First of all, you are the cutest little princess in all the world! Having you be so much younger than me can be a challenge, but I wouldn’t change it. I have gained a plethora of future parenting experience from watching you grow. From giving you bottles and changing your diapers, to watching you at your swimming practice and violin practice, I have been your number one fan.

Going away to college and not being able to see you about eight months out of the year isn’t my first choice, but your letters, pictures and phone calls brighten my days immensely. I love how you giggle to me over the phone about boys in your class or about the newest Barbie movie you have watched. I love being able to talk in silly accents to make you smile when you had a bad day at school or when someone teased you a little too much. You have no idea the amount of frustration that builds in me when I hear you upset because someone did not treat you nicely. I want to drive home, walk up to that person and give them a piece of my mind, but I know that Dad and Mom are raising you to know how to fight your own battles because that is exactly how they taught me to be.

Mom tells me about how much you are growing and about all the cool things that you are doing. She tells me that soon you will be as tall as me and I know that you are so excited about that. You hope that everyone will think that we are twins (which I totally wouldn’t mind because you are absolutely gorgeous!) I heard that you got glasses and that you look so mature with them on.

You stay so active and I envy your energy for life. You wake up at the sunrise ready for a new adventure for the day while I am chugging coffee to stay awake through my morning accounting class. When I am home with you for Christmas/summer break, I look forward to waking up to you climbing into my bed and trying to talk to me. I have no idea what I say back most of the time, but we have some type of conversation.

You cause me to realize that there is a world sooooo much bigger than myself. Not only am I responsible for my actions, but what I do also plays a part in how you will see the world. You are one of the biggest reasons why I am the person that I am today because I want to be someone that you can follow after and I never want to let you down. I would love to save you from all harm and heartbreak, but I know that I can’t because that is a part of you growing up. Just know that whenever anything does happen I will be waiting with a listening ear and a carton of ice cream.

Always remember that I am so proud to be your big sister.