A letter to Lyla

Lyla,

I have so many stories and promises to tell you when I finally get to meet you (good news is you won't be traumatized or remember any of them) but for now I will settle for a letter full of feelings and estrogen (You'll eat this up when you're older).

I have a distinct memory of the first time your mom told me she was ready for you. It was long before you were born. You were wished for, prayed for, and dreamed about many months before you arrived. You are a conspiracy of love. Remember that.

I don't remember much of my life before your mom & I met. She has always been a perfect example of happiness, loyalty, strength, and love. (She's also great at forgiving so don't be scared to apologize if you ever screw up).

We used to pass handwritten notes to each other in between classes, share my first cell phone, and spend every waking moment together. 10 years have passed. In a far off past that doesn't seem so far away- we graduated, and soon after that we hopped in the car and drove to California while your Dad was deployed. In my first stinging realization of what adulthood was like- I left your mom by herself in their first apartment and flew home- the first time we had been physically separated since we were 13. I cried when I left, knowing a part of our childhood was over- but I was passing her on to something much better- your Dad. He is an amazing person and you are extremely lucky to have such a great man as a father. Remember that.

I may be fulfilling the crazy aunt role a lot sooner than we thought, but you my dear, are a big fat deal & you mark a brand new chapter in our friendship. If you take nothing else from this letter know this: your mom and I have been through so much & it taught us a vital lesson: no matter how crazy things got- we always had each other. You are a deep part of that now, & no matter what- you always have us. Remember that.

I cannot wait to be your favorite fake "aunt" & I'm counting down the days till we sit in your kitchen, like we used to sit in mine, with your best friends, and laugh about nothing. Turns out it's always the 'nothings' that end up meaning everything. Remember that.

I love you like you're my own LB....Remember that too.


Happy Birthday Lyla Belle.
Welcome to the world.



Aunt Cait