My older sister and brother-in-law just welcomed their third child, and it goes without saying the kids are definitely the center of attention in our family! These kids are such a joy, and it’s left me thinking about the role I want to play in their lives, now and in the future. So, here is a letter to you Rylie, Wyatt and Colt…

Dear Rylie, Wyatt and Colt,

Your favorite aunt here ;). Even before you were born, I was thinking about the role I would play in your life. I loved you before you were here, and now, that love is more than I could ever explain, and I want to write you a letter in case you ever wonder how much I love you or what commitments I have made to you…

I promise to be the “cool” aunt AND the accountable aunt. You want to eat junk food, watch movies, go to the park, and be a kid. I’m your girl. I am technically an adult, but I am also a complete goofball, so I know we will have fun together. We are going to make memories that you and I will have for the rest of our lives. Just the four of us. But I also promise to talk some sense into you if need be. I want you to have the most amazing, fulfilling life.

I promise we will have a genuine relationship. I don’t care if I live across the world, we will have a special relationship because I won’t be an absent aunt. I am going to be present in your life. You will know my face and name. You will get so excited when your mom or dad tells you I am coming to see you (I’ll be even more excited, guaranteed). I promise I will nurture our relationship from the day you are born. Although it might be a completely one-sided relationship for a little bit, I am all in. You can count on me.

I promise you can tell me anything. You can trust me. I cannot wait to hear about your first crush, first mistake, first kiss, first everything. I hope by the time all of this happens (many years from now) that you feel comfortable enough to confide in me. I want you to always know that I will respect what you tell me, and as long as it isn’t harmful to you or anyone else, I will be there to listen and keep your secrets.

I promise to support your mom and dad in any way that I can because they are going to be the ones you rely on the most. I promise to be someone to rant to when your mom is frustrated, so she doesn’t say anything to you that she regrets. I promise to make your dad get out of the house to keep him from going stir-crazy. I promise to tell you how amazing your parents are and how they are two of the most amazing people in my life. I promise to love your family wholeheartedly and do everything in my power to make sure all five of you see the best versions of each other.

I promise to constantly lift you up and instill an assurance in yourself that no one can alter. I promise to be your champion and cheer you on through every different experience. I promise to be a role model. I promise to make sure you stay healthy and active. I promise to have your back at all times. I promise to give you advice whenever you ask. I promise to give the best hugs and cuddles. I promise to protect you. I promise to be kind and caring to you. I promise to never stop telling you to chase your dreams. I promise to be the very best version of myself for YOU.

Most importantly, I promise to love you unconditionally. I will show my love for you through my actions and words. You won’t ever doubt how much I love you and nothing you say or do will ever make me love you any less. Love is the foundation of every family, and there is just a ridiculous amount of love in our family for all of you – you will probably feel smothered at times by how much you are loved – but I can promise you will never feel unloved. You will grow up being the most loved niece and nephews in history.

I love you to the moon and back.

Aunt Katie