Dear Penelope,

Much like your mom, my best friend of 15 years, I have loved you since before you were born. I was there when your parents revealed that you were going to be a precious baby girl, when they chose your name, when you were born. I watched you take your first steps, heard you say your first words, and celebrated your first year of life, and for nearly two years since, you have captured my heart. You're my favorite person in the whole wide world.

Since you were born, my heart has grown so full with love. You've provided me with endless laughs, smiles, and tears of joy. Watching you grow and learn and witnessing the skill that your mom has as a parent brings me such satisfaction. You are incredibly intelligent, learning so quickly colors, animal sounds, and even some words that you probably shouldn't say. You also have an immaculate sense of adventure, and you're seemingly fearless. You'll try anything once, including food. You love to play outdoors, and you aren't afraid of a few bumps and bruises to make you a little tougher. You love all animals: dogs, cats, even the disgruntled geese at the park that fly away when you chase them. You're very affectionate and nurturing, too. You've developed an infatuation with baby dolls, and watching you hold, rock, and pat them like your mama does for you is the sweetest thing I've ever seen. And it's certainly going to make you a very doting and helpful big sister soon!

Your wild antics and your feisty personality are what make you yourself, and I hope that as you grow, you'll stop eating cat treats and dog food but continue to dance to Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" like no one's watching. I hope that you'll maintain the fun, outgoing persona that you've inherited from your mom and never be ashamed of it. I hope that you love yourself—who you are, how you look—as much as I love you, because you are perfect, Penelope. You're perfect exactly the way you are, and you deserve the world.

My entire life changed the day you were born. You made me an aunt times five, but this time, it was different. The bond that we share is special because there's no blood between us. Were it not for the wonderful friendship—more like sisterhood, really—that your mom and I share, there would be no ties that bind us. It's a mere twist of fate that you'll call me Aunt Manda someday, and for that and for you and your mom, I am so incredibly grateful. You're my family now and forever. My love for you will continue to grow exponentially, and I will always be here for you.

As we reach the end of this letter, I'd like to offer my gratitude to you, so thank you for bringing endless happiness to my life. Thank you for giving me a trial run/crash course in parenting. Thank you for returning the love that you receive and for accepting me into your life. Thank you for teaching me immense patience. Thank you for being born and for continuing to strengthen the love and friendship between me and your mom. Thank you for being you.

Aunt Manda loves you, Monkey Butt.

Love,

Amanda