You were born a little over a week ago and I already can't imagine life without you. From the time I walked in the room and saw your little scrunched up pickle face and you opened your eyes to see me, I knew my heart was stolen by you, little man. I know that I'm not your mom but I get to be the second best thing: your aunt. And that's the best part.

I promise as you grow older, I'll be right there. I promise that when mom is embarrassing you at your football games I'll be screaming right alongside her to make it even worse. I promise that when you need someone to confide in, I'll listen with open ears. I promise that when dad is getting on your case or mom is bugging you to clean your room again that I'll remind them that they were once teenagers too. I promise to love you and spoil you more than you could ever possibly imagine.

But here's part of the deal: you can't grow up too fast. You have to stay little for a while because this world isn't quite ready for the impact that I know you're going to have on it. And I'm not ready for you to grow up either. I'm not ready for the day your mom calls me to tell me that you're starting kindergarten (pro tip: don't get locked in the bathroom while everyone else is at recess). I'm not ready for the day I get a cheesy picture of you outside the DMV after getting your license (hopefully you don't get your mother's driving skills). And I'm definitely not ready for the day when I have to interrogate the latest girl that you're interested in, because believe me it's going to happen.

So stay this little. Let us hold onto you a little while longer. Don't be so quick to start sitting up, and walking, and talking. You're loved more than you know.

Love,

Your Favorite Auntie (even though you don't know it yet)