Dearest Baby Sisser,

Yesterday you turned 13. I'm not sure how that is even possible because I could swear that it was just yesterday I was waking up early to go to the hospital and anxiously awaiting your arrival.

I was probably five or six when I started desperately pleading for a baby sister. It took awhile to actually get you, so I am sure once our parents found out they were pregnant they were hoping you were a girl just to satisfy my constant nagging.

When you were finally born, I remember crying when I couldn't stay the night with all of you at the hospital. I cried hysterically because my baby sister had finally come into the world and I felt like no time was enough time with you (even though you kinda just screamed a lot). I was also so proud that I got to pick out your "coming home" outfit. When you came home, I had to share a room with you (where you continued to scream uncontrollably it seemed). I'm pretty sure it is thanks to you that I am able to sleep through literally anything.

As you grew up, we would play together forever, until finally one of us got mad and stopped talking to the other for the rest of the day. That's what sisters do, I guess.

There are many things that I am eternally grateful for, and you are definitely one of them. Without you, I wouldn't have as many hilarious stories. I wouldn't have memories of you climbing out of your crib and dropping to the floor as you went into the living room because you didn't want to go to bed yet. And we all learned quite quickly that you simply don't do what you don't want to do. Thank you for endless YouTube video watching sprees, the absolute best car jam sessions, hilarious dance videos, experimental baking days, braiding lessons,showing me the best new songs and bands, eating way too many Sour Patch Kids and Nerds, and for helping me with wedding planning. Thank you for sharing my love for "How I Met Your Mother" and "Friends" and always watching and re-watching them with me even if it is our 4th or fifth time through. Thank you for the car rides in which we fight uncontrollably and then always somehow end up best friends again by the end. Thank you for always taking the best silly pictures with me! Most of all, though, thank you for sisterly slumber parties.

Naturally with any sisterly relationship, it only makes sense that thanksgiving be accompanied by apologies. So for starters, I am sorry about your name. "Rocket Power" was my favorite show when you were born, so I guess somewhere along the way I just started calling you Reggie and the name eventually stuck. Let's be honest though, your name fits you perfectly. I am also sorry that I kept poking your belly button when you were a baby to where it eventually became a permanent inny. That day it never popped back out, I thought our mom was going to kill me. Also, I am sorry for dropping you on your head when you fell off the couch as a baby. I was supposed to be watching you, and next thing I knew you were screaming on the ground. I am also sorry for always stealing all the hair ties and bobby pins. However, I am not sorry for being the favorite child or for fighting over shotgun. You're seven and a half years younger than me, as far as I am concerned, shotgun was called way before you were around. It isn't my fault you were born second.

Even though we fight, I will always be the first one defending you, ready to take down whoever hurt my baby sister. I will always be your biggest (and loudest) fan. I will always love, support and cheer you on. You will always be my favorite little person, no matter how old you get. I will always have great joy when I hear your belly laugh. It is seriously one of my favorite things about you. You bring great joy to our family, even greater laughs and happiness, and I can't wait to continue watching you grow up. You are the world's best built-in best friend!

Love ,

Sissy