Hello my sweetest nephew. I am so happy you have made it to the world. You have brought our family so much joy in just the week you've been here. I have seen nothing but smiles on the faces of everyone who has gotten to hold your tiny self in their arms. You are a week old today, and its hard to believe! It feels like just yesterday your mom and dad were telling me I was going to be an aunt! I can't tell you how excited I have been to meet you. You couldn't be any more perfect! With your tiny legs, and chubby fingers, and softest baby skin, and your pouty lips that harbor the cutest baby coo's, I can't help but look at you and marvel at your perfection.
I will be the first to warn you, you were born into a family of lots of laughter, hugs, and baseball. Your dad was and is a very talented ball player, and your mom, softball. They met and fell in love over the game. Your mom had to teach your dad a few things about how to field a ground ball, and lets just say it didn't take him long to fall in love with the coach. A few years later they started thinking they needed a little slugger to add to their team. You didn't happen as quickly as we'd prayed, but all the more reason your presence now means so much! You are blessed with two of the best parents in this entire world! Your mom is the most patient, calm, easy going person I've ever met. Your dad is the comedian of the family, and when your giggles start, around him, they will never end. Beware that daddy is a clean freak, and toys left out might drive him crazy, so make sure you leave your toys hidden in special places for him to find...like under his pillow, in his favorite chair, and in his shoes. You can tell him Aunt Heidi told you to :) Both mommy and daddy love hugs, and kisses, so always give plenty, and be prepared to be covered in smooches for the rest of your life. Your mom and dad both share a love for shoes. Be prepared. You already have more shoes in your closet than I own. Also, be thankful that your childhood will be spent under the lights of a baseball field. Some of your greatest memories will be made in those bleachers, or in the dug out cheering on your dad. I know this, because I share with you those same memories. Baseball has been one of my greatest teachers. Pay attention buddy and you will learn many things. Here are a few things I've learned from my days in the dugout:
1. Never argue with the UMP (UrMom&Pop) : there will be moments where that strike should have been a ball, or that out should have been a safe, both on the field and off. Keep in mind that arguing with the UMP will only get you a seat in the dugout. In life there will be things you don't agree with, things you don't want to listen to, but if you want to play the game right you will always let the UMP be right because the UMP knows best!
2. Never throw your bat: a true sign of character is when you can walk away from life's strike outs with your head held high, and your bat down low.
3. "Never let the fear of striking out, get in your way" - Babe Ruth : Fear is inevitable in this life. The key to fear is not letting it stop you. Let fear be your launch pad for all the great things you will accomplish. The only way to conquer fear is to step up to the plate and swing big!
4. Work hard, Play hard : I've spent many hours at baseball practices, and baseball games, and one thing I've learned from watching your dad, is you practice just as hard as you play. You give 110% all the time, not just some of the time. This is true for every aspect of life.
5. In baseball, and in life, the most important things happen at home: HOME is where you win the game. In the company of those you love, you are always a winner.
6. Bases loaded, full count ... I got this! : Let this motto drive you on the field and off. There isn't anything you can not do if you believe in yourself! You can hit that grand slam, or that RBI, you can keep the inning going, you just have to remember "you got this, Bryce" you CAN do it!
7. You owe it to yourself to be the best you can be - in baseball, and in life: Do your BEST. Be your BEST.
8. "Live life like a 3-1 count" : Take that swing! Give it a shot! Be prepared for the fastball, but be ready to run the bases!
9. Swing for the fences: Dream big, and set your goals high! I believe that you were born to do great things, and you can achieve whatever you set your mind to, so swing big, and set your aim to always go further than the fence!
10. Respect your coach: respect will get you further than your batting average, your runs scored, or your fielding percentage. Respect is what makes the name on your jersey stand out. Respect is earned when respect is given!
Welcome to the world all star! I can't wait to cheer you on as you round life's bases!
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