My dear nephew,

I cannot believe you have been in my life for an entire year. One year of tears, giggles, and sloppy baby kisses. Today, on your very first birthday, there are some important things I want you to know. Things I want you to look forward to, and things I want you to remember.

Things I want you to know.

You are so loved, by EVERYONE. Aunt Lexi loves you most! You came into our lives so unexpectedly, but what an amazing surprise you were. Your mommy was young, she was scared, but she was so strong for you. The timing of our big surprise came in the middle of a chaotic time in our lives. Mommy was about to graduate high school. Aunt Lexi was in her second year at IU, while Aunt Emmy was graduating from Rose-Hulman. Mamaw and Papaw had just decided to move out of our home we’d lived in for over 15 years. We all got the news that you were coming in November of 2014. We were shocked, but so excited for you to be here. We had no idea you would change all of us for the better.

The day you were born was one of the happiest days of my life. I was there in the room with mommy when you finally came, and it was such an amazing thing to watch. Since mommy was about to start college you got to live with her at Mamaw and Papaw’s new house. Boy, Mamaw and Papaw love you! But I love you most. I got to live with you guys for the first two months you were here. There were nights that mommy was so tired from staying up with you that you got to sleep in my room. I would rock you to sleep and stay up with you all night to let her rest. Your favorite place to nap was on Aunt Lexi’s chest and we did this everyday for the rest of that first summer. During the school year I lived an hour away, but I drove home every Friday to spend time with you. Thank goodness it is finally summer again and we are back under the same roof.

Every morning when I hear you wake up, I am the first to get you out of bed. No, mommy is not ignoring you. I am just way too excited to see your smiling face to let her get to you first. When I go to use the restroom you are always there on the other side of the door banging and shouting all sorts of gibberish at me, until what I’m sure feels like hours to you, I finally open the door and you are ready for me to scoop you up. Your first real, big-boy steps were taken with your Mamaw and me. The excitement that I felt when you stumbled into my arms for the first time was the highlight of my summer. I’m so lucky to have been there for a lot of your firsts, and I look forward to being there on all of the big days for the rest of your life.

What you really need to know is that you have brought our family together in a time that we really needed it. One look at your smiling face can change anyone’s mood. You have reminded us all what is like to feel real, genuine love.

Things I want you to look forward to.

You have your entire life ahead of you! Yesterday you were crawling, today you are walking, and before we know it you will be driving. As your aunt, I want nothing but the best for you. I look forward to seeing what you grow up to be. What sports will you like? What will be your favorite color? I don’t question who your favorite person will be, because it will be no surprise it is your Aunt Lexi.

I want you to look forward to finding something that you love. Whether it is a sport, or a hobby, be passionate about something. When you find what fits you, give it your all. It is important to care about something more than yourself.

I want you to look forward to finding someone that you love. When you’re 35, I will be okay with you having a girlfriend. When you finally do find someone that you love, give her your whole heart. Do not waste your time on girls that your Aunt Lexi wouldn’t approve of. Just kidding! If you love her, I promise I will love her. If you treat women the way that Mommy has taught you to, you will attract the right girls.

I want you to look forward to having fun. But not too much fun! Keep yourself out of trouble and make friends with the right people. You have the potential to do great things, see that you live up to that potential. If you do find yourself in jail for doing something crazy, Aunt Lexi is just one phone call away.

I want you to look forward to being educated. Knowledge is the greatest key to success. Education goes further than taking a class. Explore and analyze the world around you, learn from your surroundings and make that knowledge matter. You are so intelligent already, keep learning and make something with yourself.

Things I want you to remember.

Life is short. You have already been here for a full year, and time does not slow down. I want you to live every second of your life to the fullest. Find what makes you happy, and if you aren’t happy, change it.You are in control of your own happiness.

The world does not revolve around you. Always be grounded and humble.

I will always be here. Whether you need a hug, or some tough love, I will always be here to make sure you have what you need. I will always be here with candy in my purse, even when Mommy tells you no. (Shhh!) I will always be here with advice, even when you don’t want to hear it. I will always be here with compassion, even when you don’t know you want it.

Even when you’re older and too cool to play monkey noises and monster growls, you will always hold a special place in my heart. You mean the world to me and I would never trade your baby-monster kisses for anything in world. I am so blessed to have gotten the chance to be your monster Aunt. It is an honor to be a part such a big part of your life. I look forward to seeing you grow into an amazing young man. Happy birthday stinky!

I love you to the moon and back,

Your Aunt Lexi