Happy Birthday, Auntie Trish!!!

Dear Auntie Trish,

Mommy told me that today was your birthday and that I could write you an awesome blog post as a present to you.  Isn't she wonderful?  She's so awesome that she let me post this picture of you.  

Try not to hurt her, okay?  :)  

Thank you for loving me and for praying for me even before you knew that I was going to be your Tater, the nickname that you would come up with once you heard that I was going to arrive.  

Do you remember the day I was born, Auntie Trish?  I remember seeing you looking at me through the nursery window, how tears of joy were in your eyes.  You knew that I was going to be special, didn't you?  I even heard that you brought doughnuts for everyone to celebrate my big day.  It's a shame that no one told me that there were doughnuts!  

Thank you for coming in and seeing me in the NICU, for crying with mommy right before you took this picture of me.  You were always there to love on me, even though you weren't allowed to hold me.  

Do you remember all those days and nights you came to see me?  I sure do.  

I even remember the first day you held me, even though it was against the rules.  Don't worry, I won't tell anyone.  

You even changed my diaper in the NICU and put my pacifier back in.  I loved it when you came to visit me.  

Do you remember the day I came home, Auntie Trish?  You went with Mommy and Daddy to the hospital and took pictures for them.  You even rode with me on my first car ride and made fun of daddy for driving so slow and for making us listen to There's a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea.  

And then, finally, you got to hold me without wires attached or nurses looking at us.  Oh, that day was wonderful!  Look at how tiny and bald I was!!!!!  

Do you remember my first Sunday at church?  I got to sit beside you.  I was extra quiet so that I could stay in big church with you. 

Thanks for going with Mommy to CIY so that I could go and for riding with me in the car for many hours.  And...thanks for my first taste of Jolly Rancher.  Even though Mommy says that she's upset about that, she's just joking.  

Do you remember how hot it was in that balcony at CIY?  Thanks for holding me even though we felt like we were melting.  

Then there was VBS and you came just to hang out with me.  You really do love your Tater.  

And bowling, we can't forget bowling, or watching bowling that is.  You always are so nice and let me chew on your fingers.  

I love your hugs, Auntie Trish.  

I always have the most fun playing with you.  

Thanks for hanging out with me at the Fall Festival and for making popcorn with Mommy.  

You know exactly how to make me giggle and laugh.  

And then, just last week, thanks for letting me come to your house to celebrate my birthday.  There's no other place I'd rather be, than with my Auntie Trish.  

Mommy said that if you want, you can come over and smash cake on your face.  You can even take a shower and she'll clean the bathtub for you, just like you did for me.  

 Even though I'll be moving soon, you will always be my Auntie Trish.  And don't worry, I'll make Mommy bring me for visits and we'll talk on Skype.  Plus, you promised me lots of yummy goodies like ice cream sandwiches, chocolate milk, oreos, etc, etc, etc.  I can't miss out on those things, right?

I love you, Auntie Trish.  I hope you have a wonderful birthday. 

Love,

Your Tater!