Liam,

Welcome to the world, little man. You were born at a very weird time in the world. Everyone is coming out of the closet, kids are rising up to power and speaking out, shootings are happening weekly, there's a new feminist movement, and we have a Cheeto for a president.

I’m in my freshman year of college and I am 18. Your Uncle Ian is 19 and in his freshman year too. We both already love you so much. You’re the first baby that Uncle Ian has ever willingly held. It may not seem like much to you, but trust me, this is huge.

Your mommy works at a bike shop doing what she loves, and she’s very good at it. She has been so excited to finally meet you, and once she did, her entire world was made right.

You took your time getting here. She went into the hospital at 5 pm on Wednesday and you were born at 8:40 am on Friday. I'm pretty sure none of us really slept at all those three days. I know I didn't. But you're worth it.

You were a surprise to all of us, Liam. None of us were expecting a new addition to our family when we found out about you, but we’re so happy that you’re here.

You’re going to learn that in life, you make a plan and the world takes it and completely changes it in ways that we can never see. It’s frustrating to us. We think that we have complete and total control, but we don’t. We never really do. That’s the biggest secret of them all.

There are going to be times in life where everything falls into place and everything seems right. These times are often disguised by hardship, troubles, and worries. There’s this saying that it’s always darkest before the dawn, and it’s true. You just have to weather the storm and come out victorious.

You have already changed this family so much. We have been working hard the past nine months to make room for you. Grandma has been making your blanket, Grandpa has set up your nursery, Uncle Ian and I have been shopping like madmen to get you everything you need, and your mommy and daddy have been working their butts off to provide the best life that you could ask for.

You’re coming into a crazy family. We know how to have a good time. Uncle Jimmy and Scotty will never fail to make you laugh so hard that you suddenly have a six-pack. We love fireworks and “National Lampoon” movies and “Star Wars” and Sunday brunches and stories that you’ve heard millions of times but they’re still just as funny and traditions.

It’s important that you know that everyone in this world is smart in their own way. Your mom is scary good at bikes and anything having to do with it, and also street smarts. Your dad? Video games and life experiences. Me? I’m book smart. There are thousands of different ways to be smart in this world. You are never dumb because there is always something that you’re good at, no matter what anyone says.

Kids are mean. Some may make fun of you, point out things that are different and call you names, but just know that they’re being stupid, they’re jealous, and when you grow up to be successful, they’ll be wishing that they would have been friends with you.

This world is going to teach you a lot. You’re going to learn how to eat and then pick your head up and then crawl and walk and run and jump and the alphabet and then in the blink of an eye, you’ll be walking across the stage to get your diploma. Everything is going to happen so fast because that’s just how life works. Enjoy every minute of every day because before you know it, you’ll be wishing you had that time back.

You should never doubt the love that this family has for you. No matter what happens or what you do or if you mess up, we love you unconditionally. You'll always have a place in our homes. You are always welcome, no matter who you turn out to be. We love you more than anything in this world.

Liam, I already love you so much. I am so blessed to be your aunt and that I get to be part of your life.

The world is your playing field; go hard and make it your bitch.