Dear Colton,

First, welcome to the world, little man! We're excited to have you! I've known your family for a few years now and I only thought it'd be fair to write you a little something to tell you just how lucky you are and how to survive the days where you feel a little less than lucky. Let me start by giving you an outsider's inside perspective on your family. Your mom, Tory, is one of my closest friends and let me tell you, little dude, you're a lucky baby! She's going to make one heck of a mom. She's smart, kind, caring and just like everyone else, she's wrapped around your little chubby finger. But in all seriousness, you've got an amazing mom who I know is going to teach you so much, love you so hard and do everything she can for you.

Your dad, Nik is also one of my closest friends though he'll never tell you that...or anyone else, but don't let him fool you he's got a lot of love to give, especially to you! If he treats you anything like he treats me or your uncles there'll be a lot of joking at your expense but it's all done with love. His tough love exterior aside, your dad loves you. You're his son and I know that he can't wait to teach you all kinds of manly things like football and how to use tools and boy do I hope you like the Blackhawks because you'll be seeing a lot of them. You're dad's a good guy. He's funny and kind and goofy and just like you're mom, I'm sure he'll do everything he can for you so, in the parents department, I'd say you made out pretty well.

Your uncles Andy and Tommy and Your grandparents and great-grandparents are just as spectacular and you'll love them just as much as they love you once you get to know them! And if your family makes you want to rip your hair out one day and trust me when I say that they will, you can always come to me! I mean, we are birthday buddies after all! And we may be literal decades apart in age I love you and I promise I'll be the fun aunt at all the Christmas and Halloween parties (your grandma loves Halloween so get ready) and of course we'll party hard on your-our-birthday! I can't wait to spoil you and slip you sugar when your parents aren't looking and teach you how to play soccer and how to push all of your uncle Tommy's buttons and you can teach me what all the kids are into these days because I'm getting old and out of touch!

As long-winded as this letter may seem all of this is to say that everyone is so excited that you're finally here and you have so many people who love you and support you! Welcome to the world, Colton!

Love,

The Fun Aunt