Dr. Nikki has been upgraded!! It’s AUNT Nikki now! After what felt like 9 long months, my sister K just delivered a beautiful baby girl, and we are all so smitten. Even though we were all CONVINCED “Squish” was a boy. I worked a night shift before the delivery, and before I randomly woke up at 9am, K was already 9 cm dilated. Needless to say, we jumped in the car and sped up to Maryland. I didn’t make it to the hospital before she arrived, but the first time I saw the little bundle in K’s arms I immediately cried. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because I know too much about what could go wrong, but pregnancy terrifies me. Whenever K would have weird pregnancy symptoms, or when she got into a car accident at 36 weeks along, I had to stop my thoughts from wandering to the worst. I thought to myself a number of times throughout the 9 months, ‘I want a healthy baby, I need my sister.’ Sorry Soph, now that you are here safe and sound, I feel like I can say that. ANYWAY, I sobbed more than the baby when I walked into that hospital room. K looked amazing, the baby was content all swaddled up in her arms, AND the cherry on the top, the little hat was pink. I HAVE A NIECE!

Sophie Lynn, you have been in this world for only a few days, but you have already brought such joy into our lives. I am in no way, shape or form fit to give motherly advice, but let me just say a few things as your aunt.

1. No milestone is too small to celebrate. News of your first steps, first words, first day of school will spread like wildfire in this family…we are already so proud of you.
2. At the same time, if you don’t want everyone knowing something but need someone to confide in, your aunt Nikki is always listening.
3. Life in a family full of girls is amazing, if not a little dramatic. For my readers, my grandmother has 4 kids, 10 grandkids, and 7 great grandkids…a total of 4 of them are boys.
4. I may or may not be the fun aunt (we’ll see, M) but you can ALWAYS be your silliest self with me.
5. Mistakes are part of life, and you will make them. Nothing you can do will make me stop loving you.

K, you get a shout out too. I know it was a long 9 months, but I am SO excited to see you grow into the amazing mom I know you will be. M and I may spoil her rotten, but I’m glad you will pave the way with the first grandchild. You have brought our parents infinite joy, and it has also been a blessing seeing them effortlessly assuming their new roles.

Watch out, friends, there’s a new girl in town. The world is yours, Sophie.

Love, Aunt Nikki ❤