When you give a girl a little sister, you're giving her something really special.

I remember sitting on the hospital floor with family surrounding me as we awaited your arrival. Oblivious to everything that was happening, I couldn't really grasp the concept that I wasn't going to be alone in this world anymore. I was going to have someone that would share everything from DNA to lipstick with me, and my little 4-year-old self was just excited because something new was coming into my life.

Growing up, we fought. We argued. We pulled hair. We said mean things. We took things from each other without asking. We would hit each other and then beg for mercy and forgiveness hoping Mom wouldn't hear us crying. We put on concerts for mom and dad, sang way too much Hannah Montana, and definitely made everyone around us think we're a whole new breed of crazy.

Then the Barbie and American Girl dolls turned into Naked palettes and Kylie Lip Kits and the Limited Too turned into Charlotte Russe and Victoria's Secret. Somewhere along the squiggled lines, we grew up way too fast and managed to have gotten closer than ever. Our relationship has changed over the years, and without you, I don't know how I'd survive. You have become my person that I confide everything in.

I don't want to believe that the inevitable is actually happening. High school came and went for me, and now I'm watching it do the same for you. I'm marveled at the incredible young lady you've grown to be. You exhibit grace, poise, intelligence, drive, kindness, and beauty in every single thing you do. I don't want to believe you're not my baby bug anymore.

Leaving for college was by far the hardest thing I've ever had to, and you are partially the reason for that. Spending 16 years of our lives together side by side really makes you get used to a person, and then it having to change all the sudden is really scary. But you've given me something to look forward to seeing on the weekends. You've given me a reason to never give up.

When you give a girl a little sister, you're giving her something that she won't realize is so incredibly important until she's older and wiser. You're giving her a bundle of laughs, memories, snuggles, shared obsessions, pointless arguments, and a constant support system. You're making her life splashes of beautiful, vibrant color where otherwise it would be dull. You're giving her the girls that are going to stand right next to her when she marries the love of her life. You're giving her sunshine on a rainy day. You're giving her a cool aunt to her future babies. You're giving her a lifelong brunch date. You're giving her so many things wrapped into one perfect little package.

When you give a girl a little sister, you're giving her something really special.