Hey Little Man,

I know you don't know me all that well, but I know a whole lot about you. I've always wanted to let you know something, so let me tell you a few things about your mama.

She and I met in preschool, which means we've known each other for about 15 years now and that's quite a long time. We did everything together. We were band nerds together in middle and high school. We were practically joined at the hip by a chain and we loved it. Living near each other allowed for us to have sleepovers practically every weekend and her siblings provided me with a sister I never had and a brother that was nothing like mine. (Your aunt and uncle are pretty dang cool) We went to prom together as sophomores and your mom could never fail at making me smile. She was everything to me when going through rough times and she always was there to cry on if I needed it.

You can yell at her later for this, but she didn't tell me about you until seven months through her pregnancy. Apparently, you were pretty easy to hide! When I did finally find out about you, a lot of emotions went through my head. At first, I was angry that she didn't tell me sooner. Then I was dumbfounded and didn't really believe her, in fact, I thought someone had hacked her Facebook account and was messaging me a prank. But then she showed me the ultrasound pictures of your teeny tiny little face and I couldn't help but fall in love. It took a few weeks, but I got more and more used to the fact that my friendship with your mom was going to change drastically...for the better. I realized that it must have taken her months to work up the courage to tell me she was going to be a teen mom. Looking back at that moment that was nearly 3 years ago, I now know why it took her so long. Admitting that she would have to walk around those high school hallways getting nothing but negative glares and confused eyes must have been the most difficult thing she would ever have to do. But I am so glad she did.

You are a blessing to the world, little dude. We're not that close right now, but when you get older, know that I am always here for you if you ever need me to be. I love seeing your silly toddler faces on Snapchat and I just know that you coming into the world made your mommy the happiest she has ever been. You may give her some long nights of frustration and tears in these younger years, but I know she loves you more than she could ever say. Daddy too. I bought you a storybook for your first birthday last year because nothing is more important than your imagination and sense of wonder in the world.

Always keep exploring and never lose sight of what's important.

Much love always and forever,

~Auntie Lizz