The Lizard

Dear Zoey,

This is your Aunt Mimi, creating a special blog just for you!

Do you even know how cute you? Well let me tell you.  You are the cutest, most precious little person in this entire world. You make your Mimi feel dumb every time your mother posts pictures of you because suddenly all of my vocabulary goes out the window. All I can seem to come up with is: Sooo cute, she's so cute, so stinking cute, oh. my goodness. how cute!, how cute is she, she is so beautiful. I mean really, I am getting quite redundant when it comes to describing you. Someone needs to come up with a word just for you, that means more and describes more than "cute" or "beautiful" ever could. You are definitely in your own league when it comes to babies. And that's just looks! Don't even get me started on your personality! Could there be a happier, funnier, more pleasant child in this entire world?? I think not. You are everything good and right in this world.

Now if you don't mind, I'm going to get a little sappy on you. Because frankly, if there is one thing in this world that makes me a pile of mush... it's you. I don't know how you do it. Not many people can. Your uncle is another one, but this blog is all about you so we will leave him out of it! When I found out you were going to be a girl, I must admit I was a little sad. There are sooo many girls in our family, and I thought I boy would be such a nice change! Boy was I wrong. Had I only known how perfect of a little girl you would be - I never for a second would have been sad. You are simply breathtaking. And your Mimi has never used that word. You are perfect beyond measure, and I don't know what I would do if you were not in my life. I have never been more grateful for your mom OR dad because they gave the world you! And you are a blessing to everyone you have ever met. You light up a room with just your smile, and you have the power to captivate an audience just by sticking out your tongue. You exude cuteness, and put all of your friends to shame. I don't think someone could dream up a little girl as wonderful as you. Talk about a little piece of Heaven. Kid, you're it.

Now, your momma is having another baby. And I'm a little worried about finding space left in my heart to love him. I call "him" a him for your mom's sake. She's loving the thought of giving you a brother. However, I learned the last time that whomever God gives us will be better than any of us could dream up. Boy or girl. But back to your "brother." They say you find the space, but I just don't know if it's possible. You've got it all, little one. I promise I will love Jonah, but you have your Mimi's heart.

I can't wait to watch you grow up. Today there is a video of you walking. Are you serious? When did you get so big?? I can't wait for your first day of Kindergarten - you will be the teachers favorite, I guarantee it. I can't wait until you start getting into activities. What do you think you'll like? Gymnastics, girl scouts, soccer? Your mom tried soccer once... yikes. Whatever you choose to do, I will be there making a fool of myself letting everyone know that I am the lucky one that gets to be your Aunt! Now lets take a minute to talk about boys. I can tell you right now, there isn't one out there good enough for you. Sorry. You might as well not even bother looking. It'll be a waste of time. Ok, that's a lie. There will be someone for you - and he will be wonderful I'm sure. But man, is he going to have a hard time. First, he's got to get through your daddy. Then your uncle Kyle. Then your GRANDPA. Ha - ask your dad about grandpa someday. The thing is, in our eyes you are perfect. Therefore, no one will be good enough to date you. Sorry. We've got some time though, we'll try to work on it.

I've got big dreams for you, little girl. And I can't wait to watch you conquer them one by one. Will you do me a favor though? Will you give animals another chance? Aunt Mimi and Aunt Vicki would really love to play with animals with you. I know your mom makes dirty faces at them, but ignore her. She just thinks they're dirty. Weirdo. Uncle Kyle and I can't wait to make a Cardinals fan out of you! I know they are embarrassing right now, but I promise a lot of the time they're good! Sometimes they even win! Man, we can't wait to take you to a game. You can have anything you want while we're there. Just don't tell your uncle. I hate that we don't live in the same city, but you can come and see us anytime you want! I asked your mom which month was good for her, but she hasn't given me an answer yet...

Well booger, I could write and write all day - but I would just start getting redundant. You make your Mimi speechless. I am so very proud of everything you do, and that will never change! I pray for you everyday, too, and that won't ever change either. I pray that you will always be healthy and strong. That you will feel love every day of your life. I pray that you will never be alone. That you will enjoy life. That you will realize someday how very special you are, and that you would know the God that created you that way. I pray that you are never sad, but I know that one is a stretch - so to that prayer I attach that when you are sad you will know that you can always, always, turn to your momma, daddy, grandma, grandpa, oma, opa, aunt Anna or uncle David, or your Mimi or uncle Kyle. It can be tough out there, but we've all got your back.

Now, just work on the animal thing for me. Or not. It really doesn't matter what you do, I will love you no matter what.