My Sweet Brai,

I have loved you since the moment I met you two years ago. I may not have been there when your parents found out they were expecting, when they picked out your name or when you were born, but I feel like I was. I wasn't there for your first steps or your first birthday, but I did get to go to your first field trip with you. You have captured my heart during the last two years that I have known you. You are my favorite 6-year-old in the entire world.

Two years ago, I met your mom and she quickly became my best friend. She is my person, my twisted sister, my shoulder to cry on, my backbone and so much more. I am so thankful that she allows me to play such a big part in your life. I am so thankful and blessed to be your Alice.

Brailyn, you have provided me with so many belly laughs, smiles and fill my heart with so much joy. You are growing up so fast and becoming so smart. I enjoy being able to watch you grow. Your spunky personality sets you apart from anyone I know. You are so full of life. I hope as you continue to grow, you will still want to dance and sing to Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" with me. I hope as you grow, you never out grow your love of taking selfies with me. You are the sassiest, but sweetest little girl that I have ever known. I hope you know I will always be the fun "aunt." I will always do whatever you want to be done, even if that means leaving in the middle of a baseball game to go buy you rain boots so we can jump in the puddles together.

I pray you never underestimate your worth. I pray that you always remember how beautiful you are. I pray you never go to sleep crying over a boy. I pray you never out grow our sleepovers or Sonic dates. I pray you always remember that I am only a phone call away. I pray you do whatever makes you happy. I pray you never forget how much you are loved, princess. I pray you never forget how much joy and happiness you bring to everyone around you.

My life forever changed the day I met you. You made me an aunt for the very first time, but it's different than a normal aunt and niece relationship. The bond that we share is something special because there is no blood shared between us. I am so thankful for the sisterhood that your mom and I share. It is the bond that ties us together. My love for you will never fail. It continues to grow each and every day.

I love you more than you could ever imagine Brailyn Marie! Please don't ever forget that you are loved, you are smart and you are worth more than so much more than this world can offer.

-Alice