Dear Greta

Dear Greta,

Hi, I'm Aunt Sherry. Your Mom & Dad are two of my best friends. So sorry that you have been around a few days & I haven't met you- I recently became a mama myself & haven't had a moment to lay eyes on you yet, but I have been thinking about you. As I mentioned in the letter to your big sister, I'm not sure how babies get matched up with parents but you have really hit the jackpot so you should definitely take credit for the choice. You didn't do too badly with your big sister either- she is amazing.

That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about... from one baby sister to another. Listen, your big sister Gemma is going to undoubtedly be great at her job. I have seen her pick up her toys & she is incredibly focused for a 21 month old. For real. She will show you around... let you know where the toys & books are located, how to get the dogs to make noises, what to do to get your Mom & Dad to do what you want- you know, the important stuff. She will eventually show you around school, maybe cheer you on while you learn to drive & give you all sorts of advice. But somewhere in the middle of all of that, she will find her special power. Her I-am-the-big-sister-and-I-was-here-first power. Don't get me wrong, she is wonderful... but there isn't a person alive who can have that sort of power & not abuse it every now & then. I mean we are all human, right? That's what my big sister would say, anyway.

Your big sister will be able to reach things you can't, eat things you can't & appear to be magic someday when she goes whizzing by on a bicycle with no training wheels. It will be infuriating. She will get dressed up one day & everyone will take photos on her first day of school & you will wonder why she got picked & you didn't. Everyone will tell you that you will get your turn & you will... but it won't be first.

So this is the important part; the part I wish someone had told me. She may get to be the first, but that means you get to be last... which carries with it a certain sweetness. You will very likely get away with things that Gemma never could. Your parents will want to rock you until your feet are touching the floor as you sit in their laps. They will be willing to carry you a little longer. They will linger longer with the camera as you go off to your first day of school... because you, dear girl will be their last first day of school. Their last first dance. Their last first day of college. Because you are their baby. And you always will be.

Just ask my big sister.

Welcome to the world Greta, I am so glad you are here!

Aunt Sherry