Dear Harper,

As I sat at dinner in Trueblood Dining Hall that November night, I anxiously awaited the news that you were born. I was so nervous and scared because I've never had to wait for something like that before. And to make matters worse, I couldn't even be there to see you and hold you. Yet, you were so eager to greet all of us, especially since you arrived a little earlier than expected. I will say though, as soon as I received the text that announced your birth, I immediately burst into tears of joy. I literally cried at the dinner table as my friends comforted me. Yes, everyone stared, but I didn't care. That was one of my happiest moments ever. I think I annoyed every single family member that was present at the hospital with you and my sister (or rather your mother) with texts begging for pictures and videos of you so that I could get a small glimpse of you and what you were like. From that moment on, you became a very important person in my life, my niece.

Now, to give you a little background story, I'll start off by saying that I was the absolute youngest out of all of our relatives. With a quite a large age gap between our family members and myself, I was used to being the baby of the family and became accustomed to that title. I grew up being constantly taken care of and watched over. I always had someone to play games with, to teach me how to play sports or how to do my homework, or someone to talk to for advice. But, I also grew up being the last one to do things; the last one to learn how to drive, go to college, etc. While I was growing up, my siblings were already driving, going out for celebrations and birthdays, doing things on their own, and eventually moving out of the house. I was pretty much the last one left. However, the news that my sister was pregnant with you immediately conjured up the fact that I would no longer be the youngest in the family. We were all so excited and I reveled in that news because I knew the title of "baby of the family" would soon be passed onto you (something I was ready to graciously give to you) and our family would have a new bundle of joy to spoil and love unconditionally. You brought life back into this family and made everyone closer, Harp.

When some of my friends ask me what it's like being an aunt, I have no words. The feeling is indescribable. You make me proud day in and day out. And although I'm not there with you all the time, I receive updates from your parents and our family constantly. You're always on our minds, and not a day goes by that we're not talking about you or wondering what you are up to. Trust me, we can't get enough of you. The random pictures and videos of you eating, sleeping, crawling, and talking always seem to make my day brighter, and I'm sure everyone else's as well. And those times that I am with you, I want nothing but to hold you and make you laugh. Of course I'm still learning how to be around you, considering I've only ever been around adults, but I think I'm picking it up quite nicely (if I do say so myself). You have taught me some valuable lessons, particularly in the patience department, and I hope that one day I too can teach you things as well. Your birth gave me the opportunity to prepare for the future and see life differently, and I now appreciate and pay close attention to the little things in life thanks to you. You inspire me every day to be a better person.

As your aunt, I have so many hopes and dreams for you. You may not realize right now, but you are an extremely blessed girl. You have two amazing parents, loving grandparents and great-grandparents, and some pretty incredible aunts and uncles; not to mention the rest of our extended family members and friends. You will forever feel loved and appreciated. And I promise to always be there for you. I will be here whenever you need to someone to talk to, someone to play with, or simply someone to look up to, etc. I can't wait to watch you grow up and reach the different milestones in your life. I want to be there for every birthday, softball game (maybe some volleyball too- don't worry I'll teach you), graduation, you name it. I fully intend to be by your side every step of the way, and I hope to make an amazing bond with you as you continue to grow. Be strong, keep your head up, and stay beautiful baby girl.

Thank you for coming into our lives. And thank you for making me an aunt. I love you.

Love,

Aunt Nikki