Dearest Mollie Claire –

I couldn’t help but want to write how I am excited that you will be making your big debut in a few months. You are already a kicker, so I am led to believe you have your mama’s stubborn streak, and perhaps your daddy’s spider legs.

I am so thrilled you will be able to grow up around your cousin. I have big hopes that you teach him all the important things in life like sharing, fishing, running through irrigation systems at night and barn parties. All things your Dad and I got  to experience living in Caroline County. And when you come to visit us, which I hope will be often, Mikie can teach you about sharing (oh, so important), DC history and you can bet, when you are old enough, you and I will be spending a day at the American Girl store. I will be thrilled with ANY American Girl you pick, but I secretly hope you chose Molly, who not only has your name, but was the one I coveted as a kid.

I can’t wait to tell you all the stories about when your mama and daddy were younger. Like how your dad had an obsessive streak when it came to things he was interested in – things like dinosaurs, the Titanic and trucking. He always knew he would he would be a truck driver for as long as I can remember, perhaps he is just as stubborn as your mama! One time, when he was maybe 4 or 5, he dug a HUGE hole in the backyard looking for fossils. Literally all you could see were his eyeballs over the edge. I don’t recommend you do this at home – but if you do, remind him he did it once too.

Your mama knows how to have fun too. I didn’t meet her until she was maybe 16, but I can always count on her to go shopping or watch movies. She is very set in her ways, but lucky for you, she also knows how to listen and consider other opinions. You are lucky to have a mama like that.

There are many more stories about both of them together, but I will save those for when you are older. Much older. Just know, you are being born into a loving, faithful home and you will need for nothing. Plus you have the coolest Aunt ever, so how can life be difficult for you?

Hugs and Snuggles,

Aunt Jackie