To my growing Nephew,

I cried the night I found out your mom was pregnant with you. I remember crying while I was speeding to the hospital on the afternoon that you came into the world. I may have even cried a little when you learned how to say my name for the first time. And I know I definitely cried the other week when I saw your eyes fill with tears because you didn't want me to go back to college. So as you can see, Mister, your Aunt has done a heck of a lot of crying because of you.

I know Aunts are supposed to love their nephews, but I never imagined I would love you this much. In fact, I didn't know it was possible to love anyone this much. From the moment you were born, you have been such a ray of sunshine in my life. From those adorable big blue eyes, to that cute little smile of yours...every part of you is so special.

You are growing up so fast and as much as I am excited for every new stage you go through, part of me wishes you could stay this age forever. I know that's impossible, so instead I just hope that at least certain parts of you will continue to stay the same as you get older.

1. I hope I continue to be "The Cool Aunt".

2. I hope you keep that love for learning.

3. I hope your loving and caring nature stays the same.

4. I hope you continue to see how much your parents love you.

5. I hope you keep your silly sense of humor

6. ...and those sweet dance moves.

7. I hope you continue to be so appreciative.

8. I hope you continue to be a pizza lover

9. ...but that you still keep your love for fruits and veggies (well we can at least hope, right?).

10. I hope your love for being outdoors remains the same.

11. I hope you dream BIG!