You were the best surprise to ever come into my life.

I didn't see it at the time Mom was pregnant. I actually, definitely did not see it as a welcoming surprise at all. Because even at the age of 16, nothing besides a jealous emotion consumed my body. But now, five years later, I can't even begin to explain what you mean to me.

You know, I was an only child before you. Quite spoiled, yes. And, always at the center of attention. I couldn't tell you why at the naive age of 16, I felt you were taking the whole world away from me. The day you were born, you gave me the whole world.

The second I held you, everything changed. I didn't want to let you go and from that moment on, I've been by your side ever since.

Our age gap may be big compared to other siblings, but that doesn't mean a thing to me. You are my sister. You are my best friend.

You won't remember any of this, but when I still lived at home, I was in your room every night reading to you and saying good night when you were a baby. I was always the first to sneak into your room in the morning and take you out of your crib to play. The second I walked in the door from school, I immediately searched for you. When I was sad, just seeing your face would take all of my pain away.

I wouldn't trade our car rides for the world or explaining to my friends that the carseat is yours.

We get to have a different sisterly bond. Every time I walk in the door, you come running at me with open arms screaming my name full of excitement. We won't ever encounter sibling battles and I don't ever have to worry about you stealing my clothes. (Actually, maybe one day.)

It definitely gets hard, because I can't be there to witness every great moment you have. Just know, you are on my mind every single day.

I may not come home as often as I'd like and I know you're still too young to understand that I'm an adult now with my own life, but know everything I do is for you.

You've taught me an immense amount of things. You've actually prepared me for parenthood. I'm probably more overprotective over you than mom.

You also bring out the kid in me. I will never deny you a game of hide and seek, or coloring in your favorite book.

The smile on your face is absolutely priceless when I bring you home a seashell from the beach or something small and meaningless like that. You make me feel the most appreciated out of anybody else.

You're getting to the age where you are starting to notice that I am not around, as much. You question me on the phone and ask what I'm doing or when I'm coming home. It breaks my heart. I so badly wish I could be there all of the time. It's just impossible to be in two places at once and as you grow up, you'll learn. You'll learn a lot of things. I hope I am the one to teach you the majority of it.

I have so much pride in telling people you are my baby sister. I embrace the age gap we have. All I've gotten to experience with you is nothing but sisterly love. I get to stand by amazed watching you grow everyday. I don't mind a great conversation with a stranger and being questioned if I'm your mom. I get to tell them you're my little sister, as odd as it may seem, but those strangers never get to experience the special bond we have.

Before you know it, you are going to be all grown up. It's going to happen right before my eyes. But, no matter what age we are, you will always be my baby sister.