Dear Karli,
From the moment we knew you were being fearfully and wonderfully knit together in your mommy's womb, we began to fall in love. As we watched you grow and anticipated your arrival, we began to dream about what you would look like. Would you have dark hair, light hair, no hair, curly hair, or straight hair? Would you look like your mommy or your daddy or a beautiful mix of the two?
Your cousins were just as eager to meet you. Every night, before bed, they would pray for "
cousin Kar-dee", thanking God for you and asking Him to keep you safe and healthy. We talked about you often in our home, even as we anticipate the arrival of your littlest cousin. Both your name and his name have been whispered, sung about, prayed over, and loved within these walls.
As your birth day drew near, we were drawn to every cute little dress and all the pink bows and ruffles we could find. Your cousin, Valerie, was especially excited to have a girl cousin, helping sort through her own newborn clothes so we could pass on some of our favorite outfits to you. Each outfit or pair of shoes or dolly we passed on she would ooh and ahh over, chattering excitedly about how "
Kar-dee" could have them now because "
I am big girl now" but you are just a baby.
We talked about how little you would be, but it's easy to forget how truly teeny tiny newborns are until we held you in our arms for the first time. Your uncle Ted held you first, marveling at how small and light you were compared to our growing "
babies". He carefully cradled you in his arms, as tenderly and gently as he has our own little ones, whispering how cute you are and how much beautiful hair you have.
The moment I finally held you in my arms, I felt my heart melt. I loved you before I even knew you, but, believe it or not, it is possible to love you more now that I've finally met you face to face. And I love everything about you: your dainty little fingers, your cute little button nose, your little quiver lip, your curious and bright little eyes. You are my first niece and I am madly, deeply, totally, and completely in love.
Today, you are just three days old. You are snug and safe in your mommy and daddy's arms after spending your first night in your home sweet home. Your cute little face is the first thing I see every time I look at my phone. I am so excited to see how your future unfolds, to watch you grow, and to cheer you on as you learn to spread your own wings. For today, though, baby girl, I am just so thankful you are here and healthy.
I love you, miss Karli.
~Your auntie Stephanie
