To My Future Niece or Nephew,

You don't know me quite yet, but I'm your really cool aunt (don't let your mom or dad tell you any different). The day I found out you were going to be born, I cried happy tears. I have thought about you every day since and I know I will continue to plan for your arrival every single day until you get here. Some days I feel silly as I create things for you and get so excited over a human being that I have yet to meet, but then I remember that getting to be an aunt is one of the greatest things I will ever do in my life and I laugh as I continue to plan for the days ahead. I can't wait to meet you, little one.

As your aunt, I vow to always love and protect you. I will shield any harm from you and do everything I can to spoil the heck out of you. I will give you candy when you want it because I think you deserve it, little one. I will hold your hand when we cross the street and I will hold your hand when life gives you a lot to handle. As your aunt, I hope to be your very best friend and confidant, but more than that, I promise to always have a relationship with you that teaches you the value of family and friendship.

As you look at me with your bright eyes, I know that you won't understand just how special you are to me, but that's OK because I can't wait to spoil you with movie nights and day trips to your favorite places in hopes that you will someday know how much you are loved. Even though I know you will never know the capacity of my love for you, we will take walks on the beach and trips to get ice cream just because. I won't need you to understand, though, because all that will matter to me is that you continue to be loved every single day of your life.

I haven't met you yet, but I already love you more and more each day. I don't know what color your eyes or hair will be, but I love you so much already because I know you will have a beautiful heart. Right now you are so pure, innocent, and protected, but soon you will be born into a sometimes very scary world. I promise to be your friend and your protector from harm, and despite what you may encounter in this world, remember that you are so loved, so worthy, and so beautiful. Remember above all else, you are a child of God.

As I am waiting for you to make your debut, I can't help but obsess over the thought of what you will be like. I wonder what kind of snack will be your favorite and if you will decide to call me "Aunt B." I wonder if you will play sports and if you will like to read as much as I do. Will you like building sandcastles and going fishing with your grandpa? Will you like to cook and travel places with your grandma? What will be your favorite thing to do? What will your voice sound like and will you have a silly laugh? I think about these things a lot and then I wonder if you will ever know how much you are loved. I wonder if you will ever know just how happy we all are to have you in our lives.

As we are all waiting for you to come into this world, I can't help but think about what it will be like to be your aunt. There are many things I want you to know. I want you to know that I will always help you believe in your biggest and wildest dreams. I will be here for you to lift you up, encourage you, tell you when you're wrong, and to be your best friend. I want you to know that you are special and you are loved.

After you are born, I know I will smile a big cheesy grin as people ask me how you are and how it feels to be an aunt. I also know I won't be able to put it into words. Dear little one, although I have been many things in life, I know that being your aunt is going to be my most favorite yet.