As any of my friends could tell you, I'm a die-hard Potterhead.
I've read the books, watched the movies, taken the Pottermore test (twice). I proudly represent Hufflepuff House at every HP-themed event I can attend. I'm also proud of my friends, who are not only Potterheads as well, but have generously donated to my ever-growing collection of Hogwarts and Hufflepuff merchandise.
So when I read an article about the Harry Potter movies being re-released in theaters, I shared it on Facebook and tagged all my Potterhead friends -- including Jon and Lynn.
Lynn has a very dry sense of humor. (A very Slytherin trait, if you ask me.)
She commented, "So you expect Jon and I to start our daughter's Harry Potter obsession at two weeks old?"
I laughed. Jon's sister Rosie -- another savvy auntie -- beat me to the punch.
"Obviously," she replied.
I followed her lead. "That's exactly what I want."
Jon and Rosie's mother piped up. "It's not an issue. Gigi will help!"
We girls all nearly died of laughter!
A few hours later, Lynn tagged me in a Hogwarts-Express-themed nursery, to which I replied with Gryffindor onesies and toddler dresses.
All of this made me realize how lucky I am not only to live at a point in time where Harry Potter exists, but where I can share this incredible story with my niece as well.
It's a story that has connected thousands of people around the globe, and has inspired children to develop a habit and love of reading. Literacy is already a passion of mine, and Rosie and I have joked that my auntie "patronage" will be reading. (I've already bought her about half a dozen books!) And the Harry Potter series, while including some grown-up passages she might need to be in late elementary school before reading, has an eternal message about love, justice, and equality that I believe will transcend time and literary trends.
We're the guardians of the crucial texts of our kiddo's childhood. Along with the Bible, I know that Jon, Ash, Rosie and I will all be there to share the magic of Harry Potter with our little girl.
And I can't wait to see where she's sorted in life!