By Lori Cowen

Next week I turn 50 and I wanted to do something special to commemorate this milestone birthday. I have seen beautiful "outdoor" family portraits posted to Facebook and always thought that would be fun to do except photos of my husband of almost 25 years and me was not what I was after. We have enough of those in our wedding album from when we were younger and better looking! At the end of this past summer, I had the idea to do a photo shoot with my five nieces (ages 10 months to almost 16). Rather than go the professional route, I asked a former colleague whose photography I had always admired (also on Facebook) if she would be willing to do it. I was thrilled when she agreed. After finding a date that worked for four different families, we gathered in a local park two weeks ago and my dream became a reality. Fortunately the weather cooperated because I did not have a back-up rain plan.

I could not be happier with the results. Mayda did a phenomenal job in setting up a variety of shots, including a cranky baby who would much rather have been napping than sitting in the leaves. My nieces are such an important part of my life and our love for each other shines through in all the pictures. Everyone who knows me also knows what my relationship with these five girls means to me. I talk about them all the time and if you look on my Instagram, you'll notice it's filled with photos of them. It's now even a tradition that our annual holiday card is adorned with their artwork.

Not becoming a mother was a difficult choice for me. Throughout my 30s and early 40s, I second guessed this decision many times. I watched on the sidelines as most of my friends began families of their own. But deep down, I knew motherhood was not for me. Once my husband and I decided we would not have children of our own, I realized that I could fulfill my desire to be a big part of children's lives by fully embracing aunthood--which was actually a new concept for me as I had no role models. My only aunt growing up was chronically ill and I don't recall ever having a conversation with her. I instead leaned on skills I had developed as a babysitter, camp counselor, older sister and friend. I admit that I am not great with babies, but once they start talking, I hit my stride. 



Over the course of 15 years, I have trick or treated; attended dance recitals, school plays and band concerts; and cheered at numerous softball, volleyball, and basketball games. I have played "Go Fish" and "Restaurant" (a game we made up). I have read "Brown Bear" at least 100 times. Because I am of a different religion than my nieces and cannot be a Godmother in the Catholic faith, I have been deemed "Fairy Godmother" (sparkly wand and all).

I have written two children's books with Emily, the 7-year-old, as the main character. For Sara's 12th birthday this year, I gave her 12 coupons for the two of us to do activities together throughout the year. The highlight was a day in New York City where she shadowed a friend of mine who is an Interior Designer so she could learn more about the career. The oldest one and I text back and forth all the time and we go out to breakfast at least once a month where we freely discuss all sorts of topics. I love that she feels so comfortable sharing her thoughts with me and welcomes--even asks for--my advice.



Last year, when I was finally blessed with a niece from my side of the family, the older girls were as excited as I was to welcome Baby Sadie. They all think of her as their cousin even though they are not biologically related to her. Emily donated all of her old clothes to her and Sara helped me to hand-paint custom onesies. Emma illustrated an amazing "Fruits of Your Labor" poster which is now framed and hanging in Sadie's nursery.



I will treasure these amazing photos for the rest of my life and smile whenever I look at them. For Christmas, I plan on giving each niece a photo book that hopefully one day they will show to their daughters or nieces. Only one problem. When I saw my nephews over the weekend (one 17, the others in their 20s), they gave me a hard time for not including them. The oldest then suggested an "Uncle/Nephew" photo on the golf course.

Published: November 5, 2014
Photos: Mayda Bosco

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