Brody,

There is so much you need to know. Most of it will come with age. Some of it you know now.

Your childhood is far different than mine ever was. And for that I am sorry. Nothing that happened between Dad and your Mom is your fault. Sometimes two people just aren't meant to be.

You need to behave while I am away, for Dad's sake. No more spitting on your friends at school or saying bad words. If sissy wouldn't do it, you probably shouldn't either.

Make sure you pay attention in school. You're going to be very smart if you're anything like me... or Dad. You need to realize that you have great potential and sometimes your friends or peers may think something weird or that it's lame to like school but I know you will excel when you apply yourself.

Be nice to the cats. I promise they don't like when you chase them with your remote control cars. Sorry bud but that's why they run from you.

Please please please be a gentleman. I will not have a jerk in my family. This means opening doors, going on dates, expressing feelings in person and walking up to the door, all things that will probably just be "in those old movies" by the time you start dating. Also, I have to approve of the girl.

But last but not least, just know that you are so loved. There are so many people that are so blessed to get to know you and love you. You are only four right now but you are incredible. I never knew I had this capacity to love inside of me until I was blindsided by your arrival. I always look forward to coming home to see you or FaceTime calls to talk to you.

Your big sister loves you so much and can't wait to see the wonderful person you turn into.

Love, Lala