Dear Gavinn,

I was standing in the kitchen of this house, on Memorial Day, when your mommy told me she was pregnant with you. I remember that day so very clearly; we had a fire in the side yard and your mommy and daddy had come out to Uncle Nick’s house to hang out with us for the day {though, at this point he wasn’t your ‘Uncle’…yet}.

We had no idea how to prepare for you; the first niece or nephew for ‘us’ as your cousin was born before Uncle Nick entered the scene. However, that proved to be an easy task for loving a niece or a nephew comes second nature, as simply as breathing or sleeping. There’s no thought process involved. It just…happens.

As you grew in mommy’s tummy, we grew to love you more and more…even before you were on this Earth, you were so very loved.

Luckily for me and for mommy, I was going to photography school and needed a model for lighting projects, various class assignments and, well, I had a professional-grade studio at my fingertips… Yes…there are lots of photos to document your growth those 9 months…We sure had a great time playing around while you grew in mommy’s tummy.

I also clearly remember the day you were born. I was house-sitting for Uncle Nick’s parents {now my in-laws!} and the phone rang so very early in the morning. Mommy was ready to go to the hospital in Burnsville…it was time. We waited for what seemed like ages at the hospital while mommy tried to stay comfortable. Daddy and I went to the hospital cafeteria to finally get breakfast around 8:30 in the morning…and then got the call to come back to the room as things finally started to progress. You were ready to make your appearance, dear baby!

Well…sort of. Like most of your life with us, you made mommy work for it. Two hours of pushing in active labor before you finally greeted us with a wail at 11:33am. I’ll never forget the way your mommy cried, your grandmas smiled and your daddy fell to the pillow beside mommy when the doctor said, ‘it’s a boy’.

Never, for as long as I live.

You went without a name for a little while, but that was okay. All good things come to those who wait and you, dear nephew, are a very good thing. Your thoughtful nature and curiosity for everything is never-ending. Your knack for quizzical smiles and out-of-the-blue one-liners leaves us all smiling if not in fits of laughter. I’ll forever think of you when I purchase a bunch of ci-ranch-ro, pull out my Christmas decorations or enjoy a root beer float {or hot chocolate or have a tea party}. You’re always up for a rousing game of Gavinn Taco, Gavinn Burrito or Gavinn Breakfast Sandwhich and I absolutely adore your imagination and love for fairies, Christmas and all things magical.

See, dear godson, you make our lives a happier place by just being in them. Simply by being you. You’re a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day; a pocket of hope for the future. We never knew how much we needed you until you were here and now none of us could possibly imagine a life without you.

I love you, dear boy. Happy sixth birthday.

Love,
Auntie

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