Hakuna Ma-what-a?

So I managed to get through the entire first post with out completely chickening out. 

Thank you to all of my amazing friends who have liked, commented or texted me on my first blog post. The response was WAY more than I ever expected.

I bet you are wondering why I choose this blog name... Oh, you are not?.. Well, you can go ahead and skip the post then.... See you next time.

Oh, you are still here. Okay, I'll get on with my story. Some of you may already know. But then again, maybe you don’t. So here you go.

What is Hakuna Matata? Well, It means.... No worries... For the rest of your days.. 

Okay, I know - terribly corny.. And if you didn't sing that last paragraph - well, I'm sorry pal. The Lion King was released from the "Vault" not too long ago - go pick yourself up a copy...

But really... back to MY story.

I grew up the youngest of three children. It’s safe to say I was a “surprise” (or that’s what my mom says). My sister is 11 years older than I am (I hope she doesn’t kill me for writing that down!), and my brother was 6 years. Fine... Fine... it’s 10 and a half years and 5 and a half years – if that makes them feel better... Anyway, point is I was the baby.

Growing up the baby, I had NEVER held a newborn baby, let alone change a diaper or anything else.   So really I didn't know what to expect when my first niece was born.

In 1995, I was about to turn 16 years old. And I became an aunt for the first time. (Yes, it was that long ago. And yes, I officially feel REALLY old.) When I first saw this bundle of joy, I may have said she looked funny. (I will NEVER live that down).

But you know what? 

That girl is the most beautiful freshman in college right now – and one of the coolest, most authentic people I know. And although her outward beauty is great, her inner beauty... Wow... THAT is definitely something to be admired. I can’t say enough amazing things about this girl. And since I don’t want to completely embarrass her, I will move on. (You’re welcome.)

So, when I became an aunt…. My sister and her family lived 3 hours away from my home town. So each and every time they visited – it was like Christmas morning. I looked forward to seeing her a lot. 

Okay, maybe not at first. 

But definitely by the time she was around 1 or 2.... Around this time, the Lion King was originally released. For some odd reason I had Soundtrack CD (yes, a CD.. and yes, I had a boom box it went in... remember 16+ years ago! smh!).

I can't remember the reason I started doing it (remember, it's been a LONG time ago), but I am the young, crazy, fun aunt, right? Right!?!??! 

Yeah, I'm just going to go with that. 

So I did what any young and awesomely fun aunt would do.... 

I cranked up the music. 

That's right. That's me (still to this day!). 

And while she really seemed to enjoy that, I decided it wasn't enough - let's dance a bit. And not just any dancing mind you. Remember she's this cute little toddler. I would spin her around, throw her up in the air, really anything that would get the cutest little laugh and squeals of joy out of her.

So time passes, this happened at least a few times. Then one weekend, I guess I didn't hear them come in, and here she came. Proud of herself. Toddling on into my room. Hands in the air, swaying side to side. Saying - "Tada, Tada". 

It's really that simple folks. This adorable, precious little girl - she made me a Tada (we go with Tada because it sounds much better than Tata... Insert laughs here.. I'll wait).

Time goes on, and it became "MY Tada" as more kids were born, but you know what? 

I'm proud to say I belong to ALL of them. All 6 of them - 4 precious girls and 2 handsome boys. 

So that's my story. 

Hakuna Matata may mean "no worries... for the rest of your days" in the song. But life, it's a BEAST. And by no means has having this awesome nickname meant that I have no worries. I think that is virtually impossible for anyone to achieve.

BUT... being blessed with this crazy, loving, supportive family - including my own child, husband and all of his extended family - makes me know that they will always be here for me. 

I would be foolish to leave out some of my dearest friends. They are also my family in my mind. The family I have built on my own over the years. And I'm amazed at the power of these friendships.

When life sucks, and crying is the only thing that relieves the hurt, they are there. Each and every once of them. To brighten my day, crack a joke, or just listen and say they love me.

I've been blessed folks. 

Until next time!,

Tada

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11217625/?claim=72v9g5s9nbe">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>