Dear Meredith,
Hi! I’m your Aunt B! We met about a week ago. I’m not sure if you remember or not; you were totally cool and collected—slept through the whole thing. Me? I silently sobbed tears of absolute awe and adoration for your little life. You’ll find out really quickly that I’m more of a “wear your heart on your sleeve” than a “cool and collected” type.
Now, you’ll also find out pretty quickly that ol’ Aunt B has got your back (unless you do something absolutely outrageous—then, I’m totally telling your mom on you. Nothing personal; it’s sister code of conduct. You’ll get it, one day). With this in mind (and since you’re new here), I thought I’d try to help you learn the ropes. So, here is a short list of things I think you should know:
Your Mama is an absolute badass. My hunch is you’ve already figured this one out. Beginning with (but not limited to) the way she brought you into this world. Sprinkle on her selfless heart, ability to conquer anything, her fierce loyalty, and what do you get? The absolute mommy jackpot. That’s what.
Your Daddy has a heart of gold, gives the best hugs, and makes the very best spaghetti you will ever have. I know the spaghetti sounds basic—it’s anything but that. Trust me, it’s legit. Be cool and let him hold you for prolonged lengths of time. I know he doesn’t smell quite right (it’s really not his fault he doesn’t have boobs) but you’ll never be more safe than in the arms of your Daddy.
Your sister is H I L A R I O U S. Like—make your stomach hurt from laughing so hard funny. She’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty and she will be the best friend you will ever have. She loves books so default to her whenever you need a story and a snuggle-hers are the best.
Now for these pups: the golden one doesn’t have brakes so for sure watch out for him. The black one won’t give you any trouble; just make sure to latch the gate. And the black and white mixed one will play ball with you until your arm falls off so if you engage in fetch, make sure to have snacks and your favorite sippy close by; you’re going to be there for a while.
I know night sleep seems overrated but it’s not. Take all the naps and sleep all the sleep. Trust me.
There are a lot of other family members and tips I feel like we need to whisper about but I’ll save these for when we see each other next. If I spill it all now, we won’t have any girl gabbing do when we’re together and we can’t have that.
I’m not sure how it is possible to love a child you didn’t give birth to with my whole being but having nephews and nieces has taught me that it is absolutely possible. So, I know this seems fast, given we really just met, but I want you to know that I love you so much. And I never say this lightly so when I do, please know I mean it from the deepest parts of my heart.
I will forever drop anything I can to be there for you. I can’t love you quite like your parents do but I will love you with everything I’ve got.
Life with you in it is the best thing ever, Meredith Blake.
I’ve been saving a special seat just for you.
And I can’t wait to be the very best friends.
All my heart for always,
Aunt B