You didn’t decide to come into this world. Your mom and I made that choice for you. We also picked your name; hope you like it. We decided to some degree when you’d be born and where. It’s safe to say we made a lot of decisions for you. But, here’s the cool part. You get to decide on what you want to be in this world. That’s not a choice we can make for you. Your mom and I can only guide your decisions; you’ll be the one making many of them.

Being the second child is never easy. You’ll always have to refer to Cora as your “big sister.” Sorry, but it’s the truth. You’ll receive hand me downs. Yes, it’s possible you will be wearing Cora’s clothes, drinking from her bottle, and sleeping in her crib. People will compare you to Cora. They will use her as a reference point. As a matter of fact, you should just start getting used to the idea that everything you do, will be compared to everything Cora already did. Yeah, it’s gonna get old real quick.

However, there is one great advantage to being baby #2. You will not be subjected to the same mistakes we made with Cora. We’ll know to move the coffee table out of the room when you’re learning to walk. We’ll switch to the sensitive formula right off the bat and not wait 4 weeks. When you run a fever, we’ll know that it’s just because you’re teething. It’s kinda like having an upgrade in the parents department

This is an interesting time to be born. The world faces economic and environmental uncertainty. The United States is no longer a globally respected power house. Healthcare is in dire need of reform. The education system continues to fail us. Our politicians care more for themselves than they do the people of this nation; yes including you. Did I say interesting? Sorry, I meant depressing.

With so much wrong in this world, you might wonder why then are you here. Your birth, much like your sister’s, restores hope and faith that two people can truly create something wonderful. You are here because we all need to believe that the next generation will be better than the previous. You are here because someone will need to right our wrongs. You are here to make a difference. You are here because Cora deserves the type of friend that cares for her as much as they care for themselves.

Heavy stuff, I know. Don’t worry you won’t have to do it alone. You will have two parents that love you unconditionally, a sister that will become your best friend, and an extended family that wants you to succeed.

We promise you that the best that we can provide, you shall receive. We will take an interest in your interests and make them our own. Like sturdy oak trees, we won’t bristle at the first sign of a storm. Our only goal is to ensure you reach your full potential. Remember that, when we ground you for staying out past curfew.

Welcome. You are loved.