dear baby griffin,

welcome, beauitful boy! you have been much anticipated these past months. i have been texting your mama everyday for the past couple weeks, annoying her to no end to see how she’s feeling, wondering when you’re going to make your arrival. you see… your mom, the lovely ms. erin hoffrance, is a very kindred spirit, one of those friends for life kind of deals. i’ve known her since before she was even married to your awesome dad, bill. she and i were partners in crime at work, i couldn’t stay away from her. so much so that i got a talking to because i was always hanging around laughing at her desk instead of working at mine. oops. but i dont care, friendship is worth any berating from HR. and over the years i’ve watched her with amazement, this awsome mother of yours. she got married and looked so incredibly beautiful on her wedding day. she’s taken initiative and been brave enough to find jobs that suited her and treated her with the respect she deserved. she went back to grad  school, even though she was still working. and you know what? she still found the time to hang out with her friends and come to all my parties. this is how great of a person she is.  it’s just because your mom is a hard working, responsible, organized, and driven woman who is capable of going after what she wants and excelling at it. and a wonderful friend to boot.

i remember the day she told me that she was going to have you! i’m sure the look of astonishment on my face made her laugh. from the very get go, there has been nothing but excitement and love for you, baby griffin. you’ll see photos one day of the baby shower we threw for your parents. you’ll delight over the hungry caterpillar cupcakes we made.

maybe all the aunties could make them with you once you’re a little older and capable of wielding a stirring spoon? sounds like a fun afternoon rainy day project to me! then we can read and pour over eric carle before moving onto the multitudes of other books we got for you so that you’ll become an avid reader just like your mom, the librarian, the rock star. she was so eager to meet you, you know? she kept saying, i cant wait to meet the little guy. and look! here you’ve come. all beautiful, 5 pound 3 ounces of you. just like me when i was born in fact. i haven’t even seen a photo of you yet, but no matter, i know you’re perfect. and as your mom says… i cant wait to meet the little guy. hey, that’s you!

i cant wait to hold you and smile over you. i cant wait to tell you stories that we make up and stories of your parents. i cant wait to watch you grow, take photos of you, dress you up in all manner of cute outfits. i cant wait to hear about you going to school, helping you with homework, taking you to the park, and just watching you be you. i cant wait to watch you eat ice cream and chocolate cake, to celebrate your first, second, third, many, many endless birthdays where we’ll have fun and watch you blow out the candles and unwrap your gifts. prepare to be spoiled, little griffin. for you have many aunts (and uncles) who fell in love with you from day one. last night as we were waiting for news from your parents, your auntie erin and auntie hilary, and i were chatting non-stop on the phone about how excited we were. we even made up a song. your aunt hilary will tell you all about it. it’s true, your aunties can be quite silly, but that is a good thing.

griffin, you’re here! and that is the most important thing. we will all be watching the world now from your eyes. and with you, we will find magic in each and every day.

xoxo,

auntie cindy