Little man,

Even before I met you I loved you… because I love your mom. We met in 2nd grade. She got me. And I got her. We became best friends, hetero-life partners, and pretty inseparable from that year on. I’ve stood by her more times than I can remember, as we graduated from college, and on her wedding day.

I know a great deal about your mom: how she’s diligent with anything she sets her mind to; how she seizes the moment and enjoys it to the fullest; how she’s smart and cares deeply for those she loves. I’ve watched her grow as a woman, friend, wife, and daughter. I’ve cried with her, laughed with her, pondered life’s confusion with her. I know the moments that strung together as she fell in love with your dad, all the emotions she felt the morning she married him, and how excited they are about you entering their lives.

Almost 20 years from the day we created our secret handshake, here we are, and you’re here — one of their greatest adventures.

Your mom is, to put it plainly, the best. I am unashamedly biased, and I know someday you will be also. She is strong, beautiful, and brave.

I’m one of your “adopted aunts,” meaning alongside your parents I will pray for you, cheer you on, and do my best to always point you to Jesus.

Your mom will listen to you rant and ramble about Legos and firetrucks, then famous athletes and music, then your college major and who you choose to date.

She’ll make your favorite snacks, sing loud your favorite songs, and enjoy your favorite movies with you.

She’ll champion your strengths, and love you in your weaknesses. She will want what is best for you, and while it might seem annoying at the time, know that she does what she does because she believes in you.

She likes life to be organized and put together, but she’ll do her best not to be crazy about it. Be patient with her. You are her firstborn, and every day as you learn something new, she’s learning too.

She’ll spend hours re-reading you your favorite stories.

You will disagree with her, saying she doesn’t understand you, and y’all will argue, but try to remember she’s always in your corner. Do your best to love her back, even when you think she’s bonkers.

And in moments of frustration, I’ll remind you that she genuinely does know what she’s talking about when she gives advice about difficult teachers, making new friends, and how to treat girls you think are cute.

She’s not perfect, no one is, but she’ll spend her days joyfully teaching, loving, encouraging, and counseling you.

But you should know, you’ve come into a pretty amazing family. Your dad is smart and fun and loves your mom well. You’ll grow up surrounded by cousins and aunts and uncles who will play with and support you.

Together, your mom and dad will teach you how to grow and love in this world. Listen to them, respect them, trust them. And give them as much grace as you can muster when they make mistakes, because mistakes are a part of being human.

And even though we’re not close right now — you’re only a week old, and sadly I live 2 hours away — I know we will be. You can count on me too.

Your mom is special to me, I carry her in my heart. And now, I’ll carry you there also.