Welcome to the World

Dear Miss Caroline Addison Wibben,

The world met you for the first time yesterday. That's a pretty big deal. As your Aunt Laura (yes, you may call her Lawa) put it, "One minute Crystal (your mom) was walking around, carrying that in her stomach, and a few hours later there she was. It's so strange." We can agree on that. It is pretty strange. But I can promise you from here on out, life only gets more and more strange.

However, no fear. You have a lot of good things going for you. First, your mom and dad are so happy to have you — a baby girl. We've already accepted the fact that you'll be a cowgirl. That's OK. I really liked Ropers when I was little, too. Plus, you really can't go wrong with a french braid.


Second, those brothers of yours are something special. If they do what big brothers are supposed to do, John Collier and Cayden will look after you. If they do what big brothers are supposed to do, they'll also torture you from time to time. Take it from me, they just can't help it. Men never fully understand women. This will help make you a strong young lady. But remember deep down they love you. John Collier already said you're "cuter than a butterfly." That's saying something.

On to the next, your grandparents. What good people they are. You are going to love their house because there are so many things to do. You can swim, fish, ride in a battery-powered hot pink Barbie Jeep (I'm hoping you get one of these one day). You can also shoot skeet — or hogs — but I'll let someone else tell you about that. Not really my thing. Ask your Uncle Ben. Also, I know it will be a while before you're eating anything solid or anything with an ounce of flavor, but when you get there you will be happy to have arrived. You grandmother knows how to fill a belly.

Finally, let's talk about your aunt Laura, or LJ as I call her. I already know she really loves you. She was in your delivery room, and I don't think she would do that for just anybody. She will be among the masses of people who will spoil you rotten. She'll let you eat popsicles in the living room ... on the furniture. I know, crazy right? But that's who she is. The fun aunt.

I write all of this to more or less say, "hello." I came to see you yesterday and didn't end up getting to see you. You'll learn about these things called jobs in due time — I promise, there's no rush. They interfere with really fun stuff like holding you and looking at your fingers and toes. But, I did bring you a cookie basket.

I can't wait to meet you very soon, and I can't wait to see the little lady you become.

Love you,

Your Unofficial Aunt Steph