Olivia

Dear Livi,
You were born one year ago today. At 8 lbs 8 oz and 20 inches long, you were a chunk... an adorable chunk. I'm not sure why you were so big, because your momma is not.You entered this world and immediately found a place in all of our hearts. Your unexplainable, pure love helped me get through some rough bumps in life. From the moment your eyes opened, you have curiously, innocently, enthusiastically observed this world. Your smile makes my heart melt. When I first held you, I couldn't believe I got to be your aunt. I am so lucky. You are a special spirit, and all who associate you can sense that the moment they lay eyes on you.
Although you only lived by us for about three months, we luckily got to Skype with you. You were so easy to get one of those big grins out of. You helped me smile more easily. You play peek-a-boo with us. It helps me learn to appreciate the small, simple things. When you visited us with your mommy and daddy on Christmas, we walked all around the house, with you grasping my fingers in your tiny hands. It was so much fun.
Thank you for your love for me and acceptance of me the way I am. You help me be a better person in countless ways. I love you so much. I am so lucky and proud to be your aunt. Happy first birthday, Livi-girl!
Love,
Aunt Jennifer

To My Oldest Niece

Dear Ruby,
You are now a two-year-old! I cannot believe it. I still remember going into the hospital at 5 a.m. to visit my sister, brother-in-law, and newborn niece. I remember holding you for the first time. You were such a beautiful baby, all 5 lbs 1 oz and 17 1/2 in. of you. You still are a beautiful girl.I remember the first time you grasped my finger. When you would smile at me and hold your head up. I remember coming home from a bad day a school, and seeing you at my house, smiling, waiting to greet me while your wonderful mom was at work. When I played with you, and I felt your unlimited love, I knew everything was going to be okay. You got me through those rough middle school days. You blessed me with your love, and you would let me feed you a bottle when no one else(besides your parents, but they were at work and school) could. That simple thing helped me get through hard times.You taught me to enjoy the little things in life. You saw the beauty in wind rustling the leaves on a tree. The delight in throwing rocks into water. The joy in watching birds fly. You taught me how to care for others, how to forgive them immediately when they messed up, and how to take care of kids. You taught me how to be a good aunt. You helped me be ready for when your delightful cousin Olivia was born. You taught me to value bubbles, flowers, jumping on the trampoline, so many things.You taught me to love life. You taught me to laugh at my mistakes. You taught me to laugh when trials happen. You taught me to be positive and to see the best in people. To smile. To love everyone. To share. To be inquisitive. To be a goofball once in a while.
I am so proud to be your Auntie Jenn. You are such a big girl, and you have so much joy and energy in you. Did you know your name means precious jewel? And that's what you are... a precious, precious, precious jewel. Thank you for loving me for who I am, mistakes included, and for helping me be a better person. I love you so much, Ruby-girl. Because you live in California, I relish talking to you on Skype and seeing your simple letters you write to us and make for us (with help of your mom, of course). Don't ever forget that I love you. So does everyone else who has the chance to know you. I love you. I love you so much. Thanks for being my spunky first niece.
Love,
Auntie Jenn