Maddie, can we talk?

Dear Maddie,

You and I really need to have a important talk. So tell Mommy and Daddy to scram, this is just for you and your Aunt Beth.

Okay, are they gone? Good! Well, Miss Maddie, I need to tell you, you are the most special little 7 month old in the whole world!! And, as so many doctors and nurses have said, you are BEAUTIFUL!! Your huge, gorgeous eyes and your enchanting, contagious smile have captivated everyone who has met you (myself included). Please know that this is a major tool in your arsenal!! Maddie, be sure to use your charm, smile, and innocent eyes to your advantage! "Mommy, I want some ice cream for dinner! Of course Maddie, how could I deny you!" I will definitely aid you in your journey of wrapping your parents even more tightly around their fingers. We'll have girls days out! Aunt Beth will come to take you and your big sister Josie out for adventures! And if our adventures happen to lead you to come back home with lots of new goodies, well, we'll just have to accept that fate!

Miss Maddie, I admire you. You are so brave! You have such a wonderful spirit and have been a fighter from your first breath! I was so blessed to be able to hold you on the day you were born and again even more blessed to be able to hold you shortly before your surgery today. And even though you tried to rip a button off my shirt, I cherish the moments we shared today and all the moments we've shared in the last 7 months! Yes, I've been spit up on, cleaned poopy diapers, and I've tried to soothe your crying, but I've been the proud recipient of your amazing smile and laughter! I remember the first time I was able to elicit a smile from you! And was so excited that I got a little smile from you today despite your upset tummy. I waited with Mommy and Daddy to hear from your doctor about how you did today, and of course, as expected you did wonderfully, you got an A+++! That's what the doctor said!!

Maddie, I love you so very much. Words can't even begin to express how much. Remember, that I'm always here for you! I can be your escape from Mommy and Daddy when your grow up and they become so lame! But remember, they're really not that bad! You can count on me to be there whenever you need me, for whatever you need. So, I guess Mommy and Daddy can come back now, but don't tell them about our little talk!

I love you! Sending lots of hugs and kisses!!
Aunt Beth