Dearest Oliver

Dearest Oliver:

This is your Aunt speaking, saying Welcome to the world. I know it didn't seem like much at first compared to all the perks on the inside, but you should know that you must have had first dibs on parents because you got the best. Not only that, you managed to get a big extended family to boot; the various members of which will dote on you, try to run your life no doubt, but above all, adore you.

From the outset, after the initial shock, you seemed to settle right in with a mellow but assertive outlook, withstanding all the routine prodding, poking, and measuring from various nurses/doctors with calm equanimity and though it took forever for Mom recover enough to appear for first feeding, rather than crying, you simply waited like a baby robin with its mouth open, fully confident and assured that something would appear in due time which of course it did.

In the pre-op room, while you were still happily ensconced in your own little world waiting to be born, the attending nurse breezed in and, listening to the monitor hooked up to you/your mother, announced that you were One Happy Baby. Then you appeared, all perfectly shaped and fat and content, your presence so miraculous that you managed to render your grandfather Rob speechless which, as you come to know him, you will realize is no mean feat.

We love you and we love your mother and father and we look forward to you in all the various environments you have inherited along with the rich and varied cast of characters that make up your extended family.

Love to you from your aunt, Sheila