Dear sweet Nora Kate,

This is a letter to you that you may never read, considering you're only a year old. Our age difference is rough huh? I was 17 when you were born and I thought my world was ending because you were kicking me out of my spot as the only girl (I'm still kind of salty about that one). However, with our 18 year difference I can offer you some insight to our big giant family as well as how to survive the next 17 years of YOUR life. So hear me out okay?

First of all, please remember that mom and dad find out everything. I promise you, even when you don't think they know, they definitely know. Save the lies, and just be honest. Also, remember the rules they have in place are to protect you and by breaking those rules you're just going to hurt yourself. Follow the rules and stay a kid as long as you can. Don't try to grow up too fast, it just causes heartache in the end. You're the baby so just be patient with all of us as we try to let you grow up, we all just want you to be sweet Nora Kate forever. Also, if you do not heed this advice and you get yourself into some trouble, just call me. I will come get you, rescue you, or bail you out of whatever trouble you're in (Then we will go home and tell mom everything, she's going to find out anyways)

The boys are not going to like any of the guys you bring home. They liked all the guys I brought home because they thought they were older, and cool; however, they're just going to think your boyfriends are punks that cause trouble and heartbreak (most of the time, they will be right so listen to them). Please be careful, teenage boys will tell you everything you want to hear but remember actions speak louder than words.

Cherish any family time with our extended family, on both sides. They are all wild, and they are sometimes very obnoxious but PLEASE enjoy it. Soak up every minute you get with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I would give anything to go back and get more time with certain people. Listen to all their stories, all their advice, and all their nonsense because it won't be around forever. I'll be there too, and we can make fun of everyone together with silent, but knowing eye contact. Just enjoy it, and be present for those moments.

Don't push dad away. You're his little baby girl and he just wants the best for you. Hug him all the time and never take for granted how thoughtful of a man he is. He will do anything for you whether it's grabbing hot wings on the way home cause its what you're craving all the way to fixing your car right after he's worked all day. He is your best friend, don't forget how much you actually need him. Also don't forget to love on him back. His favorite milkshake is peanut butter fudge, he loves Twizzlers, and his favorite meal is a hamburger and fries. That information will come in handy, I promise.

Don't let mom talk you into being the girliest girl there ever was. I would love to see you dance and cheer but I also would not mind watching my baby sister play soccer. Just remember, it's not up to us what you fall in love with. You can do whatever you want, however you want. We will always support you. I will sit through a dance competition, a softball tournament, a soccer game, a beauty pageant, or an under weaving basket contest for you, it doesn't matter. I just want you to love what you're doing with all of your heart. Find something you can't live without, and be the best that you can be.

If you remember nothing else that I have written to you, remember this you are enough, you are loved, you are important. I love you more than I ever thought possible, you mean the world to me, and no one will ever be as special to me as you are. You are the one thing I never thought I needed. You have taught me tolerance, you have taught me how to share, you have taught me some patience, and most of all you have taught me to expect and embrace the unexpected. I love you dude, and I am SO excited to watch you grow up. I hope that I can help you not make some of the silly mistakes I did, I hope that you never feel like you are less than enough, I hope that you grow up to be a successful, independent woman like mom and dad taught me to be. You're gonna do big things kiddo. We all love you.