Dear my favorite little red head,
I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday and not almost 12 years ago. I was only 8 (almost 9) and I was super excited because I was the only kid in the third grade that could say they had a niece. The day you were born, GiGi and DayDay let me stay at the hospital with everyone. There was no telling when you would make your grand appearance, so they figured this would be safest.
I had always wanted a little sibling since I was so much younger than your mom and your uncle Justin. I never had someone to play with like they had each other. It was kind of lonely, but I stuck it out.
And then I was told that I would be an aunt.
It was like having a little sibling without actually having to deal with a sibling 24/7. I was the talk of the second and then third grade. I loved you from the minute I held you and I that love has grown tremendously over the years.
Fast forward 11 years later and you're *almost* as tall as me and you are becoming a woman. I don't know who is sadder about the news: me or your mother. It's probably me, honestly. You have started fixing up your hair and liking boys and wanting to wear makeup. You should not be old enough for this yet. Just last year you were playing with baby dolls and Monster High dolls. You should not be worried about whether or not a boy likes you and if your makeup looks good. FYI I didn't even start wearing makeup until I was 14 so you are DEFINITELY too young.
You're growing up and that makes my heart hurt because I don't want you to end up like me.
I am one of the endless role models in your life, but I don't want you to try and be like me with the boys and makeup and constantly having to feel like you're not pretty enough or good enough for someone. You are beautiful and you are enough. I never want you to forget that.
There are so many life lessons that I need to be there to teach you, but I am in denial that you are ready for those steps into teenage years. Frankly, I'm not ready to take those steps yet and I'm 20 years old.
My advice to you is not to let your happiness depend on someone else. You make your own happiness, not someone else and especially not a boy. Only you know what makes you happy and I will support every decision you make until the day I die. You may not agree or appreciate my advice now, but I promise you will in the future.
You are my absolute best friend even if you do aggravate me 99% of the time, and I love you for everything you do/have done for me over the past 11 years. And even though you may get cousins and step-siblings some day, you will always be my first niece. No matter how many redheads come in and out of my life, you will always be my favorite little red head.
I love you more than you will ever know,
AG
