and myself.

I slid the box, with baby inside, into the kitchen so Jayden could show his parents how much he was having fun.

Crystal looked at me, looked at the baby in the box and simply asked, "Really?"

My baby privileges were suspended for the evening, but in my defense, I think he liked it.

Jayden has a big smile, and we do whatever we can to make him giggle. At three months, he is close to finding his voice and laughing out loud.

He isn't all that ticklish. Instead of laughing when you get his toes he gives his angry eyes. He prefers when I make the "omnomnom" noise against his cheeks and give him a big kiss. I usually get a big smile, and a squeal of enjoyment.

My favorite of the many faces my nephew has is his serious face. His lips get really thin, his chubby cheeks deflate to a frown and one eyebrow arches down while the other is up as high as it will go. This face is usually the result of being ignored or being bothered too much.

It amazes me how quickly children can change their attitude. One second, he is smiling and laughing, the next he is in an unrecognizable fury. Tears streaming down his reddened face, and his lips in a perfect circle as he let the bellows of anger out. The screams so shrill, it seems they had to form in his toes first in order for it to get so big.

Jayden's fingers that once gripped the hair on the closest scalp, turn into balls of anger, nearly impossible to unclench.

I have learned the joys of being an aunt. My favorite part is being able to cuddle and play with the munchkin, but as soon as the diaper is full or the face starts to twist to anger, I get to hand him back to his mommy.