My older sister and brother-in-law are expecting their first child (who happens to be the first grandchild/niece or nephew for both immediate families, so it goes without saying how excited everyone is for the little nugget to arrive). My tiny sister is finally starting to show six months into the pregnancy, and for the first time the other day, I got to feel him/her kick, which got me thinking about the role I would play in this human being’s life. So here is a letter to you little loved one…

Hi baby,

Your favorite aunt here. Even before you are born, I am thinking about the important role I will play in your life. I already love you more than I could ever explain, and I wanted to write you a letter in case you ever wonder how much I love you or what commitments I have made to you...

I promise to be the "cool" aunt and the accountable aunt. You want to eat junk food, watch movies, go to the park, and be a kid. I’m your girl. I am technically an adult, even though I look like a teenager, but I am also a complete goofball, so I know we will have fun together. We are going to make memories that you and I will have for the rest of our lives. Just the two of us. But, I also promise to talk some sense into you if need be, because I don’t want you to grow up to be an awful person. I want you to have the most amazing, fulfilling life.

I promise we will have a genuine relationship. I don’t care if I live across the world, we will have a special relationship because I won’t be an absentee aunt. I am going to be present in your life. You will know my face and name. You will get so excited when your mom or dad tells you I am coming to see you (I’ll be even more excited, guaranteed). I promise I will nurture our relationship from the day you are born. Although it might be a completely one-sided relationship for a little bit, I am all in. You can count on me.

I promise you can tell me anything. You can trust me little one. I cannot wait to hear about your first crush, first mistake, first kiss, first everything. I hope and pray by the time all of this happens (many years from now) that you feel comfortable enough to confide in me. I want you to always know that I will respect what you tell me, and as long as it isn’t a harmful to you or anyone else, I will be there to listen and keep your secrets.

I promise to support your mom and dad in any way that I can because they are going to be the ones you rely on the most. I promise to be someone to rant to when your mom is frustrated, so she doesn’t say anything to you that she regrets. I promise to kidnap your dad and make him get out in nature to keep him from going stir-crazy. I promise to tell you how amazing your parents are and how they are two of the most amazing people in my life. I promise to love your family wholeheartedly and do everything in my power to make sure all three (maybe more one day) of you see the best versions of each other.

I promise to constantly lift you up and instill an assurance in yourself that no one can alter. I promise to be your champion and cheer you on through every different experience. I promise to be a role model. I promise to make sure you stay healthy and active. I promise to have your back at all times. I promise to give you advice whenever you ask. I promise to make sure you get kisses from puppies, so you love and respect animals as you grow up. I promise to give the best hugs and cuddles. I promise to protect you. I promise to be kind and caring to you. I promise to never stop telling you to chase your dreams. I promise to be the very best version of myself for you.

Most importantly, I promise to love you unconditionally. I will show my love for you through my actions and words. You won’t ever doubt how much I love you and nothing you say or do will ever make me love you any less. Love is the foundation of every family, and there is just a ridiculous amount of love in our family--you will probably feel smothered at times by how much you are loved--but I can promise you will never feel unloved. You will grow up being the most loved niece/nephew in history.

I love you to the moon and back,

Aunt [insert whatever name you choose to call me]