Hi,
I was given temporary custody of my cousin's newborn baby. This baby has become a part of my family and we are truly blessed by this baby being in our home. While this baby is still very young, I am bonding with this little one and am at a lost as to what to call myself when soothing the baby. When mine were little, I would refer to myself as momma soothing my little one's with phrases like "momma's here", "momma's baby" and other phrases like that. I instinctively want to say that with this little one, but then I don't know if that's right or wrong. It is unknown how long we will have this baby with us. Any suggestions are appreciated. :)
I was there when my biological niece was born and my sister asked me to take her when she was ten days old. At that point I was Tia. I went on to gain permanent guardianship and then adopted my daughter. Good luck.
I like nana - you're like a nanny, but family - a cross between nanny and mom. So wonderful of you to care for the little one!
I think nana or auntie are appropriate. May God bless you richly!! You are doing a HUGE thing for this precious baby and your cousin!
M
Since this is temporary I would say that Momma's not the right name. Why not just say your actual name or I know it's your 2nd cousin but I think "Auntie" would be fine.
Here in Hawaii you would call yourself auntie. It is Hawaiian tradition to call all family that is not the direct line auntie along with all sorts of other adults.
"Auntie" is very appropriate. God bless.
I Have "Aunt"s who aren't related to me by blood at all, so I'm going to join the Auntie chorus!
Go with Auntie's here or Auntie K. is here..... If you are uncomfortable with the Auntie part since you really aren't an Aunt, but cousin, you could just say K. is here. (or whatever you are saying) The baby is tiny, what you say really doesn't matter. The fact that you are saying anything and bonding with the sweet little miracle is the real gift and what truly matters. If you end up with the baby for the next 6 months or more, then go with Mommy. You will be the Mommy by then. Bless you !!!
I agree w/ the other ladies. :)
I have actually taught my kids to call their adult cousins 'Aunt/Uncle' so it seems perfectly fitting.
Or you could call yourself 'Nana'.
Like Nanny...but more personal.
Hope it all works out for the best!
Aunt or Auntie. I would not use momma for any child that is not biologically, or legally and permanently my own. (And once permanent, only if the biological mother is not in the child's life in any way.) I don't think it is appropriate.
Right now, I would say Aunt K.. At the point that you find out that adoption is possible, then mommy would be appropriate. But I wouldn't go NEAR mommy if you think that you won't have this baby permanently.
You are a wonderful person for what you are doing. I hope you don't have your heart broken. Whatever the outcome, try hard to stay in her life, even if it means biting your tongue over her own mother having her.
Blessings to you,
Dawn
Hi K.-
How about something like mimaw (sp?) It is pronounced ME MAW...I seem to recollect that is some language it is used for 'grandma'...but the precise translation is 'more mom'...
I think...especially in your situation...it fits!!
Best Luck!
Michele/cat
In South Africa all adults (outside the immediate family) tend to be called "aunty" or "uncle" as a sign of respect for a child towards an adult. If I was in your situation I'd use "aunty" when referring to myself and "uncle" if referring to my husband. Babies respond more to the tone in which something is said than to the actual words. I just think you shouldn't refer to yourself as "momma" cos its going to make it way harder for you if / when your cousin takes the child away from you! I hope this helps. God bless.
My DH's close friends are "aunt and uncle" to our kids, even though there is no relation. I like "auntie" for a term of endearment.
If you end up adopting her, then don't be afraid to say "momma's here", even if your cousin is around the periphery of the family. Many children have open adoptions with two moms and can distinguish between the one that gave them life and the one that is raising them.
auntie? aunt K.?
I wouldn't use anything like Momma, or you will be devastated when that babe has to go back. just say Auntie, or "I'm" here.
I know that most responses have been Auntie....but if you're looking for something that is closer to what's most familiar to you, maybe you could try Mimi...My nephews call their grandmother Mimi.. It's similar to Momma, but not exactly it. Also, if it ends up being permanent, it wouldn't be such a drasctic change to go from Mimi to Mommie.
Maybe just say, "Hi Lovey, I'm here."
right now you are mama...so do what comes naturally and perhaps if your cousin gets the baby back..you can be godmother..i hope it all works out for you and your family
xo
D.
"Nonna" might be nice--It's close to "Momma," and it has been used as a nickname of affection in our family.
