Certain things in life bring instant happiness, such as finding $20 in your pocket, a call from an old friend or discovering your jeans fit a little looser without dieting. However, these joys quickly fade, and we're faced with the realities of life again.

One joy, however, sticks with us forever: the joy of a new baby. I'm proud to announce that I am officially an uncle for the third time in my life, and it's a responsibility I promise to take quite seriously. My new niece, Savannah, will be both the benefactor and victim of my actions as one of her uncles.

Sure, anyone can get sentimental about being an uncle, but not surprisingly, I've elected to look at this through the eyes of the adult. I want to be the fun uncle!

Having spent plenty of time with my own fun uncle, suffice to say the hours spent with him are memorable, hilarious and basically a good time. I hope Savannah lets me be that guy for her.

If she's looking for references, I'm fairly certain my other two nephews would attest to the fact that I take little, if anything, too seriously, and generally speaking, my actions closely resemble those of most 7-year-olds. Bodily functions make me laugh, and veggies usually take a backseat to chips, cake and Kool-Aid.

Finally, I'm quick with a corny joke to lighten the mood, should her mom (my sister) and dad try to be too serious.

My "uncle" resume is strong. An uncle's job is never done, though.

Our job is also to sometimes act as a mediator, guarding the fragile relationships between our nephews and nieces with their parents, grandparents, cousins or other siblings. It's not as easy as it sounds. All of this and none of my nephews or nieces have even hit the angst-riddled teenage years yet!

While others will burden you with rules, I think an uncle's job should be to introduce you to accepted "norms" within the family and give some personal insight.

For instance, Sundays are sacred, both literally and figuratively. Learn to enjoy the slightly more relaxed pace that accompanies every Sunday and appreciate all of the effort that goes into making that day laid-back. It's not as simple as it seems.

Each individual in your extended family has something important to offer you, Savannah. And while it's quite easy to cast judgment or impart our own sense of what that is, I think it's important for you to personally discover what each family member has for you.

Spend as much time as possible with each person in your family to gain their insight and knowledge about certain situations. All of us bring our own set of experiences to offer you, and we're eager to watch you grow!

Please realize that only two sports teams really matter: the Penguins and the Steelers. All others are merely imitators and should quickly be banished from your thoughts.

Education is vitally important, not just to your career but to your development as well. I know that you'll get all of the support you need to make sure you grow academically. Take studying more seriously than I did as a kid.

Finally, know that your uncle loved you before you were even born, Savannah. The only goals I have for you are ones that allow you to achieve much, love freely and live passionately. Rest assured that any advice I give you will be focused on those three things and only those three things.

Thank you for making me a part of your life. I look forward to being your uncle and watching you grow up, while I, in turn, remain a lifelong 7-year- old.

Christian Ola, a community columnist for the Butler Eagle, resides in Mars with his wife, son and daughter and can be reached at christianolac@aol.com and through his Web site, www.christianola.com.